Training Essentials
Crate Training 101
DCLA foster dogs are familiar with crate training. In an effort to keep things familiar and consistent, continue to crate (with the door closed) at the following times:
Mealtimes (feed in the crate)
When left home alone (at least 1hr each day)
Overnight (not in the bedroom)
A couple hours each day while you are home to avoid associations with being left.
Note: Do not exceed 4-5 hours daily (not including sleeping hours)
Understanding Crate Training
How does crate training affect behavior?
These first weeks are critical to setting the tone of your lifelong relationship. It is common for dogs to find safety and security in their crate. Rely on the crate as a tool to set boundaries, avoid overwhelming your dog, avoid co-dependency, integrate with other animals and people in the home, reinforce house training, and offer a familiar place for your dog to diffuse anxiety and learn the new routine. After all, they don’t know that they’re home yet. Think of the crate as a place for decompression, not only in the initial weeks of integrating into your home, but also in the day-to-day, after the walk, a new experience, when introducing new people, or simply a safe place to be ‘off duty’.
Do not allow the dog to sleep in the bed. Maintaining this boundary will help prevent separation anxiety and a host of other behavioral issues. Privileges can be slowly granted as your dog shows they can handle these, often around the 6th month mark.
Where does the crate go and how should I set it up?
Place the crate in a common area (like a living room or kitchen) where they can observe the ins and outs of the house. Avoid offices or bedrooms where they have access to you for long periods.
Cover the back half or two-thirds of the crate with a sheet or blanket making the space ‘den-like’. Some dogs still exhibiting destructive habits should not get plush bedding or crate cover. Remove all toys or choking hazards, but instead offer a benebone or kong. Water is not necessary in the crate as your dog will have access to water often and throughout the day.
When and how long should I crate my dog?
We recommend starting with the “3 hour Rule.” Take the dog out to go potty first thing in the morning, then they can be free (supervised) inside for 2 hours, on the 3rd hour, return them to the crate for about an hour. Upon exiting the crate, take them directly out to go potty again. Doing so will reinforce house training in a new environment. Dogs are reluctant to make a mess in the crate. Repeat throughout the day. Eventually increase the time between potty breaks.
To teach the dog to settle alone, leave for at least an hour each day (while the dog is in the crate), especially in the first two weeks. Dogs should be in the crate for no more than 4-5 hours cumulatively throughout the day (excluding sleep).