Train Your Dog to Go In the Crate

Getting your dog to go into the kennel on command is a nice trick. It's not one for your friends, but one for you. If you need to get to your appointment on time, or you really need to get the kids to bed without the dog getting in the way, you need your dog to get into their crate. And chasing the dog and grabbing the dog and tossing the dog into the crate is not going to cut it. Not only for you with time, but for the dog with association.

I have a 3 month old shepherd mix from a rescue, and I'll be honest and say that it took me about 20 minutes of training and patience. What you will need is yourself, your dog, the crate, some tasty and small treats, and some free time. Maybe even a toy or two. Also, have your cue word in mind. Mine is just "kennel" or "get in your kennel". But you can use "go to your den", "sleeping spot", "bedtime", "take a nap", or even "asfjfowoiengnd" if you like.

Sit in front of the opening of the crate about a foot away, and get your dog to come over. Show them the treat in your hand, and lure them into the kennel. Once they're in, get them to sit (this will let them associate that once they go in the kennel, they need to stay in there so they don't dash out at you). Once this happens, give them the treat. While they're walking in, say your cue word.

Then call them out to you.

Then get them to go back in. You may have to physically place them in the kennel a few times. My pup really didn't like going in there because she associated it with me leaving for physical therapy or the grocery store. I had to start putting her in there for about 10 minutes randomly throughout the day while I was home so she wouldn't flip out.

But get them to go in and sit and give the treat. After about 10 minutes maybe, they'll start to understand the word association. When they do, get all excited about it!

After a little longer, you'll be able to stop the luring and just say the word or point. Then once they're in, you can close the door and give them a larger treat that takes a few more seconds to chew.

After this session, be sure to reinforce. When they need to go in for bedtime, say the word to get them to go in, close the door, and give them a treat. I've been giving her treats every time since, and that's getting her associated with the kennel in a good way. Try feeding them their meals in there too!