crate training your adult dog

If you’ve ever faced the challenge of keeping your dog in one place, you’re not alone. Crate training isn’t just for puppies—adult dogs can learn this valuable skill, too, making life a whole lot easier for the both of you.

Crate training is essentially teaching your dog to see their crate as a safe and comfortable space. Think of it as their personal den, a place where they can relax, sleep, and feel secure. Crate training can help with correct house behaviours, reduce anxiety, prevent destructive traits, and make travel a breeze. For dogs, a crate provides a sense of security and a quiet retreat, and for owners, it means peace of mind knowing your dog is safe and not getting into trouble.

While puppies might be able to pick up crate training more quickly, adult dogs can learn to love their crate, too. It just might take a bit more patience and consistency. The key is to make the crate a positive place from the start, never a punishment.

Why Crate Train an Adult Dog?

There are plenty of reasons why it can be beneficial for adult dogs to consider crate training. After all, even adult dogs might need a little retraining when it comes to housebreaking. A crate can help you build a routine, and dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, making the crate a valuable tool when teaching them where it's appropriate to go.
Here are some other reasons why your older pup might need to think the crate is great:

Safe Confinement During Travel or Emergencies: Crates provide a secure environment for your dog during travel. Having your dog comfortable and secure in a crate can reduce stress for both of you. It also ensures that your dog won't get into trouble or be at risk of injury.
Providing a Safe Space to Relax During Stressful Situations: Dogs often seek out small, enclosed spaces to retreat to when they’re feeling stressed. A crate offers a cosy place to relax and feel safe during thunderstorms, fireworks, or other stressful events.
Aiding in Separation Anxiety Treatment: A crate can be part of the solution for dogs with separation anxiety. It provides them a safe space to feel secure when you’re not home. Gradually getting them used to spending time in the crate can help reduce their anxiety and make absences less stressful.
Making Vet Visits and Grooming Appointments Easier: Crates can make the trip to the vet or groomer less stressful and ensure that your dog is calm and secure during these necessary but sometimes daunting experiences.

Steps for Crate Training an Adult Dog

Prepare the Crate Choose a crate that will allow your dog to comfortably lie down, stand up, and turn around in. Make it cosy by adding a soft blanket or bed inside. Place the crate in a spot where your dog can see it and explore it at its own pace. Leave the door open so your dog can investigate and get used to it without any pressure.
Prepare Yourself Before you begin, ensure you’re in a calm and relaxed state of mind. Dogs tune into our emotions; if you’re stressed or anxious about crate training, they’ll pick up on it. Approach the training with a positive attitude, which will help set the right tone for your dog.
Prepare Your Dog Give your dog some exercise before starting a training session. When your dog is tired, they are also more relaxed, and exercise helps burn off excess energy. This will make them less likely to become agitated during the training process.
Build Positive Associations Start by placing treats and a favourite toy near the crate's entrance. Praise your dog when they approach and investigate the crate. This creates a positive association right from the beginning.
Entice Your Dog Inside Once your dog is comfortable near the crate, begin placing treats and toys just inside the entrance. Gradually move them further back into the crate over time. You can also place their food and water bowls inside the crate to encourage them to enter. This should be a gradual process, allowing your dog to move at their own pace until they willingly enter the crate on their own.
Try Closing the Door When your dog is comfortable going in and out of the crate, start by closing the door for a few seconds, then immediately open it and let them out. Repeat this process, gradually increasing the amount of time the door is closed. Ensure everyone remains calm during this step. If they show signs of stress, reduce the time and slowly build it up again.
If your dog panics or becomes agitated, stop the session, let them out, and take a break. It’s important to be patient and not rush the process. You may need to revisit earlier steps or even start over from the beginning.
Once your dog is comfortable being in the crate with the door closed for a few minutes, gradually increase the duration. Practice leaving them in the crate for longer periods, eventually working up to an hour or more.
Important: Do not leave your dog crated for extended periods—especially tiny or senior dogs with weaker bladders. Unless it’s overnight, try not to leave them crated for more than a few hours at a time.

Potential Problems and How to Avoid Them

Crate training an older dog will likely come with some challenges. Here’s how to handle some of the most common issues you might encounter:

Whining or Barking

If your dog starts whining or barking excessively in the crate, it might be a sign that you’re moving too quickly with the training. Ensure they have recently been to the bathroom and are otherwise comfortable. If they still whine, go back a few steps in the training process. Leave the door open while tossing treats inside to build trust and make the crate a more positive place. Patience is key—slow and steady wins the race.

Overcoming Negative Past Experiences

The crate may come with negative associations from previous experiences with adult or senior dogs, especially rescues. They might have been forced into crates for transport or had unsuccessful crate training in the past. To overcome these negative associations, use enrichment tools. Interactive toys filled with food, like KONGs and lick mats can distract your dog and build positive crate associations.

If you've tried everything and your dog still struggles with crate training, don’t give up hope just yet. Seek advice from a professional trainer or veterinary behaviourist. They can provide tailored feedback and tools to help you and your dog.

However, it's important to recognise that some dogs, particularly those with separation anxiety or confinement phobias, may never adjust to a crate. These dogs might display excessive barking, destructive chewing, house soiling, drooling, vomiting, or excessive pacing when confined. For these dogs, forcing crate training can exacerbate their symptoms.

Something delicious to help with training

With the right approach and tools, most dogs will eventually see the crate as a positive and safe space. But remember, every dog is unique, and sometimes crate training might not be the best fit for your furry friend. Be patient and willing to adapt your strategy to meet your dog’s needs. If you need something your dog will love to help entice them into their new safe space, view the suite of Eukanuba dog food available now.