Crate Training Definitive Guide - Why and How to do it

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Looking for a specific piece of info? This video's timecodes: 2:40 Is a Crate Right for You? 4:46 Crate Types 7:42 Crate Sizing 8:16 Habituation 11:10 Using Your Crate

[@11_Hussain]

Should i get a plastic crate or wire crate for my Pomerian hes 18 months old and never been in a crate. Very energetic too

[@mamaluvbug987]

PLAYERKILL - I see this is 6 mos old but having had a Pom who loved his: get a *small plastic crate!* He went into it all on his to sleep or whenever he felt nervous or overwhelmed, likely bc he felt secure in a confined, safe spot (away from giant humans & safe from lots of feet walking/shuffling around/ *accidentally* getting kicked) 😟🤕😢

[@emmaburke725]

Hi, can I ask, would you recommend a crate for a brand new Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy if the owners will always be around? (Disabled owner who doesn’t work) It’ll be four months old when it arrives. It won’t be left unsupervised so is it still necessary or beneficial?

[@neotengwhay6499]

Really need help on this! I have a puppy that's only about 2 months old and still isn't too properly potty/crate trained etc. This is the first puppy I've owned thus far so its been an experience trying to raise and train it properly. Thus far, she's been sleeping in a wire crate and pretty much stays in there for the most part when the family isn't around. However, watching this video sort of indicates to me that my puppy should definitely not be sleeping/staying in the wire crate for extended periods of time. Can I ask where should she be sleeping/ what is the best environment for her to be around? We are worried she might run around the house peeing/pooping or biting off anything she can find when we leave her alone in the middle of the night or worse still, run off and go missing.

[@theonlinedogtrainerreview5747]

Totally agree. Terrific explanation & great animated graphics too. Thank you. 💞

[@christinawalsh414]

My pup is now 5 1/2 months old now is is completely potty trained! Crate training worked wonderfully!!!! She even knows when it's time for bed at night and goes willingly. Very proud of my baby! : )

[@mariana7802]

Can you please give advice

[@trillwill8303]

How did you go about it? Just got a 9 month old lab from a friend. Anything is usedul

[@revallmccalla3463]

Advice: dogs do not like to pee or poop where they sleep. The dog may bark to be released from the crate initially but you can use this to your advantage. When they request to be let out, take them from the crate to the bathroom area in the yard. Encourage them to pee with whatever command you use. Don’t allow them to stop and play or do other non helpful things. Then reinforce the activity with high praise once they squat to go. This teaches them that barking in the crate means that I need to pee only! Hope this helps. There are other tips, but this is the least complicated I can give lol

[@kaitlyne1870]

I had a sheltie that LOVED finding a den to nap in. If she didn't have access to her crate, she was under furniture, exactly like you said. And we ALWAYS had to have her crate in the same room as her when we brought a new pet home and teach the new pet that her crate was off limits to them so she always had somewhere to go when she needed a break from them so she wouldn't end up nipping at them. It really helped her get along with new pets.

[@tribum]

Key is "intelligent use of the crate". Thank you!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

True story. And you're welcome!

[@saffysaffyrocks]

My old dog was adopted at age 6 and had been abused so we never crate trained him, he had his own corner in the house to go to to sleep but generally disliked being kept contained - he had fears of kennels and of closed spaces. But we’re starting to foster dogs now so it’s interesting to learn about how useful crate training can be!

[@revallmccalla3463]

I use wire crates. For my last dog I wrapped a bedsheet around it to reduce her anxiety. Since I lived with others, she stayed in my room primarily, but we were able to get her out of the crate altogether once she felt like the house was hers. After that, she’d willingly go in to nap, relax and sleep. High praise for positive behaviors and consistency are key. Happy training!

[@WeatherMoon]

I hated crates, until this last dog. I love crates! The energy does change in the house when crated, even more calm than just on mat

[@benitokiri]

His father was a viking and his mother was a wolf! This guy knows dogs. Thanks for the tips, this is been the best presented youtube dog training video I have found so far!

[@scottryker4888]

You just accused his father of bestiality and called him a wolf fucker 🤣🤣🤣

[@benitokiri]

@@scottryker4888 More like his mother was a wolf goddess in human form? Sounds a little more romantic that way... XD

[@akitherandom2111]

I recently adopted a 1-2 year old dog from the shelter and he is just wonderful dog. He does tear up some stuff while we are gone, so we decided to get a crate for him and its coming in the mail today. We will only use it for when we are gone, possibly when people come over, and never for night time since he sleeps with us. Thank you for this!

[@tulipsontheorgan]

get him use to it first...meaning while your at home

[@mstevens6723]

Ive found the most success using it throughout the day randomly. You dont want him to only associate it with you leaving or not being allowed to meet people. It could be seen as a punishment even though its not what your intending. Leave the door open at first You can feed meals in it, put a pen around it and let him just be near it but not being forced to go in, even play games with it. Our wire crate has 2 door so i can go in one side with a treat and have him jump into the other to get it lol. You not only get the positive crate associations but can work on other training commands simultaneously such as cone, place, stay, break etc. most important thing: You have to make it fun and a place the dog loves. When you do leave the house, give a "special" treat toy thats just for the crate. When you cone home toy comes out. Youre dog will not only be fine while youre out but actually look forward to it and hope you stay out so they get more special toy time! Good luck!

