A crate is one of the most helpful tools when it comes to training your puppy. It’s a way of keeping your puppy safe from hazards when you cannot watch them, a potty training tool, a secure method of transportation, and a haven for when your puppy is feeling overwhelmed, all rolled into one! However, in order to serve any of these roles, your puppy must first become comfortable in the crate. Here are some crate games to help your puppy relax.
Why Play Crate Games?
Dogs learn through association. While a crate can ultimately become a source of comfort and security for your dog, they first need to get past any initial trepidation. Playing games that include the crate creates a link between the crate and good things like food, play, and time spent with their best friend (that’s you!). Moreover, turning crate training into a game is an excellent reminder to you as your puppy’s trainer that training should be not just functional, but fun! Dogs are highly attuned to our moods. Keeping your training sessions light and happy will have the best results!
1.) First Steps Inside (AKA “Get the Treat!”)
Your very first “game” should be to help your puppy become comfortable getting into the crate. Some puppies will happily bound in and out without hesitation, but others will be nervous to get completely into the crate. You should never forcefully put your puppy into the crate. Instead, your puppy will need to be lured inside. Sit beside the crate with your puppy and allow them to sniff a high value treat, then place the treat inside of the crate. Allow your puppy to eat the treat. Toss these treats further and further into the crate until they have to stand completely in the crate to get the treat. Hooray!
2.) Fetch
You can also incorporate your crate into games of fetch. Toss a ball or a toy into the crate and allow your puppy to retrieve it. Praise them when they bring it back. This is a simple non-food-based method to make going in and out of the crate something normal and relaxed.
3.) In and Out
This next game is an evolution on the previous two games. Toss a high value treat into the back of the crate and allow your puppy to follow it. Once they’ve finished their treat, toss another treat outside of the crate and have your puppy chase after it. Repeat this until your puppy is running in and out of the crate without hesitation. You can now start to pair a command to each side of this action. For instance, say something along the lines of “Crate!” or “Place!” as you throw the treat into the crate. When you are throwing a treat outside of the crate, give your release cue such as “Free!” or “Come out!”. You can then start using these commands to direct your puppy in and out of the crate before tossing in the treat. You can even start to teach your puppy that they only get a treat when they wait for the release cue before coming out of the crate.
4.) Practicing Obedience in the Crate
This game is very simple. If your puppy has already learned some basic commands, such as sit, lie down, and stay, you can practice them with your puppy while they are in the crate. Practice this a few times, then give your puppy the stay command and close the crate door for a few seconds. Increase the time slowly, remaining near the crate for now. Acclimating your puppy to being calm while the crate is shut is an important step in using a crate to keep your puppy secure.
5.) The Magic Crate
This one is more of a game for humans than for dogs, but helps your puppy form that positive relationship. Sometime during the day when your dog is elsewhere occupied, slip in and throw a few treats or a favorite toy into the crate. Your puppy now has incentive to check in on the crate every now and again on their own. Perhaps the magic crate has spawned new goodies!
Check out this video on the subject to see some of these games being practiced!
