You can teach an old dog new tricks! One question I’m asked most often is, can I crate train my older dog?
Absolutely and it isn’t that hard to do.
The best method requires that your dog will want to go into their new home/crate. Make it comfy by adding a blanket or cushion, and place an item of yours in there, too. A previously worn t-shirt works well—wear it for a while before you put it in their cage. Another trick is to place a favorite treat or toy in there as well.
Always reward desired behavior. Praise goes a long way, and give an occasional treat for entering cage on their own free will. Soon your favorite pet will be happy to have a place she can call home. After all, crate training uses a dog’s natural instincts as a den animal and they quickly find safe haven in their cage or crate.
Quick tips on crate training—
- The primary use for crate training is housebreaking. Dogs do not like soiling their dens.
- Place the crate in an active part of your home and remove the door for easy access.
- Crate training is a process. Introduce the cage gradually by placing food dish near-by. Slowly move it toward the front of the cage and then in the cage until it is all the way to the back. Think baby steps.
- Don’t force your pet into his crate—make it pleasant and don’t use it for punishment.
- Slowing increase the amount of time she is left in crate—if she begins to whine, you left her too long. Wait until she stops whining, and then let her out. Otherwise she will learn to whine in order to get out of the crate (think tough love).
- Don’t associate your leaving with closing your pet in its crate. Place them in crate 5 to 15 minutes before you leave, and occasionally close them in while you are staying home. Vary your routine.
- Many dogs fear thunderstorms and will gladly find refuge in their crate home.
