PURPOSE: To teach your dog to go into his/her crate upon cue.
1. Make your dog’s crate a happy and safe place for him/her to go to by never using it for punishment. You can also feed your dog his/her meals inside the crate provided your dog is allowed to potty soon after-wards. If your dog won’t approach the crate, start by placing the food bowl outside but near the crate. Over time, move the bowl closer to the crate and finally place it inside the crate.
2. Toss individual food treats into the crate and mark your dog’s behavior of going into the crate by saying “yes”, “good” or by pushing the button of a clicker.
3. If your dog won’t enter the crate to retrieve the tossed treat, place your hand on the other side of the crate and cue your dog to “touch”. See Hand Targeting handout.
4. When your dog is running into the crate to retrieve the treat, name the exercise by saying “crate” or “bed” just prior to tossing the treat inside the crate.
5. After numerous repetitions, say “crate” or “bed” but hesitate a few seconds before tossing the treat into the crate. If your dog begins to run into the crate before you can toss the treat, simply mark and reward him/her with the treat upon entering the crate instead of tossing it into the crate. If your dog doesn’t rush into the crate, say “crate” or “bed” again and motion toward the crate as if you were going to toss the treat into the crate. If your dog enters the crate, reward the behavior. If not, repeat step number four until your dog is read for step five.
6. Over time, gradually increase the starting distance that you send your dog away from you to the crate. Don’t walk toward the crate. Simply remain still and cue your dog to go into his/her crate. When your dog enters the crate, mark the behavior and reward as before.