Training a puppy or adult dog to use the carrier is beneficial for both the owner and his furry friend. In fact, if it is gradually accustomed to entering the cage, thanks to the use of numerous positive reinforcements, this container will soon become a safe den in which the dog will love to rest. You can slowly teach your dog or puppy to love the carrier over several days or even weeks, or over a single weekend, whichever is most convenient for him and your schedule. Adult dogs may take a little longer to get used to than puppies, but if you are patient, your four-legged friend will learn to love his carrier in no time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Carrier
Step 1. Choose a suitable size carrier
It should be large enough for the dog to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. One of the reasons why it is an effective tool for training dogs not to do their needs at home is that these animals do not perform their physiological functions where they sleep. If the cage is very large, the dog can use one side for sleeping and the other for his bodily needs.
- If the puppy is still small, you can buy a carrier that is able to accommodate it even when it has become an adult and close one part with a special internal divider (sold together with some carriers) to eliminate the extra space.
- Many pet supply stores and some veterinarians offer kennel rentals, so you can get one that fits your puppy's size and then buy another that's more comfortable depending on the size your dog will reach as an adult.
- If you intend to use it for air travel, be sure to choose one approved for air travel by major airlines and compliant with IATA regulations.
Step 2. Choose the right type of pet carrier
There are several types of dog cages on the market, including those made of wire mesh, plastic and soft fabrics. Choose the one that best suits your dog and circumstances.
- Wire mesh cages are the cheapest and most airy. Usually they are sold with dividers that separate a part so that they can adapt to the growth of the puppy.
- Plastic ones are more comfortable for most dogs. They are normally used for air transport. However, they are not the best choice during the summer season or if your dog can't stand the heat easily.
- Those made from soft fabrics are light and easy to handle, but many dogs can nibble on them and can be difficult to clean.
Step 3. Find a good place for the cage
When you begin training with the carrier, it is best to place the cage in a place where family members spend most of their time, such as in the kitchen or living room. Dogs are social animals and, therefore, they enjoy feeling part of their surroundings. It is important not to place the pet carrier in an isolated location, such as in a cellar or garage. It must never be a punishment for the dog.
- When you train your puppy, you should plan to move him to the bedroom at night to give him the opportunity to go outside when he needs to do his business.
- Some owners use two cages, one in the living area and the other in the bedroom.
Step 4. Make the crate cozy
On the floor of the cage, lay out a blanket or towel for the dog to sleep on. If you are using a wire mesh carrier, you can also lay a breathable blanket or towel on top to create a cozier, kennel-like atmosphere so your dog feels more protected.
Some dogs and puppies may confuse the blanket with something to chew on or as a material on which to serve their needs. In these cases, remove it, clean the cage and do not insert anything. You will be able to add blankets and towels again later when the dog has grown
Step 5. Be happy
When you put the carrier down, the dog will come to investigate. Try talking about the cage in an engaging way to show your enthusiasm, allowing your furry friend to explore it. However, do not try to force him to enter and do not close the entrance once he gets inside. It will take time and patience before it gets used to it. The more enthusiastic you show yourself, the more enticed the dog will be.
Part 2 of 3: Training Your Dog to Use the Carrier Gradually
Step 1. Open the door of the pet carrier
Leave the entrance open and verbally encourage your dog to examine him closely. He might come in and take a look or he might not be so convinced. If he introduces himself, fill him with praise and compliments to let him know that you are pleased.
Do not close the entrance once the dog has entered. Wait until he feels protected inside the cage before closing the door
Step 2. Place some succulent treats in the carrier
You can place some treats inside for a few minutes to increase the dog's interest, or let him go and get it directly. It's not a problem if she just sticks her head out to grab the treats at first. Gradually move them further back until he is forced to go all the way in to reach them.
Step 3. Place one of your favorite toys inside the crate
If your dog is not responding well to the tidbit lure, try putting a toy he likes or a new one that is particularly inviting he can chew inside the cage.
Step 4. Put the food in the crate
Once the dog enters the cage of his own free will to retrieve a toy or some delicacy, he begins to feed him inside the carrier. Put the bowl in the bottom and leave the door open as she eats her first meals inside.
Step 5. Begin closing the entrance
When he seems happy to stay and eat inside the cage, you can start closing the door while he is eating his meal. Stay nearby to observe it. The first few times, open the entrance as soon as he's finished eating. Then leave it closed for a few minutes once the meal is finished, until it stays in the carrier for 10 minutes at a time.
Step 6. Get your dog used to spending more time in the crate
Once he gets used to eating inside with the door closed, you can leave him inside for longer. Call him to let him in, giving him a reward. Therefore, choose a command, such as "enter", by pointing your finger at the cage, and encourage him to enter. When he obeys, give him a reward and close the door. Stay close to him for 5-10 minutes, then leave the room briefly. Re-enter and release the dog.
Repeat this a few times a day for several days, gradually increasing the time your dog spends in the crate
Step 7. Put the dog in the carrier when you need to leave the house
Once he is able to stay in the crate for 30 minutes without crying or showing signs of impatience, you can leave him inside when you need to leave the house for short periods. Try taking him for a walk and making him move before putting him in the carrier and leaving. It is best to leave it in the company of some toy. Then close it in the cage and go out without any problem.
Step 8. Lock your dog in the carrier overnight
Initially, it is best to keep the cage in the bedroom, especially if the puppy needs to urinate at night. Once he gets used to sleeping inside at night, you can move him elsewhere if you prefer.
Step 9. Do not keep the dog in the carrier for too long
Dogs need to exercise and socialize to stay physically and emotionally healthy, so immobilizing them in a cage for too long can cause problems. Read the following guidelines, avoiding leaving it in the carrier for more than 5 hours at a time, except at night:
- 9-10 weeks of age: 30-60 minutes.
