Crate training an older dog
- Thread starter puggymom
- Start date
Can you crate train an older dog (6 years)? Any helpful tips or suggestions? Thanks so much for any help
Sure you can.
Just throw his/her favorite treat in there and close the gate/door.
Trained.
Can you crate train an older dog (6 years)? Any helpful tips or suggestions? Thanks so much for any help
How so? In my opinion, to be crate trained means many things. The animal enjoys being in the crate, goes in willingly, doesn't whine while in there, and doesn't mess in it. So like I asked earlier, what is it exactly that you are looking for help with?
puggymom
Active Member
Mainly in terms of helping to housebreak. We are taking in an older dog who is not remotely housebroken. He is apparently very friendly, does well with kids and other dogs but just goes wherever.
I would also like for him to be comfortable to go in there on his own when he feels like it. Does that make sense?
libertytyranny
Dream Stealer
I can't imagine it is much different than crate training a puppy..only it will def take longer. Just like with a puppy you have to anticipate when he will need to go, perhaps even put him on an every 4-5 hour schedule. use a biocleaner to remove as much of the scent as you can from "accidents"...and scold him if you catch him in the act...praise when he is outside..it will take patience time and consistancy
he will not like the crate at first (and most are loud about it so find a place out of the way for the first few nights) but make sure it is big and comfy enough and be consistant putting him in there..and eventually he will learn it is his.
he will not like the crate at first (and most are loud about it so find a place out of the way for the first few nights) but make sure it is big and comfy enough and be consistant putting him in there..and eventually he will learn it is his.
Cowgirl
Well-Known Member
I've found it's better to put the crate near you, so in the living room if you watch tv, etc. If you put the dog in a room far away from you where he can't see or hear you, it's like punishment to them. It helps if you're nearby when they're learning, so they can see it's ok to be there, it's not punishment.
I'd put him in there for a few minutes at a time at first. Give him a command like 'kennel up' and give him a treat when he goes in. Definitely give him some toys to chew on/play with. You can use a squirt bottle with water in it in case he barks or whines. When he's quiet, tell him good boy. After he settles down and is quiet, you can let him out and praise him. Keep doing that until he gets comfortable in there. Eventually he should get the hang of it.
libertytyranny
Dream Stealer
I was thinking more at night..our beagle mix howled and couldda awoken the dead. so at night we had the kennel downstairs for the first few nights..then she went upstairs..but yeah you are right during the day..only we didnt crate when we were at home..because then we could make sure the dog went out. She was crated when we left or at night. She trained up in a few days..but she was also a puppy. I see no reason to crate the dog when you are there...you can take him out on schedule and praise him and accomplish the housetraining..he will get to enjoy the kennel over time..the housetraining would be what I focused on..that's a burden on the house