Have you recently adopted an older dog and want to crate train them? Or maybe you have a dog who used to sleep in a crate but needs a refresher course. Either way, retraining your dog to sleep in a crate can be a beneficial and rewarding process. At HowPetCare, we understand the importance of making this experience positive for your furry friend. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of crate training an adult dog, ensuring they feel comfortable and secure in their new den.
Making Your Pet Comfy While Crate Training an Adult Dog
To start off on the right foot, it's crucial to create positive associations with the crate. Here are some tips to make your pet feel at ease:
- Reward with Treats: Use the crate as the only place where your dog receives treats. This will help them associate the crate with positive experiences.
- Offer Food Inside the Crate: Feeding your dog inside their enclosure will make them feel more relaxed and comfortable.
- Create a Cozy Space: Ensure the crate is comfortable with soft bedding, including their favorite dog bed and cozy blankets.
- Choose the Right Crate: Investing in a high-quality crate, like those from the Fido dog crate range, will give you a head start in crate training.
Placing the crate in an area of your house that receives lots of attention will also help your dog feel calm and secure. As you progress with training, you'll be able to invite your dog into their crate when you want them to relax after a long walk or before bedtime.
Introducing Your Adult Dog to Their New Crate
Now that you've set up a comfortable environment, it's time to introduce your adult dog to their new crate. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step One: Tempt Your Dog In
Start by tempting your dog into the crate with a treat and lots of praise. Make sure to show them affection once they are inside to help them feel at ease. If your dog seems scared or anxious, reassure them with a soft voice until they calm down. After a couple of minutes, invite your dog back outside the crate. Remember to praise them but refrain from giving treats outside the crate. Treats should only be given when they are inside. Repeat this step until your dog feels comfortable going in and out of the crate without fear.
Step Two: Closing the Door
Once your dog is comfortable being inside the crate with the door open, you can begin to close it. Invite them into the crate and close the door for 30 seconds. Provide a chew toy or marrow bone to keep them occupied. Stay within sight to reassure them that they can easily leave if they get scared. After the time is up, open the door and invite them out. If your dog becomes worried while in the crate, use a soft voice to calm them down. If necessary, open the door, let them out, and go back to step one.
Step Three: Leaving Your Dog in the Crate
Gradually increase the length of time you leave your dog in the crate while staying with them. Praise them when you open the door to invite them out. It may take time, but if you stick to this routine, your dog will learn to love their crate. Eventually, they may even start using it voluntarily if it becomes a space they enjoy.
Training an Older Dog to Sleep in a Crate at Night
Getting your older dog to sleep in their crate at night can be achieved by making them feel comfortable and secure. Follow these steps:
Step One: Tire Your Adult Dog Out
Before starting crate training, ensure that your dog has had enough exercise. Let them run or play with their favorite toys to release excess energy. Trying to get them to settle in the crate when they still have energy will be challenging.
Step Two: Tempt with a Bedtime Treat
Once your dog has expended their energy, entice them into the crate with a treat. Show them affection and praise when they are inside. If they are not entirely comfortable yet, don't close the door. Sit with them until they calm down, then reward them with a treat. When they fall asleep, gently close the door and keep an eye on them until they wake up.
Step Three: Extend Crate Time in Preparation for Night
Gradually increase the time your dog spends in the crate. Start with an hour and, if they wake up before the time is up, sit with them until they fall back asleep. Once they do, quietly close the door and monitor them until they wake. If they refuse to go back to sleep, let them out of the crate and make sure to tire them out more before attempting again.
Step Four: Get Your Dog Resting Quietly
Continue extending the duration your adult dog stays in the crate until they can rest quietly for a few hours. Once they reach this stage, they should be ready to stay in the crate overnight. Remember, persistence and repetition are key when training an adult dog. By creating a relaxing and enjoyable experience in the crate, your dog will soon feel confident using it on their own.
Crate Training for Adult Dogs & Puppies
Whether you're crate training an adult dog or acclimating a puppy to a crate, our step-by-step guides cater to your pet's needs. Furthermore, crates are an excellent solution for transporting your dog safely in a car.
At HowPetCare, we strive to bring you closer to your pets and provide solutions that enhance their well-being. From chicken runs for your backyard flock to outdoor cat enclosures, we have the perfect ways to treat and care for your dogs, cats, and chickens.
- Crate training an older dog requires time and patience.
- Create positive associations with the crate by rewarding with treats and offering food inside.
- Make the crate cozy with soft bedding and choose a high-quality crate.
- Introduce your dog to the crate gradually, enticing them in with treats and praise.
- Close the crate door for short periods, gradually increasing the time.
- Extend the duration your dog stays in the crate until they can rest quietly for a few hours.
- Use the crate as a safe space for your dog to relax and sleep.
- HowPetCare offers a wide range of solutions to enhance your pet's well-being.
To learn more about crate training and pet care, visit HowPetCare.