How do you reinforce crate training?
Serena Waelchi
2025-06-25 13:11:21
Count answers
: 17
To reinforce crate training, preparation is key, get a crate that your dog can stand up in, turn around and comfortably lay flat in. Place the crate in a calm, quiet area, away from people passing by, away from direct heat or draughts, and get some treats ready. Cover it with a blanket or crate cover to make it feel like your dog’s own little bedroom. Prepare the crate with comfortable bedding suitable for your dog and the temperature of the room. Add a favourite toy or two – you can even attach one to the bars so that it can only be played with in the crate.
At feeding time, place your dog’s food in the crate and allow them in to eat it there. Try a bit of reverse psychology too – let your dog see you place some high value treats in the crate and close the door with your dog on the outside so your dog wants to get to the treats but can’t. Once your dog is going into the crate readily, add a cue such as ‘crate’ each time they go in.
Having a chew that is longer lasting will increase your dog’s desire to stay there, as will comfortable bedding. Keep doing this after exercise and at meal times. With repetition and patience, your dog will learn that this is a great place, a fun place, a place of calm and a chill-out zone.
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