Are you worried about how your dog will respond to crate training? Does it worry you that they might feel too confined in a crate, or that it might increase their anxiety?

Here are a few things you need to know.

Crate Training Helps Alleviate Anxiety

While some dog owners worry that putting their dogs into crates will increase their anxiety, the opposite is actually true. Dogs are den creatures – their instinct is to burrow into small, enclosed spaces. This makes them feel secure and in control. Training your dog to utilize crate space will actually help them cope with their anxiety by giving them their own territory and a place that makes them feel safe. It’s doubly helpful for owners who can use the crates to help ensure that their pups can’t have free rein of the house at certain times when they might get into mischief.

It’s All About the Crate

The most important ingredient to successful crate training is to find the right crate. Nothing else matters as much. You might have to test out a few types – some dogs do really well with wire crates that offer high visibility, while others prefer more enclosed kennel or airline crates. The biggest mistake most people make is getting a crate that is far too big for their dog. Your dog should be able to stand and turn around in their crate when the door is shut, however, you also want the crate to be not much bigger than that.

Always Make Positive Associations with the Crate

Never force your dog into the crate or use it as a consequence for bad behavior. You want your dog to always have positive associations with this space. Deck it out with a comfortable bed or liner, put their favorite toys in there, and give them treats when they use their crate on their own.

Don’t Leave Dogs in a Crate for Too Long

Don’t leave the house with your dog in a crate unless you are running to the coffee shop down the block to pick up a quick latte to go. Always be mindful of the time when your dog is in their crate, and be sure to give them plenty of breaks to play and go to the bathroom.

Follow the Olympus Corsair blog for more tips on pet care.