Can You Crate Train an Older Dog?
Dogs aren't the only ones that benefit from crate training!
Crate training is not just for puppies; there are many benefits to crate training an adult or senior dog, such as helping with housebreaking, facilitating travel, or just providing a comfortable space to relax in.
Crate training an older dog is a rewarding experience if you put in the time and effort.
Crate Training and Why It's Great For Senior Dogs
Every dog, regardless of age, needs to be crate trained. If you train an older dog, here are some advantages:
Housetraining
Perhaps you've taken in an older mutt that was never housebroken. Maybe your senior dog needs additional prodding to hold it till it can go outdoors. Through crate training, you can confine your dog to an area less likely to the soil, reducing the frequency and severity of accidents.
You should talk to your vet if your previously housetrained senior dog is having frequent accidents. They can be having incontinence due to illness or old age.
Travel
Having a well-trained crate makes taking your dog on the road a breeze. Your dog will be safest in a box fastened to the car seat while driving. In addition, a crate provides a safe and comfortable space for your pet to rest when you're not around at your hotel, vacation rental, or friend's house.
Animal Hospital and Grooming Appointments
Experts in caring for animals, such as vets and groomers, typically crate dogs before and after providing care. Your dog's vet visit will be more pleasant for you and your pet if you've spent time crate-training your adult dog in advance.
Home Remedies for a Contented Dog
Your home may not always provide a peaceful atmosphere for your dog. Your dog may become anxious around Halloween and other celebrations at your home. Crate training an older dog ensures that they always have a secure environment to retreat to.
Guidelines for Crate-Training an Adult Dog
All dogs, especially older ones, are affected by this. It is because senior dogs are more likely to have developed aversions or distrust of their crates due to previous bad experiences. Older and more mature dogs, especially those who haven't been adequately socialized, may need more time to acclimatize to new environments.
You'll get much further in your training if your dog is always at ease in the crate rather than if you try to force them to adjust too quickly, which may make them fearful of the crate. Keeping them at ease and relaxed should be your top priority.
Pick a Good Spot for the Crates
Dog crates should be kept in a peaceful, calm area of the house that is easily accessible and not completely cut off from the rest of the household. A quiet nook in the living or dining room is perfect for this purpose.
Arouse Your Dog's Curiosity
Dog treats should be locked inside the crate after it has been set up and placed in their designated location. That's right, and you're going to put treats in the crate and then close the door while your dog is still outside. You should keep the crate door secured so your dog can't get inside, but you should let them explore the outside. Don't look for snacks for a few days. It will pique your dog's interest in the crate and pave the way for step two.
Permit Your Dog Some Crate Time to Explore
Leave the door empty to the crate and drop extra goodies inside until your dog walks out. Drop some more treats into the crate and close the door as soon as your dog exits. Repetition of this process can help your dog associate the crate with positive associations, such as the door being opened and signaling the arrival of a treat.
If you want your dog to associate good things with the crate, try putting his or her food bowl or a food-dispensing toy in there when dinner rolls around. When feeding your dog, keep the door open while inside so they may come and go as they choose, but close it behind them when they return with their dish or toy. Then, let them back in each time they go outside to eat, and so on until they've had enough.
Shift the Crate's Entrance
You should repeat the procedure from step one by opening the crate, placing treats inside, and letting your dog inside. Then, crack open a treat and shift the door an inch to each side. Keep the door open and the rewards inside the crate, but allow them out at any time.
Do Not Open the Crate's Door.
Once your dog is used to you opening and closing the door, you may begin preparing him to do so. Drop a treat in there and slide the door closed halfway. Drop a treat through the crack in the door if your dog stays calm. Continue completing the door until your dog is no longer relaxed. Make sure your dog is comfortable by closing the door slowly, then placing a reward inside.
Allow your dog to leave the crate at any time during this stage, but immediately close the door and restock the crate with treats.
Please Close and Lock the Door
Lock the crate door after your dog has learned to relax inside with it closed and feed it goodies. Wait one minute, and then go ahead and unlock the door. Your dog should be rewarded with treats, and the entrance to the crate should be closed if he or she escapes. Treats can be dropped inside the crate while the door is closed for an additional minute to see whether the dog will remain inside. Do this until your dog stays in the crate, even with the door open.
Dismount the Crate
Hand your dog a food toy or chew in the crate once he seems at ease when you lock the door. Then sprinkle in some more rewards. Next, distance yourself from the box. You should return to the crate and drop more treats after only a few seconds.
If that's successful, you can leave for a few seconds before returning to drop more treats. Gradually increase your time away from the crate while keeping an eye out for stress indicators in your dog. If your dog shows signs of anxiety, you should end the session.
Slowly Increase Overnight Stays
Start by leaving the room for short periods between treats, then work your way up to leaving for more extended periods. If your dog can remain calm in his crate for at least twenty or thirty minutes while you're gone, you can begin leaving the house on short errands and gradually increase the length of time he spends there. A pet webcam allows you to see how they are doing even when you can't be there. Keep the crate closed with treats inside when you're not actively training.
Conclusion
Crate training is beneficial and essential for dogs of all ages, including adult and senior canines. As highlighted in the article, the advantages of crate training older dogs are numerous, ranging from aiding in housetraining to easing travel and providing a secure space during stressful events.
While requiring patience and positive reinforcement, the training process involves steps like choosing an appropriate location for the crate, gradually acclimatizing the dog using treats, and increasing the time they spend inside it. It's crucial that the dog feels comfortable and secure during the training.
Understanding the nuances of crate training an older dog can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. The Trusted Companion is here to assist you in this journey.
Our expertise in dog training can help you effectively crate train your senior pet, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
FAQs
Can You Successfully Crate Train an Older Dog?
Absolutely! Crate training an older dog is entirely possible. It may require a bit more patience and gentle reinforcement compared to training a puppy, but with consistent efforts, older dogs can learn to view the crate as a safe and comfortable space.
What Are the Benefits of Crate Training an Older Dog?
Crate training offers several benefits, such as assisting with housetraining, making travel easier, and providing a secure space for the dog during stressful times. It also gives the dog their own space where they can relax and feel safe.
How Long Does It Take to Crate Train an Older Dog?
The duration of crate training an older dog varies depending on the individual dog's personality and past experiences. Typically, it can take several weeks of consistent training. The key is to progress at a pace that is comfortable for the dog.
Is Crate Training Stressful for Older Dogs?
If done correctly, crate training should not be stressful for older dogs. It's important to make the crate training process positive and gradual. The crate should be associated with positive experiences, ensuring that the dog feels safe and relaxed.
What Size Crate Should Be Used for an Older Dog?
The size of the crate should be appropriate for your dog's size. It should be large enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can use one end as a sleeping area and the other as a bathroom. Proper sizing is crucial for successful crate training.