[@Jazdancin]

I have just started watching your videos Ian, and I am very impressed. I always get a bit of an "ick" feeling when these training videos include advertising, and I appreciate that that is not your first priority (or priority at all). I am getting my first dog in a month, a puppy. So much to learn, and I feel so overwhelmed! Your straightforward, no nonsense approach as helped me already! Thank you for this awesome, free content. If you write a book, I WILL BUY IT!

[@jacekczuba4145]

Very good material, especially the part explaining why the crate is not cruelty. We have an almost year old puppy, mixed breed. He always stayed alone in our living room, just with a gate, limiting his "den" to this room, quite big one. But we lately saw that he likes sometimes to hide under our bed or under by chair as I work at the computer. It's combined with some noise phobia. We immediately decided to buy a crate and train him so that he had his sweet, comfy and safe place. It's here only 2 days long but he already is able to walk freely into the crate and lay for a few minutes. All in all, I think that I could remove the door as it's intended to be his safe place only, not to close him in there. Huge plus that cat loves the crate too and sleeps on it, plays with the dog on it, so it is becoming more and more accepted place. We need to make some kind of cover over it too. Again, thanks for the really good video :)

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks for the encouragement! And yes, you totally could take the door off. Perfect use the way you described everything!

[@jacekczuba4145]

Update after a month: the crate is accepted totally. We decided not to remove the door. They just stay taped to the sides and to the wall. Maybe one day we would need to lock him there for a few minutes (like when when our cat accidentally threw off a glass and it broke into pieces, at least we knew that he did not step on the glass and his paws were safe). Sometimes we send him to his place to calm down and he knows alreadt that this is the place to cool off and get his emotions in control. Sometimes he sleeps there, when he needs peace but of course the couch is the favourite spot :) On the other hand, it's the favourite place to sleep for our cat, on the crate. He even got a pillow. The best part was when during a strom, he heard a thunder (we now fight against a severe loud sounds anxiety) and just walked into his crate and laid down. Then after a few thunders, he walked out and laid down next to us, with no signs of fear. I do not need to tell that this was a huge relief for us... and an ecouragement to work more. It's hard to take the crate for walks, though :) Thanks, man. Your video assured us that the crate was a good choice and we worked on accepting it even harder.

[@thekingdomofbaddecisions7982]

All of my dogs over the last 20 years have been crate trained. I'll never not do it! They would sleep in it, and not leave it all night, even with the door left open eventually. Their crates (4 dogs at the peak) willingly shared 2 crates. When we woke up in the morning, they know it was close to time to go outside, but not until we opened the bedroom did did they get amped up. We house trained them in crates, they sleep in crates for bed time, and they'd nap in them sometimes. When we were home, they had free roam of the house, but when we left for work, it was crate time too. It was SO simple, I would never consider a different way. And, everyone complimented us on how sweet all our dogs were, whether it was outside or when we had company. Great video, even if I am more than a little biased.

[@cekfraun]

I am learning a lot from your videos! To answer your question, the way my dog would den up is to hide under my chair when I took him to the vet, or he would lie between my legs on the recliner at home. He died in February. I miss him. He was a good boy!

[@blazetownsend8785]

I used a crate to make a den. I just left the door open and covered it in blankets. My dog loved that and it helped easy her anxiety. She later had designated "safe zones." She hated crates being closed, but loved being in a den. Her anxieties flared badly when the door was closed.

[@erinowl4407]

This is a comment about crates for vehicles. Most dogs are treated like "toys" or "stuffed animals" in vehicles. They are allowed to ride on the driver's lap, feet on steering wheel, heads hanging out the window, running around in the vehicle, etc. Please consider these realities: (1) you would NEVER let your child loose in a vehicle - no matter how old - they are travelling at the speed of the vehicle and when it comes to a stop, so do they - at that speed - even if it requires flying thru the windshield first until something stops them - forever (2) eyewitness - a chihuauhua hanging out the driver's window at a toll booth who jumps out the window and is flattened by an oncoming tractor trailer - why? (3) eyewitness - a van full of show dogs - labs - uncrated - in an accident on the interstate - the van "breaks open" - the dogs are running all over the interstate (you can guess the result) and running off into the "wilds" on the side of the interstate - the owner's/driver are incapacitated and unable to protect or gather their dogs - WHY? PLEASE DOG LOVERS - LOVE your dog by CARING for your dog like you would for your own child: CRATE it in the vehicle - this will be calming, no distractions for you and the dog will be safe if you get into an accident OR Use "seat belt restraints" for dogs. Your dog doesn't need to hang out the window or have a "view" to ENJOY travelling with you. You are endangering your life and your dog's life everytime you get into a vehicle - no matter how safe a driver you are, no matter how "big" your vehicle is and not matter how "short" the trip. LOVE your dog. Restrain it safely. Those crates ARE airline approved because in an accident, while the vehicle may be "broken open", the crate will probably be rolled around inside and your loved furry friend merely bruised or maybe a broken bone - but contained and transferrable to medical care. I had to make an agreement with the breeder of my last dog that I would always only keep her in an airline approved crate (belted in) whenever I put her in the car. This "disappointed" me at first - all those dreams of riding with a "pet" in the vehicle. But after three years - I would NEVER EVER EVER consider putting a dog in my vehicle unrestrained - either by belt if an immense dog in a small vehicle - or in a crate for every other dog. THINK ABOUT IT. You are responsible for protecting your dog as you would your child. Thank you for reading this. Your Pet's life depends on your decisions.

