Crate Conditioning Tips
Making Your Dog Love Their Crate | Another Chance Training in [City Name]
Crate training isn’t just about putting your dog in a crate—it’s about building a positive association so they see it as a safe and enjoyable space.
Whether you’re starting fresh with a new puppy or helping an older dog feel more comfortable, patience and consistency are key! At Another Chance Training, we help families in Chicago and surrounding areas guide their dogs through successful crate conditioning. Here’s how you can do it too.
Why Crate Conditioning Matters
A properly crate-conditioned dog feels secure, reduces anxiety, and avoids destructive behavior when left alone. The key is to make the crate a positive experience, never a punishment.
Getting Started: Setting Up for Success
Before beginning crate conditioning, create a basket filled with new toys, long-lasting chews, and a bag of treats. These items will be used for motivation, but not given to your dog just yet! Keep the crate open throughout the day and observe when your dog voluntarily goes inside—this curiosity is a great sign!
Crate Conditioning Phases
Each phase should be repeated 3-5 times per day for at least 2 days before moving on.
Phase 1: Building Desire
Place the basket of treats & toys inside the crate, then close the crate door (your dog does not enter yet).
Set a 5-minute timer with a unique sound.
Stay in the same room but ignore your dog, allowing them to explore the crate externally.
When the timer rings, remove the basket and put it away without engaging your dog.
Phase 2: Adding Treats
Repeat Phase 1, but this time, after removing the basket, throw one treat inside.
When your dog enters the crate to retrieve the treat, click (if using a clicker) and praise.
Phase 3: Introducing Commands
Instead of tossing a treat, ask your dog to enter the crate first.
Once inside, ask for a sit, then click and treat.
Gradually add commands like sit and down before rewarding.
Phase 4: Creating a Relaxing Experience
Prepare frozen Kongs with a mix of plain Greek yogurt, peanut butter, banana, or pumpkin.
Have your dog enter the crate, then provide the frozen Kong and close the crate door.
Set a 5-minute timer while staying in the same room but completely ignoring your dog.
When the timer rings, open the crate, remove the Kong, and let your dog out with an “Okay!” cue and lots of praise.
Phase 5: Increasing Crate Time
Before giving the Kong, first ask your dog to enter the crate and reward them with a quick training treat.
Close the crate and set a 1-minute timer while staying in the room but ignoring your dog.
When the timer rings, ask for a sit, then open the crate and provide the Kong.
Repeat the 5-minute timer with the Kong inside the crate.
Gradually increase the first timer over time, working towards an hour before phasing out the Kong altogether.
Troubleshooting: What If My Dog Cries?
If your dog whines, wait a bit before opening the crate. You want them to associate the timer ringing with the crate door opening—not their whining! If the crying continues, adjust by shortening the initial crate time and gradually building back up.
Final Thoughts: Need Help? We’re Here for You!
Crate conditioning takes time, but with patience and the right steps, your dog will learn to love their crate! If you're struggling, let us help. Another Chance Training in Chicago offers personalized training solutions to make crate training stress-free for both you and your pup.
📅 Book a session today and start your dog’s crate conditioning journey with confidence!
— Shir, Owner & Trainer at Another Chance Training
