Croft have been the  no.1 choice of dog breeders for over 25 years for their dog crates, dog cages, dog runspuppy pens.

                       

You can buy with confidence on this VERY SECURE site!

View our Privacy Policy - click here.

 

Dog Crate or Dog Cage Training

Dog crate or cage training can be a relatively easy affair, and any dog of any age can be trained. You will soon find that, once crate trained, your dog will love his new home and will use it as a safe and quiet place of his own. Dog cages and crates will quickly become a favourite of you and your dog.

The dog crate is often called a dog cage, but please do not let any negative ideas of cages affect your approach to crate training. Dogs love their cage, or crate, as their own home. Top breeders recommend crates and cages for a very good reason - they work, and the dog is content!
If possible, you should begin cage or crate training with a small puppy, and have your puppy sleep and rest in his home. He will soon love the security that the crate brings. A puppy pen can be used in conjunction with the dog cage, and can be an area where the dog can socialise whilst still being in a controlled space. The puppy pen is especially useful whilst your puppy is in the chewing stage.
To begin training, the dog should be actively encouraged to enter the crate or cage, but never force him, and also, never "go over the top" with praise. Just treat the crate as a natural and obvious place to go.  
Place the dog’s bedding inside the crate, together with a favourite toy, and perhaps a little treat, and leave the crate door open.
Introduce your dog to the dog crate with the minimum of fuss.remember - the dog does not consider it a cage - but a safe refuge! 
Ideally, leave the dog in the room where you have placed the crate or step away and allow exploration. If the dog ignores the cage, place an enticing bone or novelty toy inside and give your dog time and privacy to discover its new ‘den’.
The best period to experiment with the cage is a night time when the dog would be naturally relaxing and ready to rest.
You may also add an item of your old clothing inside the crate (re-scent the item by leaving it in your washing basket for a day) to encourage your dog to explore the cage, and associate it with the loving that you give to it.
Random use of the crate cage  is best to avoid any ‘association’. If your dog is only placed into the cage crate when exciting events occur (when visitors arrive etc.) it will quickly make an negative association and may become frustrated or distressed.
If your dog shows little sign of entering the dog crate (after several daytime and overnight periods) then it is important that you are firm with the dog and order it to enter. Back your dog into the crate and close the door. Praise the dog, perhaps give it a treat, and then leave the dog alone for a brief period (starting with 3 or 4 mins, working up to 10 / 15 mins) and return. Open the door, praise calmness and allow the dog to exit the cage of its own accord. Repeat this over the day and for the last period of the night.
As with any training - crate training should be fun for you both. Don't overdo it by long sessions. It is better to have lots of short lessons, and lots of praise and smiles.
The kennel crate or cage should not be used for punishment as any potential negative association should be avoided. It should be used if you move house, travel, caravan, boat or when taking your dog to other homes or premises so that your dog has a continuity among the change.