[@lestoovde6895]

where are you living when all that shit is happening in front of you xD

[@JCsammy]

Yea that sounds like 🧢 to me

[@pubu2010]

Nonsense. Your pets life (just like your childs life) depends on proper training and something else lacking in todays world... Common sense.

[@heidibrigham411]

I was raised unrestrained in my vehicle 😂 and the back of the pickup truck in the summer. Not saying it’s right… just sayin 🙃

[@jlemonni36]

Thank you for sharing this information. I knew of a road traffic accident several years ago in which the car was rolled and one of the doors opened neither of the two dogs were restrained and both were hit by on coming traffic in the opposite carriageway when they ran across the road.

[@ravioli2020]

holy cow! we have a lab/shepherd puppy. we started crate training her at night right away. for the last two months she has been an absolute rock star in the kennel at night and a total terror any other time. with both of us working from home, I was really worried we were setting ourselves up for massive failure to never be able to leave the house. last week, I found these videos and knew it was time to kick our butts in to gear. we got a second crate (plastic) and started putting her in there in the day and trying to do all her feedings in the kennel. it was ROUGH at first, she was barely touching the kongs, so I decided to change from PB to yogurt, and made sure the blanket totally covered where she could see out of. I didn't realize the comfort of her being able to see us was actually a major setback to her truly settling down. Anyone that feels hopeless with a half crate trained dog, you can do it! I think we might actually be able to go on a target run together with out the puppy getting the cops called on us. On top of that, I've been able to manage her energy SO much better that training is fun and not frustrating for both of us. It feels like I have a whole new dog now.

[@rebeccajesse4604]

Apparently my dog is too well crate trained and will run in there as soon as he sees a brush! Can you do a video on grooming and bathing?

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

LOL great on the crate training, but "whoops" on the grooming tools. I hadn't thought about it, but I might do a video on that. There's a handout on my website, but now that you mention it I think it might make a good video.

[@b.maliboo9453]

😂😂😂😂😘💕

[@theone-ro6rz]

@@SimpawticoDogTraining I'd love a grooming video. Mine haaaates being brushed. And she shouts like I'm trying to kill her but I'm hardly touching her She's sooo fluffy too so needs brushing 🤦

[@tammyscianatico636]

Dani Your are my favorite KZbin or can you please make another record for me.

[@jamioles7515]

I have been watching so many training videos since we brought our lil dude home. He is a border collie pup and your info had been hands down the most thorough. I love to understand why I am doing something, so I really appreciate your approach to these videos. Love the explanations & the bullet points. New favorite channel!!!! One question, do you have a video on how to get the family involved? I am currently the alpha lol and our pup is more attached to me than anyone which is bumming them out. I tried to tell them it is because I am the one doing it all 😂🤷🏼‍♀️ Thanks again for great videos!!!!

[@soul1240]

You are a genius. I have a 8wk old Shorkie. This is my first puppy experience. So far so good but I’ve learned soooo much from you. I’m definitely subscribing and watching everyday LOL. Thank you!

[@MrSirMoustache]

just wanted to say i guys, my puppo is alredy crate trained and she loves her little den. She goes in there anytime she wants to sleep, especially at night (during the day she kinda hangs out on whatever couch is occupied by another member of the family!). As always, love your videos!!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!

[@bethschaler4600]

We put a blanket from our puppy's breeder/mama in his crate the first day home and he followed it right in. He laid on the blanket in the crate with the door open the whole first day watching us and has loved the crate ever since.

[@Esther_33]

i ordered a crate, will be a few days. this is so helpful. the crate is for night time sleeping mostly. will have it in my bedroom next to the door to patio. we adopted a 1 year old pup. shes so sweet, but wants to sleep on our bed. my husband will not allow a dog on our bed. which i respect, so crate it is!

[@paulcunningham1917]

Really helpful video! We have just adopted a three year old Kokoni cross. She is sweet and gentle; completely toilet trained, and will happily go in her crate when we are around. She sleeps at night in her bed on the landing outside our bedroom. The problem comes when we need to leave the house; then she will wail, bark, drool excesively and has gnawed at the cage so much she made her mouth bleed! We have tried pretending to leave for short periods; using the kong; leaving an item of clothing with our smell; background music, aromatherapy; ignoring the noise and rewarding calm moments (if they ever happen!) Someone advised to muzzle her in the crate, but I am not happy about this. Have not been able to leave the house for more than 1-2 hours at most since we got her. Urgently in need of advice

[@lety4526]

Paul Cunningham same!! Did you get any help?

