Crate Training your Adult Dog
Crate training is not just a way to keep puppies in a safe space, it’s like creating a bedroom, just for your dog.
They can rest there safely, while the house is unattended or overly busy. Think trying to cook while the kids and dogs are in the kitchen or greeting guests at the front door and your cavalier bolts out the door!
This is stressful for everyone, and the good news is you can change that really quickly by crate training your dog.
How to crate train your adult dog
Step 1: Get prepared with some chewy treats, a puzzle ball or puzzle bowl. Move their bed or favourite blanket into the crate.
Step 2: To introduce your dog to their new crate, leave the door wide open and let your dog wander in and out on their own. Offer them that chewy treat, to encourage them to stay in a little while. Do this when the house is quiet and relaxed.
Step 3: As you practice this, encourage them into the crate with your command. Try something like “in your crate” or “crate”. Keep reinforcing that positive behaviour with lots of praise and love.
Remember: This isn’t a space for your dog to be “sent” to, use it as a safe haven before the house gets too noisy or too busy so they aren’t scolded to go into their crate.
Some dogs may want their crate in a busy space, others prefer it a quiet location.
