How to crate train your dog when you’re always home
For many dog owners, crate training their pup is an essential step in making sure all is well when they’re away at work. However, with many pet parents transitioning to a work-from-home lifestyle, teaching this skill can become complicated. If you’ve recently welcomed a new dog into your home, or are anticipating a new addition to the family, here is some information on how to crate train while spending more time inside.
Why is crate training your dog necessary?
Crate training is critical for dogs for several reasons. For young puppies, it provides them a safe place to stay when there is limited supervision. It also helps the process of housebreaking your new pet, as dogs will instinctively try not to soil their sleeping areas.
Older dogs can also benefit from being crate trained. If your pooch sees their crate as their ‘den,’ it can help prevent destructive behaviors caused by boredom or separation anxiety.
How to crate train your dog when you’re always home
1. Set a routine
Having a routine will help your dog adjust to being kept in their crate. If you’re currently working from home and anticipate moving back to your office, try to set your routine similar to a typical workday. This means putting your pup in the crate at the same time every day, after being fed, exercised, and let out to go to the bathroom.
2. Feed and exercise your dog before putting them in the crate
Make sure you feed and exercise your puppy sufficiently before putting them in the crate. If your pup is tired enough, they’ll probably fall asleep quickly, which is exactly what you want as an owner. If your puppy sees their crate as a place to relax and rest, they’ll grow to accept it quickly.
3. Start with the crate in the room you spend most of your time in
For some people, this might mean moving the crate around during the day or having more than one enclosure. To start off, you want your dog to be able to see you while they’re in the crate, so they know that it’s not punishment or a tool to isolate them. You may keep your crate in your home office during the day and move it to your bedroom at night so your pup can stay nearby. While in this stage, it’s great to have some treats on hand so you can make sure you’re providing positive reinforcement.
4. As your dog adjusts, move them into another room
When your puppy is used to being in the crate while you’re in the same room, it’s time to move them to another area of the house, such as a bedroom or living room. Your pup may whine or bark because they want to be with you, so be sure to take several breaks and visit them to prove you haven’t abandoned them.
5. Extend how much time your dog spends in the crate alone
After a week or so of crating your pooch in a different room, you can work on extending the time your dog spends in the crate alone. See if you can spend a few hours working from your office, or even try and leave the house on a shopping trip. One way to keep your pup entertained in their crate is to give them a long-lasting chew toy, like a Kong filled with peanut butter.
If you’re spending most of your time at home, it can seem unnecessary to invest the time and discomfort of keeping your puppy locked up while you’re in another room, but crate training your dog is critical to making sure they’re safe while you’re out of the house. While they take time and adjustment, these lessons can help prevent separation anxiety and make your dog a more well-rounded, happy pet in the long run.