[@daisybuckley-tynan3529]

I love this guy.his information has been so helpful for me especially dealing with a troubled Staffordshire bull/American bull cross puppy. Definitly will be watching more videos ! And reccomending them !

[@vintageryn7217]

Dont mind me...just binging all of your videos in preparation for my standard poodle coming home in the next year or so! 😍

[@m.z.593]

Also check out the downloadables on the website and maybe the facebbok page for more info

[@yrfrisbaek]

Thank you for great videos! Just subscribed and have watched a few of your videos. We just got our first dog 5 days ago. She is an almost 9 weeks old Aussie. The breeder told us that she would not need to go out to pee during the night and let her sleep in her crate in our bedroom, at least for the first nights. It has worked without any problems or accidents so far, goes to sleep between 10-11 pm and sleeps until 6:30ish without any whining or peeing. She does whine for a few sec-minutes when put in the crate but settles down quickly. She is also doing super well on potty training, we take her out every time she wakes up from day-naps (which she usually takes on the mat/rug in front of the garden-door, which is obviously her favorite resting place ;) We had thought to train her to be in a play den area, that we made in a corner of the living room, for her to be in when we need to leave her at home alone, not in the crate itself (thus far she´s only in the crate during night time). She gets her food and water in the play den area and we have done "crate training games" with the den, she goes in and out without problems. We have closed the door to the play den area a few times, first only for a few sec-min and the last two times she settled down after praises when she stopped whining and she lay down and fell asleep and when she woke up she whined and wanted out - and we let her out (when she stopped whining ;) ) So, ok, now to my question ;) In three days we need to leave her alone for 2 hours for the first time (we can absolutely use the next 3 days to first leave her alone for shorter periods first).... should we stick to the plan and leave her in the play den area (no crate inside) when she´s home alone? Or should we train her rather to stay in her crate? We just thought about it now, that maybe it is dangerous/bad for her if we leave her alone in the play den area and she tries to jump/get out of it :/

[@michellemuller1554]

Just got a standard poodle puppy yesterday. I wish I had come upon your videos earlier. LOVE THEM!!! I have watched many different training videos to date and I find you just explain things super well. Keep up the awesome work!!!!

[@angeldoeep7156]

My dog loves her crate and will den up under end tables when we go to other peoples houses for an afternoon without the crate.

[@travelfoodielove]

Crate training just makes my dog more independent and less needy. She likes her own space to this day still

[@jessejodoin6469]

I absolutely love your videos! Your way of explaining dog training concepts is very easy to understand and the production quality of your videos is a cut above the rest. I would be interested in a video regarding how to introduce a puppy/new dog to existing pets including cats and small rodents. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@konalily]

I agree! I just liked, commented, and SUBSCRIBED. Every significant factor was explained thoroughly!

[@sienna.6654]

My dog is 8 & 1/2 and she just had surgery. It required crate rest. She has never been in one in her life. She has still been a bit loopy so we set it up and just let her get comfortable with it being there. We waited and she went in herself multiple times. I’m voting to keep it after her time is up. She feels safe. My only issue is locking her in it. I don’t like doing it. I know it’s for the best but I have so much anxiety about it

[@hilariallred8605]

Thank you so much for this video. We crate trained our shelter puppy this summer using your advice. If necessary, she can stay in the crate for several hours during the day when we're gone, but we always balance this with a super long walk and lots of attention in on the same day. We feed her in the crate with kongs, and she hides her chew toys there. A day in the crate is probably the equivalent an intercontinental flight for us. It's unpleasant, but a dog can do this if necessary once in a while. She also gets a great night's sleep in our room in the metal crate. Much better than waking each other up all night in the bed together.

[@klk9882]

My 11 week old puppy goes in her crate by herself all the time. I think she thinks of it like het bedroom.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Perfect!

[@davontehenderson93]

21 Savage

[@Mysli_Niepozbierane]

Simpawtico Dog Training good video. Please advise on the issue. I have 8 month old Yorkie whom I got since he was 8 weeks old. I failed to crate train him when he was a baby and it appears to me that he uses his cushion bed as his den. However, recently he started to do occasional minor acts of mischief such as scratching the baseboards when left alone. I would like to correct his behavior or crate train him so when I have to leave the house I won't worry about my property being destroyed. Is it too late for crate training? The dog hates the crate and cries, scratches and tries to bite it. I tried the treats and ignoring his behavior. He will go in and when I close the doors drama begins. I try to ignore his cries and scratching and simply be around doing my things. I disappear for few minutes and don't show up when he cries. I wait couple of minutes for him to stop and showup when he is quiet for few minutes. I praise him everytime i pass the crate. I didn't use the crate as punishment but also i don't want to reinforce the behavior of "i cry and scratch he will eventually come here and let me go." Please advise on the issue. Thank you.

