How To Crate Train Your Puppy or Dog While You're At Home
It’s never too late to start crate training!
While you’re at home due to COVID-19 and have some extra time with your pet, it might just be the most opportune time to start crate training your pup! At Pet Releaf, we know that your dog’s separation stress may be at an all-time high as your pet has most likely become very accustomed to you being home almost 24/7. It’s important to combat this stress now, so that when you return to your previous schedule of being gone most of the day or night, it won’t be as much of a shock to your fur friend. Starting a crate training process now may be a great solution instead of your dog wreaking havoc at the house when you’re gone. If your pup was kennel trained in the past and hasn’t used it in a long time, it could also be beneficial to reacquaint your pup with their safe space again, to help them feel comfortable while you head back to work.
Choosing the right crate
When you’re shopping for the perfect crate for your dog, it’s important to make sure you get the correct size. It’s recommended to select a dog crate that is large enough for your pup to be able to sit, stand, turn around, and lay down. Anything smaller than that may not be comfortable for your beloved fur friend. We also recommend making it a comfortable space for your pup with their favorite blanket or dog bed, so they can feel secure while you’re not around.
Introducing your pup to the crate
Crate training unfortunately cannot be perfected overnight. It takes a lot of time and patience to get your pup to feel safe and calm while you’re gone. It’s recommended by The Humane Society to put the dog crate in a busy area of your household, such as the living room, where your family may spend a lot of time. Try taking off the door and letting the dog explore their new safe space. Some pups may take interest right away and start laying and sleeping in the crate almost instantly, but it may not be as easy for other pups.
If your dog doesn’t take to the crate right away, try sneaking some dog treats towards the back of the crate to entice them to go in. You can even put their favorite Pet Releaf Edibites flavor in the kennel! Our Edibites are CBD-infused, so they can help your pup feel more calm and may even help them associate the crate with relaxation. If they’re still not buying it, try stuffing their favorite dog treats inside of a Kong, or their favorite toy, to keep them busy and more comfortable in the crate.
Practicing crating your dog for longer periods of time
While you’re at home, try calling your pup over with a yummy treat to lure them into the crate. When your pup is in the crate, give them the treat and close the door. We don’t want your pup to associate the kennel as a punishment, so it’s important to never put them in the crate when they’re in trouble as we want your fur friend to think of the crate as their safe haven. When they’re in the crate, sit next to your pup for at least 10 minutes or so. Then go on over to another room for a few minutes while they’re still locked in the crate. After that, head on back to the kennel and sit for a bit longer by your pup before letting them out. It’s recommended to do this several times a day. Each time, it’s important to steadily increase the amount of time they’re in the crate and the time that you’re away from them. This helps to get your pup used to you being out of sight while they remain inside.
It’s essential to be patient during this time as this could take up to several days or weeks to crate train your pup. When your pup can lay quietly without whining or crying for 30 minutes or so while you’re in the other room, it’s a great test to start leaving them in the crate when you leave the house or letting them sleep there through the night.
When you do start leaving the house for longer periods of time, try not to prolong the departures, but rather keep them short and simple. It’s best not to make it a huge event so that your pup doesn’t get stressed out that you’re going somewhere without them. This is also similar to arrivals as well. Try not to reward them for excited behavior with your enthusiasm, but instead try to be more low-key as you don’t want to make it a big deal that you were gone. It’s also important to take your dog outside immediately after letting them out of the crate to avoid any accidents in the home.
Still having a hard time with crate training?
We get it, you’ve tried everything and your anxious pup just isn’t wanting to relax in their crate. It just might be time to start adding Pet Releaf to your dog’s daily regimen! If your dog’s separation stress is at an all-time high and our Edibites aren’t doing the trick, try upgrading to Pet Releaf CBD Hemp Oil. Our standard Hemp Oils are best administered on an empty stomach, while our Liposome Hemp Oils are best administered during mealtime for a more convenient method. At Pet Releaf, we offer our pet CBD product finder to help you find your dog the perfect CBD product match! All you need to do is enter your pup’s age, weight, and stress level to find the best product to help with your pet’s situational stress.
Learn more about how Pet Releaf can help with your pet’s stress:
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