Crate Training the Older Dog

Accepting confinement in a crate may prove difficult if the dog is an older puppy or dog. The past history of some dogs is sometimes unknown. Some dogs may have had a bad experience in a crate or an enclosure that resembles a crate. Dogs can also experience claustrophobia, especially if it is an older pup or older dog. Use patience when introducing the crate. Place his food and water in the crate so he may enter to obtain water or food. Play games in the crate. Toss his favorite toys inside and he may go in to retrieve them. Remove the top half of the crate for several days and see if he will use the bottom for his bed. Place it next to your bed every night and he may find it more comfortable than the floor. After using the lower half for several days, then place the top half back and see if the dog will continue to use it. If all else fails, then you may have to train your dog to use his crate.

Take some tasty food rewards and sit in front of the crate with your pup. Stroke and praise him and give him a piece of the food. Place another piece inside the crate and encourage him to go inside. If your pup just quickly steps in, grabs the food and runs back out, he should still be praised. Repeat this again and keep repeating until he goes inside and remains for several seconds. Place several food offerings inside to encourage him to stay for a longer period. Each time you encourage your pup to enter the crate us the “kennel” or “bed” command. Practice this several times a day until your pup will run inside on the command. When your pup has reached this stage then you may begin to close the door for a few seconds. When you close the door for the first time your pup may become frightened and refuse to enter once again. Just start over and he will soon be going back inside on his own. As the days pass you should increase the time the door is closed. When you find that you can close the door for fifteen minutes without your pup becoming upset then you may actually start leaving him in the crate and leaving. Follow the steps for leaving. I you have to put a frightened dog inside a crate I suggest that you place him in backwards or rear first. It is easier to push a dog backwards and he will become less unsettled if he can see the door and know where the escape hatch is located.

Cars and Crates

Thousands of dogs are killed each year by falling, jumping or being thrown from cars and trucks. A crate can protect your dog from injury while riding in your vehicle. It also provides him shelter if he is in an open bed pickup. If you are involved in an accident, your dog may avoid serious injury because the crate acts like a seat belt. Thousands more dogs have been lost during the confusion after an accident.

Other Benefits

Dogs that have bee crate trained are usually less emotional and accept training easier. On those occasions when you have visitors that are afraid or or do not like dogs, you can place your god in his crate. When friends visit and bring their rowdy children, you can place your dog in his crate rather than risk your dog biting a child that is teasing him. Crate your dog during parties, holidays or construction projects when your dog gets underfoot. Also, when your dogs needs a place to recuperate from an injury or illness.