[@AN-ou6qu]

Miko Lanks maybe try Kongs and/or put the dog bed in. Also, make sure to give treats :3

[@himthatguy7058]

K Roberts my puppy is 8 weeks now bully pit & he cry’s when I put him in there .. do I close the crate ? He cry’s so much how do I get him comfortable.. he goes in on his own sometimes but I think he’s getting used to sleeping with me on my bed

[@deltadaze6836]

😆Our shepadoodle puts herself in timeout in her crate when we come home to a mess on the kitchen floor🤦🏻‍♀️. She has always been fine for it as timeout punishment as well as a safe place, but I guess that’s not the norm🤷🏻‍♀️. She’s also a self-feeder and its worked great with just a morning bowl fill. (Course we only have one dog so no food stealing issues.) She ‘dens’ on the living room chairs with us in the evening, or under desk/kit table chairs, or on top of covers on bed at night-wherever we are is where she is... Great info, tks!

[@kyracoach]

THANK YOU FOR SAYING THAT CRATING IS GREAT FOR ADJUSTING ADULT ADOPTEES. Every crate video is how to do it for puppies! I only get rescues...and need positive create decompression training!!

[@tedcrilly8411]

good to listen to somebody who knows what he is talking about.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you for that!

[@emilyedmonds5557]

Thanks for featuring our crate we appreciate the support.

[@FalkorsTale]

Great explanation of crate use and very thorough. I always look forward to your videos. Also, you get my vote for the best-dressed trainer on KZbin ;D

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks!

[@kenrob83]

Terry T I disagree with your opinion

[@Realname251]

@@kenrob83 🤫

[@cheryljuliette5017]

Best intelligent answer to the 'crate haters'... 🎈❣ Thank you for your expertise and integrity!!!

[@MsPenguinQueen]

Thank you, this video came at the perfect time, our crate came yesterday and today will be the first time Ash will be introduced to it. I am happy to have watched this before I made any training mistakes.

[@CrownPrince2008]

This is by far the best channel for new dog owners! ❤️

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you!

[@relaxandlivelife7093]

First video that ACTUALLY explained crate types ! Thank you

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Glad it was helpful!

[@breewheel2614]

I'll have to try the time feeding once training has progressed. Trying to give him his own space and putting his food, my blanket and some pillows in the crate has him going in there willing. Great tips!

[@dawnpaxton68]

All my dogs have been crate trained. My last dog, a Boston Terrier loved here crate so much that eventually she would just go in there on her own for some quiet time and naps. She lived to be almost thirteen and still went in her crate at least once a day. The door was always left open and she could go in whenever she wanted to.

[@jenniferjohnson7068]

we are getting our first puppy today! I am so glad that I found this channel and can watch all the videos and read the books.

[@bronwenelizabeth635]

I think crates are good for dogs, it gives them their own little space. My dog uses her crate as a way to have alone time, if I'm cleaning or talking on the phone or doing something too loud while she's trying to sleep she goes and curls up in there. She'll also bring chew toys in there and just hang out whenever, as I was watching this video she got in her crate and went to sleep.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Awesome. Perfect use of it. ;)

[@ronjones2266]

Our dog had a wire crate her whole life. We put a blanket on the top that reached down about a third of the height. She went in there any time her anxiety acted up. She loved her crate.

[@opfeejer7114]

I'm really liking this video series! Great info and professionally produced. We have a problem and are desperate for a little advice. We got a 9 month old rescue Shiba Inu from China 8 days ago and are at our wits end. He had a urinary tract infection and giardia upon arrival which we just finished giving the meds for yesterday. We have been crate training him, but don't know what to do at night. A trainer told us to let him "bark it out" which we did 2 nights ago. He barked for 2 hours, slept for 4 hours, then started barking at 3:30am. I took him out thinking he had to go, but he just wanted to play. After 10 minutes outside, I put him back in the crate and he barked a bit, then slept until 6:30am. Not too bad. So last night, we crated him and he only barked for a few minutes, but again at 3:30am, started barking and slamming against his crate. I came down and took him out, but after 15 minutes of waiting, he didn't go. I put him in his crate and went back to bed. He barked for another 2-3 hours. When I came down around 6:15am, he had peed and pooped in his crate and also ate most of the poop, which he really seems to dig unfortunately. So what to do tonight? I really have to get some sleep! BTW, he has peed in his crate like 6 times since we got him, even like 30 minutes after he had peed. I'm getting tired of cleaning that thing out!

[@diadiaa892]

Hows it going now? I feel your struggle, my adopted Pomeranian doesn’t pee when i take her out, but she always pee on my carpets😭. I’ve only had her for 3 days now, but i don’t know how to potty train her again (she’s 4yrs old) since she’s terrified of the leash and freezes when she’s in the outside… I’m goinf to do some desensitisation with her in out garden, just to get her used to the environment, but idk what to do about her toilet habits, since she’s bot food motivated at all!

