Crate Training Games – Power Tip #3: Bait + Restrain

We’ve got a big crate training post with a bunch of the ins and outs of choosing and using a crate. It’s a beast though, so we’re doing our training games in separate posts, like today’s Simpawtico Power Tip!

Crate training is an important and useful part of raising a puppy or adopting a new adult dog. When we’re introducing the crate, even to an experienced dog in a new place, some work with habituating the crate is crucial. This game will help build some interest in the crate. It’s awesome for puppies, but even older dogs benefit from this. It’s really easy to do.

A couple of things first

As always, your most effective strategy is praise. As we’ve repeatedly said, your voice is your #1 training tool. Second, timing is important. Don’t try to work on crate training during peak arousal times. Work with your dog, spend time with them, play with them, and wear them out first. You should be aware of your dog’s energy levels and take steps to manage them.

Finally, we recommend using a consistent phrase as a prompt to enter the crate. Pairing a word or phrase will help directionalize their attention toward where it needs to be. For this exercise, we will use gentle restraint to build drive. A body harness will work best, although if your dog is comfortable being handled by you, you can use your hand on their body. Don’t hold onto the collar during this exercise since that will interfere with obedience work later on.

BAIT + RESTRAIN

So our first training game for any age is the Bait+Restrain. So we start this by throwing food into the crate and letting your dog toddle in to get it. This is the super obvious step, and just about everyone does this. But we are going to kick it up so we can really make some progress. After a few repetitions, gently restrain your dog as you throw the treat in. Gentle restraint is a classic drive-building strategy. A little bit of positive frustration will make ’em want it more and work harder to access whatever it is they want!

On a side note: that’s one of the reasons leash pulling is a problem!

After a few reps with gentle restraint, give your consistent cue, and then release. Now you’re teaching your dog that the words are important. We use a similar process to attach verbal prompts to all of the behaviors we teach.

After a few reps, “pre-bait” the crate. Distract your dog with food when they come out, and throw food in with your other hand, so they don’t see you throw it in. This way, your dog doesn’t become dependent on you throwing food into the crate to go in. They poke their head in, and the food is already there. Next, build a little duration. Toss food while your dog is already in there, so they hang out inside a little bit.

Finally, close the gate while your dog’s in there during the duration work and feed them through the holes. When your dog has stopped eating, let them back out right away. You can build on this process very quickly. This is much better in the long run rather than just throwing your dog into it and hoping for the best. You want to make that initial movement of going in and coming out fun and pleasant.

CONTINUE WORKING

This game alone may get the ball rolling well enough, but if you need—or want—another fun crate game, check out our other Crate Game Power Tip (coming soon). And if you want the low down on choosing and using a crate, check out our big crate post. As always, keep learning, keep practicing, and we’ll see you again soon.

RESOURCES

Our favorite food rewards for training:

The links below are affiliate links. These won’t cost you anything, but the commissions we may earn through them help offset the cost of dog treats. Thanks for your support!

SMALL: Pet Botanics Training Rewards

JACKPOT (or shy dog): Stewart Pro Treats Freeze-Dried Liver Treats

The crate in the video is the Nature’s Miracle Pet Suite. We love this one. Well made with versatile features, namely the door that opens both ways and can be totally removed in a snap. Our favorite plastic crate by far.

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