- 11-14 weeks of age: 1-3 hours.
- 15-16 weeks of age: 3-4 hours.
- More than 17 weeks of age: more than 4 hours (but not more than 6!).
Step 10. Respond to crying appropriately
Do not let your dog out of the cage because he is complaining if you don't think he needs to urinate. If not, it will seem like a form of approval from you that encourages him to do this in the future as well. Ignore him for a few minutes when he whimpers. If he doesn't give up, get him out quickly so he can get his needs done, then take him back to the cage. Make sure you don't teach him that whining is the same as escaping the carrier.
Part 3 of 3: Train the Dog to the Carrier on a Weekend Ride
Step 1. Establish a schedule and train your dog over a weekend
Many people have no way to spend several weeks training a dog to use a carrier. If you follow the steps outlined in this section and stay patient and have a positive attitude, you can teach most pets to love the cage in just one weekend.
Step 2. Prepare the carrier in advance
Buy it and place it where you want. You can do this a few days in advance so that the dog gets used to the presence of the cage. Leave the door open so your dog can explore it.
Step 3. Start placing some treats inside on Friday night
Place them in the crate on a Friday night and replace them if the dog finds them. You can also place others when the initial training period is over so that you continue to positively associate them with entering the carrier.
Step 4. Serve Friday night dinner in the carrier
Place the food in a bowl, placing it at the bottom of the cage. If the dog is reluctant to crawl inside, move the bowl closer to the entrance, but when he begins to eat, try to push it further in. If he seems comfortable, close the door until he has finished eating, but only if the situation is calm.
Step 5. Begin the active part of the training on Saturday morning
During the first session, sit next to the crate and call the dog. Show him a treat and command him to enter (for example, by saying "kennel" or "enter"), then toss the reward inside. When the dog sneaks in to get it, praise him warmly and offer him another reward while he is inside. Command him to get out of the cage (for example, by saying "exit" or "OK") and then repeat the operation.
Repeat the process 10 times, then pause briefly and continue 10 more times
Step 6. Teach the dog to earn the reward
In the late morning of Saturday another session begins. Give him some treats as before. After a couple of times, instead of throwing them in the carrier, give them the established command without offering any reward until they enter the cage. Then order him out and give him another treat once he's out.
- Repeat this about 10 times, or until you seem to understand the various steps.
- Take a short break, then another 10-rep session.
Step 7. Close the carrier door on Saturday afternoon
Begin to get the dog into the cage, giving him the reward as before. After repeating the process a few times, order him to walk in, give him a treat, and then gently close the door. Hand him something to eat from the entrance, then reopen the cage. Command him out and repeat the operation.
- Do this exercise 10 times, gradually leaving the door a little more open each time. Try to go up to 10 seconds and then 30.
- If the dog seems agitated, leave the door ajar at first.
- By using a lot of positive reinforcement throughout the training, you will reduce his agitation.
Step 8. Increase the time spent in the carrier
Take a break, then repeat the previous exercise. This time, when you have closed the door, sit by the cage for longer and longer intervals until the dog is comfortable inside for about one minute at a time.
Step 9. Get your dog used to being alone in the carrier
On Saturday night, he begins to train him to stay in the cage for short periods. Start locking it in for a few moments as before. Then tell him to come in and then walk into the room or out of sight before returning and rewarding him. Repeat this 10 times, take a half hour break and start over.
Step 10. Increase the time spent in the carrier on Sunday mornings
Get a chew bone or toy from the Kong line filled with food and order the dog to enter the cage. Then give him the toy, close the door and relax in the same room reading or watching TV for half an hour while the dog chews the toy. When the time is up, command him to go out, open the door and remove the toy. Repeat this an hour or two later.
It is best not to praise him too much once he is out of the cage. In fact, you should get excited about going in, not going out
Step 11. Take him for some physical activity
During the next session, it is preferable that the dog has moved a lot and is therefore inclined to rest. Take him out for a long walk or play together so he can get tired.
Step 12. Leave the room
Order the dog to enter the carrier and give him his special chew toy. Close the door and leave the room for 10 minutes. Return and free it for a while, then repeat the operation leaving it more and more inside the cage. Make sure you give him something to play with and occasionally take a few breaks so that he can relieve himself. Try to keep it in the crate for at least an hour in total.
Step 13. Get out of the house
Sunday night is the time to try to leave the house. Order the dog to crawl into the carrier and give him his chew toy. Then leave home for 10 minutes. Upon your return, release it and continue your evening. Don't praise him or be particularly happy that you went out and back. It is best to teach the dog that willingly entering the crate is completely normal and nothing to get excited about.
Step 14. Leave on Monday morning
After the weekend training, the dog - even according to its age - should be ready to stay in the carrier for several hours. Continue to train him thoroughly in the morning, and then send him to the crate, giving him a toy to chew on. Try not to worry too much about leaving him alone and only stay out of the house for a few hours before returning and giving him a break at noon. Remember to follow the age guidelines below and do not leave it in the carrier for too long:
- 9-10 weeks of age: 30-60 minutes.
- 11-14 weeks of age: 1-3 hours.
- 15-16 weeks of age: 3-4 hours.
- More than 17 weeks of age: more than 4 hours (but not more than 6!).
Warnings
- Do not use the carrier as a form of punishment. It is better for the dog to get attached to his cage, without fearing it. By using her as a punishment, you will send him the wrong message and there is a risk that he will begin to hate her.
- Never leave a sick dog in the carrier. If he has vomiting, diarrhea or fever, don't keep him inside, but take him to the vet right away.