[@opfeejer7114]

@@diadiaa892 This was like 3 years ago, but as I recall, we hung in there and moved the crate to our bedroom. That solved the problem. We don't crate him anymore and he is a great dog! :-)

[@nancymicklatcher117]

My 9 week old Goldendoodle, Boston, loves his crate when the door is open, and will even go in and out during the day. But as soon as I'm out of sight the whining, crying and barking begin. Thank you for the suggestion of earplugs. I'm trying those tonight 👍

[@shelbyaustin4381]

Great point about feeding and watering in the crate, I’ll make that adjustment!!

[@angelwithpie9188]

I'm getting a sheltie puppy in two days so it's time to binge watch all the videos again 😂

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Congratulations on your new puppy!

[@mariadawn1117]

I literally watch his whole channel all the time in preparation! LOL

[@KidCuervo210]

Me too 🤣🤣🤣

[@ty2ballin]

My profile picture is the dog I’m adopting this week

[@shazza4360]

rgb-frxsh sick dog g

[@AngelaHeyun]

Thank you very much - your videos are so clear, engaging, and full of both theory and practice! I volunteer with my local shelter to foster stressed out dogs. I would love to know more about how to work with dogs to focus on me when they are excited (dog-on-dog reactivity, excitement about children, in an energised play-bitey mood, etc).

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks for the feedback, Angela!

[@AngelaHeyun]

P.S. Really liked the Project Cloverfield reactivity study!

[@SharlotEisentraut]

This is an awesome video all around! I love the energy and all the extra stuff, especially the boom with a question mark in it, lol!

[@denisechartrand8239]

Again thank you sooo much for this video about crate training Such good advice for a new dog owner

[@anthonysoprano2631]

Love this channel and you deserve over a million subs unlike that other channel that has it

[@ericaf2024]

Very helpful!! Thank you!! We bought our puppy a week ago and the crate is working wonderfully!! ❤️ Now I just need to watch some videos on puppy biting and try to find some videos on teaching tricks!

[@thedawghouse4674]

love this channel, really good at what you do! the safety of a crate keeps my anxiety down!

[@buffahuffa]

Omg! Talk about anxiety with a pup. Totally agree! The crate is fantastic!

[@christinakohler9835]

Hi Ian, I love your videos! They are based on science, filled with empathy and a great attitude, very professional with great graphics and a wonderful sense of humor (AND lovely band shirts ;)). There are many topics about which I would like to hear your opinion. For example it would be great to watch a video about introducing a new dog to the dogs that are already at home. Keep the spirit up! You're doing a great job!

[@gyrlgeorge]

Christina Köhler Ditto! Love the production value of these videos - a definite cut above the rest - and I need information on training and integrating a new puppy into a 3 dog household. So many questions about feeding, training etc. Thx

[@angelavi3175]

I was able to crate train my dog.It was easy. I put him in the crate every time it’s bed time at 9:30 pm every night. He goes in on his own and he knows the exact time.

[@noxfox3706]

My puppy does great in the small pen we set up for her at home, but she's not entirely fond of the car crate -- here in Sweden, car crate are mandatory, for the dog's safety (as such, we invested in a Mim one, because it's the only type of crate that was crash-tested with successful, published results and we'd rather avoid that our dog ends up crushed or perforated by metal wires if we were to have an accident). Because we don't spend a lot of time in the car, I've taken up on me to take some time to train my puppy by putting her in the crate with things she likes, sitting close, relaxing her, praising and being overall positive about the experience, and continued doing so with my partner driving the car around a little. I found that it gave good results, but I feel that it's a training that needs to be picked up and continued some more as she started crying again sometimes. I'm hopeful she'll end up enjoying car rides well enough given time =)

[@Sheikah300]

I’m a dog trainer and your videos are great for additional resources for clients. Thanks for making them!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

My pleasure!

[@Longlandsmith]

Simpawtico, I am getting a dog and you are so helpful

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Happy to help!

[@amysofia5783]

I'm sure for some dogs it's useful but I've had 4 dogs and none of them had crates. In fact we had crates for our springers for a whopping year and found it useless. We've also always had wonderfully kind and well trained dogs. Training is important but we credit our dogs' wonderful manners down to common sense and unconditional love. I know so many people who have ill behaved dogs despite having crates, harnesses, and kongs because they DONT pay attention to their dog's signals, punish them in inappropriate ways and times, and confuse their dogs with yelling, complicated commands, and playing rough with them. For example, we taught our Cocker Spaniel to be gentle when taking food (she used to be super teethy!) by yelping whenever she bit us and teaching her the command "(be) nice". She quickly learned to treat everything, but chew toys, gingerly.

[@Lex60]

One of my dogs just loved his crate. He always went there for naps and chew toy/lil snack time. Since I needed that one to train his sister, I brought him a plastic one [tarp material] and he was OK too... till he learn how to unzip it from inside in the night [sleep time] and parade in front of her "trapped" sister. I fix the zipper with a string, but it throws his sister training back a couple of weeks because "WHY IS HE OUTSIDE PLAYING IN THE NIGHT AND I AM TRAPPED?! IS NOT FAIR!!"

