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Walking well on leash begins…In The Crate!

You may think the crate is just a quick place to secure your dog when you run to the grocery store. This is true, but the crate and other forms of containment are very beneficial to your dog’s development and creating good behavior. The most positive element to your dog learning to be comfortable in a crate is emotional stability; the ability for the dog to calm themselves down while stress is present in the environment. It might be challenging for you to see the influence that crate comfort has to your dog walking well on a leash, but there is an emotional thread that connects all behavior. When your dog is able to relax in a kennel while you are home and away, they will have better behavior in many other areas because they are learning the life skill of mental control.

In addition to providing a haven where your dog can find comfort, the crate also has many other benefits.

Provides a place for your dog to rest and sleep which is critical to good behavior
Minimizes destruction and provides safety for your dog
Gives owners a break from having to constantly worry about where their dog is and what they are doing
Aids drastically in potty training
Can be a place for your dog to decompress after a walk or playtime

Creating Crate Comfort

Follow a daily routine of consistent time in the crate while you are home and away, even if the dog isn’t enjoying time in the crate yet. Consistency is important.
Location of the crate can vary depending on what works best for your dog. Usually, a common area in your home is best so your pup feels a part of your pack. Keep in mind that sometimes the environment can be too overwhelming. A dark location that is quieter might be more comforting.
Add items to the crate to create value for spending time inside such as meals, or bones and toys of different textures. Food toys or one that is fillable can also sooth your dog.
Cover the crate with a dark sheet or blanket to help reduce distractions.
Reward your dog for small amounts of calmer, more quiet behavior by tossing high-value food into the crate.
Only approach the crate or open the door when your dog calms down, so these actions become a reward for calmer behavior.
Multiple towels, sheets or 1-layer blankets (no comforters with stuffing) can create a cozy haven for your dog in the crate to nest into.
If your dog is still potty training, provide just enough space in the crate for your pup to completely spin around. This small space will encourage your puppy to alert you when they need to alleviate themselves instead of soiling their sleep space.

Sleeping & Soak Time

Puppies under 10 months of age, need about 18-20 hours of sleep a day. Over 10 months of age, they still need 12-16 hours of sleep. Appropriate sleep time is a major component to developing good behavior. If your dog is tired and overstimulated, they will have a more difficult time making good choices.
A crate is the perfect place for your dog to learn to sleep and self-soothe, just like a baby. At first, the dog may not be comfortable in the crate, but keep this experience as positive as possible.

Getting your dog comfortable in a crate can take several weeks, so remain consistent, patient and focus on small improvements in their behavior. If your dog is vocal in the crate, ignore it as much as possible. Let them vocalize their frustrations for 30-45 minutes as long as they don’t seem overly stressed beyond just the barking or whining.

At Full House Dog Training, we are happy to discuss opportunities to help your dog be more comfortable in the crate. If you need further assistance, call us (801.810.9555) for a free phone consultation so we can guide you in more detail through the process.