YouTube Video Playlist for Crate Conditioning
Trust them, trust you…energetically focus on them going into any contained space, if they stall at the door, settle beside them and wait it out again. They will eventually go in, especially if you have a very high value treat ready to reward for going in.
Don’t lure them in with food. If they are hesitating, after 2 earnest attempt you can shape them to a mat or towel and then use this 1/2 way in the crate and half way out, it becomes a target you have shaped. See Relaxation / Mat work directions for more details.
While training, don’t give your Pup any food outside of the crate, only feed inside. The release out of the crate with your release word ( OK, BREAK, FREE ) is a reward.
If you have a metal crate you can lure a sit. If you have a sit on cue, you can ask for a sit.
Once they are sitting and staying in the back of the crate with the door open you can give them your release cue.
Open the crate latch with the hand closest to the door hinge.
Put one treat in the opposite hand and feed your treats swiftly & deliberate.
Placement of rewards is very important, don’t feed if the dog is standing.
Once they get comfortable with going in the contained space you can latch the crate between each repetition. Repeat 5-10 times
TOSS treats for excitement DELIVER TREATS SLOWLY ONE BY ONE FOR CALM SETTLING
Once your Pup wants to go into a contained space, you can combine the relaxation/mat work in the space.
Level 2 Crate Games: https://youtu.be/3M7f1sfV6pc
As you succeed, the door doesn’t have to close each time.
Be patient and confident, allow the dog to make choices.
You can keep one hand on the door such that your dog won’t escape, you just close the door (don’t slam the door, close it ) If the dog is failing, take some steps back.
If you struggle with your Pup going into the crate don't acknowledge the dog when they are outside the crate. Resist temptation to cue or help. Remember to have a party with praise & treats when the dog goes back into the crate.
If you want to build you STAY behavior you can add distractions to the containment training as your pup succeeds, if they fail or get sloppy, take some steps back.
Open the door & pick up the leash & snap the clip. Any forward movement, close the door.
much more advanced —
After we build up their food fluency, you will be able to practice with food distractions outside the crate such as opening the door & drop a treat just in front of the crate and then reward your dog’s good choice by picking up and hand feeding it to your dog.
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