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Introducing Your Dog to the Crate

First you need to choose a marker such as a CLICK made by a training clicker or a word such as "Yes!" said in a quick upbeat voice. This will be the "mark" that lets the dog know it is correct.

Use SMALL, SOFT treats for your rewards. Low fat hot dogs sliced in pieces about the thickness of a nickel then cut in half or quarters work well. Extras keep well in the freezer. The treats should be tiny, about the size of a raisin- you are training not feeding. The smaller the treat the more training you can do! When you give the dog a treat always pair it with praise.

Training your dog to understand that a CLICK or "Yes!" means a treat is coming is easy. About 10 repetitions of a CLICK, a pause and then giving the treat should do it.

Teaching a dog to like his crate is taught in small steps. Start by letting him discover that just entering the crate is a good thing. Sit by the crate with the door open and the first few times, toss a treat inside (just to give the dog the idea). Be quiet and ignore the dog unless the dog makes a move toward the crate. If he sticks his head in, CLICK as he is eating the treat and give another treat. Soon he should be putting his head in the crate just to see if something is there even when you don’t toss a treat in. CLICK and give him a goodie.

Remember to start with small requirements and increase the requirements slowly. First reward the dog for putting its head in the opening. Once this behavior is established, "up the criteria" to putting one foot in, then two feet, etc. The progression will lead to the final behavior (going all the way in the crate).

Next you can teach a cue that means to get in the crate. When the dogs is doing this regularly you can add a command, such as "In Your Crate" as he enters. Then CLICK give a treat and praise. Once you put a cue to the behavior, only give the marker & treat when you ask for it.

Now that Fido is going into the crate freely you can sometimes close the door, then mark, treat and praise. Wait a few seconds and open the door. Do not give a treat when you let the dog out. You want the treats and praise to happen while the dog is in the crate.

When Fido has this part down pat you can work on staying in the crate for longer periods of time. A Kong toy filled with something tasty and then frozen will give your dog something pleasant to chew on while in his crate.

The final behavior may be reached in two or three days to a week or so, each dog is different. Remember, your dog's crate should be something positive in his life.

About the Author:

Ann Priddy is a Dog Behavior Consultant and owner of Priddy Positive K9s in Richmond Virginia. Get consulting online at www.geocities.com/priddypositivek9s