[@maggieadair7286]

Finally understand more about crate training. The information here is so comprehensive and has made me more comfortable with the concept. I have taken lots of notes. I like the idea of the 'apartment' as our puppy is alone for up to 10 hours during the week. I need to set it up better though I think

[@emiliebouchard5594]

Crate training was just so good at helping with potty training and teaching our overexcitable puppy that it’s okay to take naps and to relax! I’d love a video on tips for training dogs around kids. Ours is still so excited to see kids that she’ll try to jump to lick their faces but of course knocks them over cus she’s 60lbs...

[@jessicamerrill4837]

I haven't taught the "kennel" command yet, but Meeko goes into her crate of her own accord. Sometimes she gets down off the bed and spends the night in there. I always try to praise her when she does that!

[@montejanocm23]

Wow! this video helped me out alot. I had so many question about the type of crate I needed for my puppy and this video was a life saver.😁👍

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Excellent video as always. Packed full of super awesome tips!

[@SabrinaLink8888]

I've crate trained my puppy and she'd a 4 month old Parti Yorkie. I've only had her for about a month. She doesn't have any accidents in her crate. She behaves really good and doesn't bark that much at all. Her crate is next to me along with her food, toys and treats. She knows the command words, sit, stay and go potty. I'm still trying to get her to do new things.

[@julietaramirez1374]

These videos are by far the best evaaaaah! Would love a video on regulating puppy biting and how to stop barking... thanks!

[@BrozanJal]

My dog tendsto den up wherever he can watch me. At my grnadma's we have a blanket he knows is his and put it on a certain sofa and he knows that's his spot. One day we walked over and the blanket was being washed the boy wasn't sure what to do but he stayed off the sofa. Sometimes I'll jsut lay down my coat and he'll gravitate to that

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Sometimes their little creature comforts are funny!

[@desertrose2085]

My very first night with my puppy, I settled him to sleep in his wire crate next to my bed. He woke up later, literally panicked, bit the wire at an odd angle, and got his jaw hopelessly stuck. If I hadn’t been right there, he could have broken his teeth or jaw. We’d used that crate for our puppies before. I learned the hard way that a wire crate isn’t safe for puppies with separation anxiety or who panicked when confined.

[@neva.2764]

Thanks Ian!! This wil come in handy. My high energy dog will need to undergo knee surgery somewhere this year and won't be allowed to run around. I must say I wasn't looking forward to crate training. I feel better now that I know that you cover this in some vids! Will definitely check them out! ;)

[@Real_McKinley]

I open the door all the way and clip it to a carabiner I keep on the corner of the crate. Leave it on the top corner and hook the door open or closed whenever. Keeps the door securely open.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Perfect! Another great use for a carabiner.

[@AnnaMiroh-d3d]

Useful information, especially for me, since I have a rather large dog and a cat. I believe that in order for an animal to behave well, it needs to be pampered with some goodies and food

[@SerenityOffGridHomesteadMaine]

Holy crap, THANK YOU! It worked! 24 hour miracle! So grateful!

[@JoMick07]

This was very helpful for my first time puppy! I also just inherited my son's pitbull/boxer mix who does NOT like being left alone. He destroyed a crate my son had for him too! I'm home full time and give him lots of love and after 2 weeks my husband and I decided to try and leave the house for a short time. He tore through a screen to get out, but was waiting for us when we got home. Thank God he was ok. Any advice?

[@Randomodnar]

Personally, I like having my own, private space. As does every other creature ive ever encountered, no matter how social or free spirited.

[@bobiernat1232]

I`m still learning. I get my new friend in 4 weeks!!!

[@claudesiadaczka7523]

Your videos are the best on the internet.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Wow, thanks!

[@plexigirls101]

we already have a wire crate my sister used for her pomchi I plan to use it for when I train my cavalier king charles spanial along with other basic training because it’ll be an ESA

[@maxinesmith9761]

Love this as was using our crate nearly right! Now we know what to do properly. Thank you.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You are so welcome!

[@rockyjean3664]

Bo is 7 wks today. He has 3 spots he has a "den". One behind a chair with a blanket I have used. 2)by his leash/door. 3) in the truck between the seats head on the arm rest or tucked back under something.

[@greenie2407]

Picking up an 8 week old Jack Russell soon,don’t fancy a crate and keeping puppy in overnight or letting her loose either.looking to get a pen so she has room to move about and enough room for water bowl,bed and some absorbent toilet pads

[@donsvideos1985]

My first time seeing your videos. They are great will be watching more. I recently adopted a 4 year old Terrier/pointer mix. very sweet but has plenty of energy. we are walking together every day 1 to 2 miles. We are keeping her crate available during the day while at work "open" only crating closed at night. I guess this is OK she goes in without complaint. We have an older "12 year' long haired chihuahua. "my wife's buddy" who has the plastic crate. he uses it every night but not during the day. "he would rather den up behind my chair on a soft pillow or even more in the wife's lap on the couch.. To this day I do not know why he has never warmed to me.. we are friends and he likes when I pet him or give treats but does not like being in my lap at all.. strange but I assume he does not like men.. he loves all the daughter and her female friends but not any guys.. always wants to visit but just as quickly as he comes he will suddenly bolt away as if his anxiety got the better of him.. I was sick a few years back and was home with him everyday for 6 months.. he softened to me a bit but as soon as I want back to work it all went back to the old relationship.

