Crate training can be one of the best things you do for your dog, turning their crate into a personal cozy retreat. Not only does it help with house training by teaching them boundaries, but it also gives them a safe space to relax and unwind, reducing anxiety.
The key to success? Make the process fun and stress-free as possible for both you and your pup! With the right approach, your dog will see their crate as a place of comfort rather than confinement. Let’s explore how you can turn crate training into an easy, enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend!
Picking the right crate is like finding the perfect home for your dog. There are a few different types to consider:
Each type of crate has its perks—just find what suits your and your dog’s style!
Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, lie down, and stretch out comfortably. Too small, and it feels cramped; too big, and you may risk accidents in the crate. This is where crate dividers come in handy so the space can grow with your pup.
It is a great idea to measure your dog to ensure the crate is a suitable size. With them standing, you can measure their length from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail. You can measure height while they are sitting, by measuring from the top of their head to where their front feet meet the floor. You would then add 3-4 inches to each measurement to ensure optimal comfort!
Pick a spot that’s quiet but still part of the family action, like a cozy corner in the living room/family room. Always leave the door(s) open so then can freely go in and out of their safe space. Your pup will be more likely to relax in their crate when they can still hear you and be around you.
For safety reasons, you want to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heating sources. Even in the winter, our pets can easily overheat, and they would not have the ability to move away from it.
It’s important to make the crate feel comfy and inviting, like a cozy retreat, rather than cold and isolating, so your dog sees it as a safe, happy space to relax!
Transform your dog’s crate into a comfy hideaway by adding soft bedding, pet blankets or a cozy mat, but keep your pup’s behavior in mind! If your dog loves to chew or shred, opt for more durable, chew-resistant materials to prevent any destruction or emergency vet visits. Some dogs prefer the cooler surface and may even do better without blankets or beds.
Add a few favourite toys for entertainment, but also consider calming tools like soothing sounds and pheromone sprays designed to reduce anxiety and create a sense of calm. Many pet parents will leave the radio or tv on, so they don’t feel as alone.
If suitable, you can keep some of their toys or bedding in bed with you for a night before adding to the crate so they can find comfort in your smell. These small touches can make the crate feel extra safe and relaxing, turning it into the ultimate retreat for your pup!
Getting your pup comfortable in a crate, young and old, can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days and is very dependent on their comfortability and past experiences. Patience will be the most important thing.
At first, we would recommend tossing a couple treats they like into the crate, and see how comfortable they are going in. All doors should be open to ensure they don’t feel like they will get trapped. If they do go in, give lots of praise but be careful not to spook them. You can do this a few times and then leave the door open for them to explore at their own pace.
We can also introduce them with play time. Encourage playtime around the crate, progressing closer and closer to the crate. Have them play inside the crate with toys and treats. Hide and seek games with treats is a fantastic idea to get them used to being inside of it. We can start to introduce command training to go into their crates with “on your bed” or “in your crate” “crate time”, etc.
One of the best ways to get them used to their crate is feeding their meals in them. This all helps them associate their crate with positive activities like food and playtime. It is crucial to not treat the crate as a place of punishment as they will associate it with being in trouble instead of the safe haven it is meant to be.
Make crate time exciting by introducing interactive toys and puzzle feeders! These toys keep your pup mentally engaged, happy and relaxed while in the crate. A puzzle feeder or snuffle mat filled with treats keeps them busy and creates positive associations with crate time.
Rotate toys to keep things fresh, and your dog will quickly see their crate as a fun, rewarding space rather than just a nap spot. The more engaging you make it, the more they’ll look forward to spending time in their cozy den!
Crate time doesn’t have to be boring—toss in a favourite high value treat or chew to make it extra enjoyable! Long-lasting chews, like bully sticks or bones, keep your pup entertained and happy in their crate.
Just remember, safety first! Always supervise while they’re chewing, especially their first time with a new toy or treat. This ensures they are playing safely, and nothing gets swallowed or broken off that shouldn’t be.
This is meant for crate training when you’re home and helping them get comfortable—it’s all about building positive associations before you start leaving them alone.
Once they are more comfortable in their crate, eating their meals and taking their naps inside, we can start closing the door. When eating or snoozing, you will close the door but open it and letting them outside as soon as they finish or wake up. Gradually increase the time they stay in the crate with the door shut, helping them get used to it.
