Full crate training a dog is teaching them to self-settle in their dog crate, with the door closed, whenever you place them in the crate for a nap or nighttime sleep. This approach yields the most benefits of crate training and contributes to better behavior outside the crate and your home.
Why is Crate Training Important?
Beyond the practical use of keeping your dog out of trouble while you’re out of the house, crating a dog allows them to check out and fully relax. Done properly, full crate training teaches your dog to access a deep state of calm. They’re not pacing, scanning, barking, or otherwise looking for things to get into. Dogs are den animals and benefits of crate training provides the safety and security all canines need in their den
When you teach your dog to access more deep calm you get better overall dog behavior. Decompressing throughout the day means your dog’s level of adrenaline is lowered. Crate training, along with structured routine, leash work, and solid leadership gives clear expectations for your dog’s behavior.
How to Crate Train a Dog
Crate training a dog is a process of gradually increasing the time spent relaxing in the dog crate. Start with a simple in-out drill with your dog on a leash. Walk up to the crate door, open it, say “crate” or “kennel,” and guide your dog in. With your dog inside, close the door without latching it.
Take a deep breath in and out, then lead your dog back out. Take a short walk through your home on leash and end up back at the crate. Repeat the “crate” command. Practice this 5-10 times. Increase time to 30 seconds of letting your dog chill before bringing them out of crate. Latch the door and walk away for an additional minute, come back. Then start to increase time before walking away.
The first goal is to be able to leave your dog in the crate for 15-20 minutes while you’re home working or puttering nearby. It’s a process for your dog to learn to relax but a nap schedule demonstrates your leadership and teaches your dog a valuable lesson in self-settling.
Increase the time daily. Practice helps them settle. The end goal for full crate training will allow you to leave them alone while safely in the crate for multiple two-hour-long naps.
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