[@khunpingpong]

best dog training tips ever...super thank you

[@megelizabeth9492]

My aunt’s Pyradoodle loves her crate. I don’t think she actually sleeps in it, but she’ll hang out there if she feels overwhelmed, or just wants to relax. Her labradoodle, on the other hand, is not a huge fan. For adult dogs, crate use really depends on the temperament and individual characteristics of the dog in question, I think. The Pyradoodle, Maisy, is prone to anxiety about changes in routine and the like, so she likes the security of a crate, while Levi is a bit more relaxed, so it’s not as big a deal

[@davidfarm8095]

my dog sleeps in his crate ever night. has done so all his life. he loves it and let me know when he ready for bed.

[@bernadetteholmes3792]

I have been using crates for my dogs for years. I have 2 in my house and the doors are always open when I am home. I will find one or two of my three dogs in one at any given time throughout the day. Two stay in crates when I am not home and they have no problem going in one when told.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Great! Perfect usage.

[@careycoleson1375]

@@karar7796 I think if you reread the original post, you'll see the dogs choose to go in the crates and enjoy being in there. The crates have an open door so the dogs have a place to hang out. They are not being locked up

[@blerghzerhg]

thank you for the tips mr simpawtico, im a new puppy owner and your videos are helping me a lot. the tips and quality of the video is superb. hope you all the best and i hope your channel grows soon :)

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks, JJ! And you're welcome.

[@thatgirldani718]

Thank you SO much for this channel and all of these videos! You have a loyal subscriber in me. We are expecting our 8 week Pitbull puppy in the next few weeks and are preparing as much as possible to be the best owner for her. :)

[@physiotherapistpaulina9340]

well done, great educational session on this, professional quality. love the explanations and comparisons to babies, and kids too. Thanks for posting this informative vid, we are getting our first 2 year old adult rescue this week and didn't know how to plan . Cheers!

[@Rose-bp1ec]

Some plastic crates are available with a size-adjustable divider now too. They're really nice, and come quite large. The divider is a wire grid that hooks into the vertical air holes on the sides.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Oh that's cool. I haven't seen any around but I'm glad that's a thing now. Thanks for the heads up!

[@Rose-bp1ec]

This is the only one I currently know of that comes with the divider (customer images show that feature - it's a great crate) - www.chewy.com/petmate-navigator-plastic-kennel-x/dp/101560

[@XavierKatzone]

Wire crates are rattle-traps on road trips, and suitable only for SUVs for medium or larger dogs. I started with a wire crate in the car but quickly replaced it with a well-ventilated plastic crate. If you hear all that noise, imagine how it sounds to sensitive dog ears inside the wire crate!

[@bradcoats5522]

My dog was pretty well crate trained with a wire crate. I moved and was home quite a bit for a few weeks. Now he thrashed the crate around while I was gone and today completely ripped it apart and was outside of the crate

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Moving is stressful. Might need to revisit some crate training games to "reset" it.

[@sportbrown1]

Ian.....so great! I will pass your videos onto the Newfoundland puppy purchasers I meet through my work with the NCA!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks, Kathleen!

[@katypillarkm]

My family dog hates her crate or any gated off areas but she absolutely adores hiding under the bed or behind the sofa, even under the fireplace before she got too big haha

[@whiteskull6367]

I just got a dog and was wondering if creat training for sleeping would be a good option.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Generally that's a good place to start unless your pooch isn't comfortable in a crate. You can graduate to other sleeping places out of the crate later if you want but controlling the space (especially when you can't supervise) is always a good idea in the early days.

[@susanrenaud7109]

i'm on 2 day with my new puppy. the first night with the crate was......i slept two hours. last night i slept 5 hours. not all at once but its getting better. i love the crate

[@andrewstaniforth6089]

Should have watched your video last week - week 1 at home with our 8 week old Jack Russel puppy. Anyway can't turn the clock back. We are adopting the structure that you suggest. With the toilet training we haven't yet worked out how often she needs to go. Yesterday she only pooed twice all day, yet today she has been 3 times this morning. Perhaps by structuring her meals we will make her toilet more structured as well.

[@barryfan1000]

Crating is definitely a fairly new initiative (maybe last 20 years?). The first trainer i talked too to help us with out adopted husky,/ shepherd cross absolutely insisted we get a crate before she would even entertain helping us train our new dog. I found another trainer, who didn't see crates as a necessity, but stated we should see how our new friend git on. He:s a 75lb energetic dog. We have created dens and safe spaces around the house, i don't feel a crate would be appropriate for him Not all dogs that don't use crates are 'outlyers' , each dog to their own, but a crate is not not an absolute necessity.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Correct. Many dogs don't require one and I certainly don't even ask about it when I take on a new client.