Once they’re comfortable with the door closed while eating or sleeping, practice leaving them in the crate with a toy or chew for short periods while you’re in another room. Plan this for after playtime or a walk, when they’re tired and more likely to settle down. Keep gradually increasing the time, and once they’re fully comfortable, you can start scheduling crate time for when you leave the house.
When first leaving the house do not make a big fuss about it and get them excited right before. This can result in more anxiety. Have them enter their crate, provide a toy, chew, or treat with a calm goodbye. Keep the time your away short, 5–10-minute coffee run or walk to get the mail.
Gradually increasing the time to errands, sit down dinner, or a movie. Pay attention to their behaviour and if they are becoming hesitant of their crate, you may be moving too fast for them. Revert back to the step they were last comfortable and progress slowly.
In the journey of crate training, patience and positivity are your best friends! With a little time and effort, you can turn the crate into a cozy haven where your pup feels safe and happy.
Remember to stay consistent and keep things fun—fill it with toys, treats, and love, and soon your dog will see their crate as a special retreat. Before you know it, they’ll be wagging their tail at the sight of it, ready for some cozy crate time!
When it comes to deciding how to feed our pets, we make it our mission to find a formula with the highest quality ingredients, in the right form for our pets – whether it be kibble, raw, freeze dried or canned. We heavily research the company that makes the food and the regions from which they source ingredients. We watch our pets closely on each new formula, assessing their energy, weight, coat condition and stool quality. We become dietitians, dermatologists and gastroenterologists all in the name of love – for our animals. We love to see them wag their tail and lick their lips, shake a paw and get up on their hind legs dancing in joy! We want to thank them for being our companions, confidants and cherished friends with the most delicious, tempting treats we can find!
But treats don’t just have to be delicious. “Treats” can become part of the diet that you have so carefully chosen or maybe even cooked up yourself. Considering treats, not just as a tasty morsel, but as a functional part of the diet, you can ensure the health of your 4-legged family members is always optimized. Lots of pet parents are already making a great effort to choose healthy treats, but it is possible to go even deeper and choose the right treats for what your pet specifically needs – a treat that is the perfect complement to the pet food you have chosen.
Single ingredient treats are a simple addition that you can be confident in selecting. Only one ingredient means you have complete control over what you are adding to the diet. If your pet has dietary restrictions, it can be a hassle reading through the list of ingredients in many biscuits or chewy treats. There is a wide variety of single ingredient treats including meats, fruits and vegetables.
Dogs love the taste of liver, so liver treats are a highly motivating reward. Not only are they delicious, they are high in protein, low in fat and a rich source of vitamin A – essential for skin & coat, eyesight and mobility; and B vitamins – essential for the function of multiple body systems, including energy generation, immunity and gut health. Chicken jerky is also a tasty, lean protein treat that contains B vitamins and Selenium – an important antioxidant. These treats are a great choice for weight conscious pets or pets that would benefit from extra protein or vitamins.
Fish skin is a high-quality source of omega fatty acids as well as other nutrients that support skin structure and function including B vitamins, selenium and amino acids. Beef fillets also contain omega fatty acids as well as zinc, a very important mineral for skin and immunity. These treat options are healthy and tasty for pets that need dermatological and immune support.
Many vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals as well as complex carbohydrates that help regulate blood sugar and provide prebiotic fiber to enhance gut health. Air dried sweet potato is a palatable, low calorie treat that is low glycemic with fiber to support digestive health. Sweet potato contains vitamin B6, which also helps regulate blood sugar as well as support the nervous system and many other body functions. Vitamin C and manganese in sweet potatoes are both involved in antioxidant activities in the body.
With so many nutritious treat options, you are able to complement and enhance your pet’s diet with the most suitable additions, while enjoying quality time bonding with your pet.
This month at Global Pet Foods we are highlighting three new single ingredient treats from Nature’s Harvest: air dried Chicken Jerky, Beef Fillets and Pork Cracklings. Crispy cod skins and sweet potato chews are also available from Nature’s Harvest.
Visit your local Global Pet Foods to see a full selection of healthy treats from a variety of trusted brands.
