5 Most common problems with crate training dogs & how to fix them

Pet owners know that crate training dogs is a great way to help our pets stay out of trouble when left alone, either when you leave for work or go to bed for the night. However, many people don’t know how to properly start the process of crate training a dog.

Not knowing where to begin and how to do this effectively can lead to frustration on your part, and your dog will feel badly too. If you want to start crate training a dog for his safety and comfort, you’ll need to avoid some common mistakes to be successful.

Pet owners who are new to dog training and have questions about how to properly crate train a canine can check out the video guide that we’ve created on crate training dogs. We discuss how to crate train a dog properly and mistakes that should be avoided.

MORE HELP: 10 Lessons on Effectively Crate Training Adult Dog

5 Most Common Problems with Crate Training Dogs & How to Fix Them

Mistake #1. Hiding the Crate

Many people don’t like the look of their dog’s crate, so they hide it away in an unused room. This is a huge mistake. If you put the crate in a room where people don’t spend any time, your dog will not want to use it!

He’ll be too lonely.

When crate training dogs, you should put the crate in the room where you spend the most time – like the living room. This way, your pup will feel good about being in his crate, since he will know you are still around. Believe it or not, the crate will quickly become his favorite hangout spot.

Video: Calming Music to Help Crate Train Your Dog or Puppy! �� #CRATE03

If you don’t like the look of the crate, get creative! You can cover it with cardboard or planks of wood to create a little “end table” out of it. Your dog will not mind- many dogs like having their crate dark and cool. Decorate it to match your other furniture, or look online for a “designer” crate. There are plenty of options to fit your personal style.

RECOMMENDED: 5 Types of Dog Crates and How To Choose A Perfect One

Mistake #2. Bare Minimum

Another mistake is not furnishing your dog’s crate. Leaving it empty will be uncomfortable and unwelcoming for your pup. To make it a nice little haven, put a comfortable dog bed inside, or anything else that makes it feel more like home for the dog.

Consider your dog’s preferences when picking one out. If he likes cozy pet beds, get something soft and fluffy. A bigger dog may prefer a cooler dog bed, a thin bed or even just a blanket instead.

You can also put some toys or chews in your dog’s crate for entertainment. Some good choices are soft dog toys that he might like to cuddle with and tough chews like KONG dog toys or Nylabones which are the most popular choices among dog parents.

Make sure these are sturdy objects that can’t be choked on if they get torn apart. Putting these inside when crate training dogs will help keep your Fido occupied. It will also show him that his crate is a safe place with all of his favorite things.

Mistake #4. Punishment

If you want your dog to see his crate as a safe place to be while you are gone, never use it as punishment. Crate training dogs should result in your pet being happy to go into his little oasis- using the crate as punishment will cause him to fear it, and he may stop going into his crate willingly.

Remember, dogs respond better to positive reinforcement anyway. Praise, treats, and playtime are all better ways to teach your pooch appropriate behavior.

The only time your crate could be used as something akin to punishment is if your dog is overly excited or nipping. If he needs to calm down, commanding him to go into his crate can give him a chance to relax. However, if you use this method, he should still be rewarded for following the command to go into his crate.

Mistake #5. Confusing Signals

When crate training dogs, decide on one word to be used as a command for going into the crate, such as “crate” or “kennel”. Stick with this one word when teaching him. If you use other commands, you will confuse your dog and cause him frustration. This can lead to issue with crate training, and he may not want to obey you.

Remember that hand signals are important too. Many dogs respond to hand signals more then a verbal command. To command your dog to go into his crate, try pointing at the crate. Watch this video guide on how to train a dog basic commands for tips.

Get him used to this signal and don’t use that particular hand motion for any other commands. This will ensure your command is clear to your pup, and he’ll understand what you want from him.

Crate training dogs can be very successful when done properly. A little research done before you start can really help you prepare. If you’re trying to crate train a new puppy or adult dog, avoid making these mistakes and you should find that getting your pup used to his crate is a breeze!

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