Crate Training for Dogs of All Ages

Crate training is usually associated with puppies.

But the truth is it can be an extremely useful tool for dogs of any age.

It has benefits for older rescue dogs, adolescents in need of guidance, or a puppy just starting out.

A crate is a small enclosure like a cage or kennel that you can use to teach your dog to feel calm and comfortable. Crate training is sometimes called "den training" because it uses a dog's natural desire to find warm, safe places to sleep.

Benefits of Crate Training

1. Potty Training

Dogs naturally do not like to soil their sleeping area, so crates make housetraining easier for dogs of all ages.

2. Safe Space

Crates are safe places to let your dog rest when you can’t watch them directly so they don’t damage your home or accidentally hurt themselves.

3. Travel Help

Dogs that are trained to stay in their crates are much safer and easier to travel with in cars and other vehicles.

4. Vet/Grooming Visits

Veterinary staff and groomers usually need to crate dogs for procedures or their own safety. If dogs have prior crate training, these visits become less stressful for them.

5. Calming Space

A crate can be a cozy den-like retreat where your dog can relax and feel secure from all the chaos that comes from household activities.

Crate Training Older Dogs

Wondering how to crate train an older dog? If you’re worried you’ve lost time, don’t be. There’s no age limit.

You’ll need to show patience and take the right approach and your older dog can begin to love their crate.

Follow these tips:

Go Slow – An older dog may be more set in their ways. So take crate training at their pace. Use high-value treats and praise to build positive associations.

Consider Past Experiences – If your dog was previously crate-trained using negative reinforcement, they may be fearful. So work on creating new positive associations.

Make it Comfortable – Older dogs may have orthopedic issues. Make sure the crate has a thick, orthopedic bed and enough space to move around.

Use a Familiar Scent – Placing a used towel or blanket with your scent inside can help them feel more at ease initially.

Stick to a Schedule – Older dogs do best on a routine. Crate them at consistent times each day and extend the duration gradually.

Crate Training Puppies

Puppies are great at picking up new things fast. So if you start crate training right from the start, you can see good progress, quickly:

Follow these tips:

Introduce the Crate Slowly – Make sure the first experiences are positive by using treats, playtime, and leaving the door open.

Use a Crate Mantra – Choose a simple cue like "crate" and use it consistently when they enter to build a positive association.

Crate for Enforced Naps – Puppies need lots of sleep! Using the crate for enforced naps can control overtired negative behaviors.

Crate Training a Puppy at Night Needs Patience – It takes time for a puppy's body to build control over their bladder and bowels overnight. Stick with a schedule and don't punish accidents.

Increase Duration Gradually – Build up the time your puppy spends crated during the day. Just be mindful that they don't get anxious or soil their crate.

The goal is for your puppy and older dogs to regard their crate as a safe, comfortable place where good things happen – never a punishment or isolation.

What A Good Dog Crate Has

Look for these features in a crate:

1. Heavy-duty steel material that’s toxic-free and has locks.
2. Dual entry for easier functionality and flexible placements.
3. Easy to clean removable trays for a hygienic space.
4. Rolling casters and collapsible design for better portability and travel.
5. Spacious interiors for your dogs to stretch out max and relax.
6. Rust-resistant finishes for comfortable maintenance.

Turpit’s heavy duty dog crate has all the above.

All dogs – no matter what age – can enjoy crate training if you give them enough time and patience. Use the right methods and your crate-trained dog will be a calmer, more well-adjusted canine.