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How to Cage Train
A collapsible
dog cage with a metal tray floor, just large enough for an adult dog
to stand in comfortably is the most practical type of cage.
Alternatively, you could build a crate or dog house. For additional
comfort or security, a blanket can be placed over the top. Choose
a floor covering should be easy to clean or dispose of.
 Place
the cage in a room where the dog will be content. Kitchens or bedrooms
work the best.
- Before placing the dog in his cage,
be certain he has had sufficient exercise and attention.
- Leave the dog’s water bowl and chew
toys in the cage at all times and give all food and treats inside
the cage so the dog learns to enter on his own. Reward him whenever
he goes in the cage. The cage must be an enjoyable place and
must never be used for punishment.
- Begin cage training a pup when you
first bring him home. With adult dogs, it may take 1 or 2 weeks
before he feels comfortable enough to enter the cage on his own.
- Put the dog in the cage with a few
hew toys or treats and a bowl of water, close the door and leave the
room. Stay within hearing range. If the dog is quiet for
about 5 minutes, return, reward him and let him out. If he will not
stay quiet, use some form of remote punishment because you must not
go to the dog. Try leaving an intercom or walky-talky by the
dog. A loud horn or a can of marbles will also work. at the
first sign of any crying or anxiety, make a loud noise and yell “quiet”.
Sometimes spraying water at the dog works better. When the dog
is quiet, let him out and praise him.
- Repeat the procedure, gradually increasing
the amount of time you leave the dog alone. By the end of the first
day, you should be able to confine your pup for several hours or even
the entire night. An adult dog will have to be trained much more gradually,
perhaps over several weeks.
The time in the cage should never exceed
a puppy’s limit. A two-month old pup can probably control himself
for three hours, a three-month old pup for four hours, etc. If
you must leave a pup for longer than the above guidelines, you will
have to combine cage and paper training. Place the cage in a room, leave
the door open, and place paper for eliminating outside the cage. Keep
the pup in this room if you must go out for long periods.
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