Wildebeest Guide to Crate Training Your Dog

Crate training has become an important and beneficial practice among many modern-day households with dogs. As dog parents, being equipped and savvy with the basics of training such as crate training, is crucial in building a pleasant and lasting companionship with our pups.

Dogs are naturally excited and eager to learn and can easily adapt and thrive. Though starting your training early is great but no need to be afraid to teach your older dog some new tricks either. As long as you are patient and consistent, it’s never too late for your dog to learn something new, even loving to be in a crate. We’ve put together a quick guide to get you started (or freshened up) with crate training your Beest!

What is Crate Training?

Crate training involves teaching your dog to feel comfortable and secure in a crate or kennel. The crate serves as a safe space for your dog, similar to a personal den, where they can retreat and relax. Note, it's important to know that crate training isn’t about confining or punishing your dog, rather it’s about providing a positive, comfortable, and safe environment for them.

Benefits to Crate Training

• Safety & Security: A crate provides a secure environment for your dog when you’re not around to supervise them. It can prevent destructive behavior and ensure they stay safe.
• Housebreaking: Crates are a very effective tool for housebreaking pups, and as dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, it can be especially helpful in your potty training process.
• Travel Management: Your crate-trained dog will be safer and more comfortable in their crate during road trips or stays in hotels. If your dog gets anxious in the car or in new environments, having them crated while traveling can help ease anxiety.
• Stress Reduction: A crate can serve as a comfort zone for dogs, helping them to manage anxiety and stress in busy or chaotic environments. Also helping your dog to understand that being in a crate means “it's time to settle down”.

Crate Training Steps

• Choosing the Right Crate: Set them up for successful crate training and anxiety prevention from the start and select the appropriate type of crate for them. Wire Crates offer good ventilation and visibility and are collapsible and easy to clean. Plastic Crates provide a more den-like feel and are often used for travel, this would be a great choice for car trips or if you plan to travel by plane. There are some great pop-up/collapsible options as well as the durable 2-part clam-shell-like types. Soft-Sided Crates are lightweight and portable, but may not be suitable for all dogs, especially those prone to chewing. The size of the crate you pick should be big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in. Avoid choosing a crate that's too large, as it can have the opposite effect of a cozy, den-like space and work against your housebreaking training.
• Introduce the Crate Positively: Make the crate a positive and inviting place, picking the right spot for it to live in, making sure it’s comfortable for your pup, and showing positive encouragement towards the crate. When finding a location for the crate in your home, place the crate in a common area, where the family spends time, such as the living room or kitchen. Adding their favorite bed or blanket inside the crate will make it more cozy and inviting for your dog. Make going in the crate a positive experience by using toys and treats. This creates a positive association with the crate and is a great way to get your dog to enter the crate if they seem intimidated by it. Remember to never force them into the crate, instead, be patient and let them explore it on their own with time.
• Create a Consistent Routine: Having crate time should happen every single day, whether you are or aren’t home. Have established times set in the day where your dog has crate time and be creative with it. Feeding meals or chews that take a while in the crate is a great way to positively associate being in the crate. Try to feed your dog their meals in the crate at least once a day. 
• Crate Time: Once your dog is comfortable with short periods in the crate, gradually increase the time they spend in it. Try using the crate when you need to leave the house, but avoid making it a punishment. Ensure your dog has had adequate exercise and bathroom breaks before being crated and start with leaving the house or the room for 2-3 mins, come back and reward them with a high value treat, toy, or words of encouragement. Once they are comfortable, gradually extend the duration and practice consistently. Practice while you’re at home as well and take your time with this process without rushing or pushing pup’s comfort level too much. Another tip is to avoid making a big fuss when leaving or returning home, over time they should know that crate time doesn’t always mean they will get treats or attention. This helps prevent separation anxiety.

Tips for Separation Anxiety

Managing separation anxiety takes time, and progress may be slow. Be patient and consistent with your approach. If your dog whines or barks, avoid letting them out immediately. Wait until they are quiet before opening the crate. This teaches them that calm behavior gets rewarded.

Remember that gradual desensitization is key. Start with very short periods of crate time and slowly increase the time your dog spends alone in the crate. Do your best to avoid “a quick fix”, quick fixes or sudden changes can enhance the anxiety. Stick to your plan and make gradual adjustments as needed. Don’t forget to celebrate the small wins, even the smallest improvements in your dog’s behavior should be celebrated, it’s still great progress. As a last resort, if you're dealing with severe anxiety issues, seek and consult help from a professional trainer.

Crate training is an essential tool that helps dogs and dog parents thrive. It helps provide safety, comfort, and structure for your beest and with patience, consistency, and plenty of pup’s favorite treats, you can help your dog make their crate time a happy, secure and positive experience. For more training guides like this, check out our other blog posts tagged with "Training".

Happy Crate Training!

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!