Does Your Dog Love Crate?

Crate Training: Teaching Dogs That the Crate Is an Opportunity

Crate training is often misunderstood by dog owners, who may see the crate as a punishment. In reality, a crate is not only a safe and secure space for dogs but also a place they can view as their den—a valuable and rewarding area. The challenge lies in teaching dogs to desire the crate, not just tolerate it. A competitive, frustration-based approach can build intense drive for the crate and make it feel like the ultimate reward.

This method transforms crate training into an exciting, high-energy game. Rather than passively letting the dog explore the crate, the game creates drive, frustration, and competition, which make the dog want the crate even more. The process involves using treats, the crate, and a leash to build anticipation and the desire to “win” the crate.

Step-by-Step Competitive Crate Training Game

1. Leash the Dog: Start with the dog on a leash. This gives you control during the game and allows you to introduce controlled frustration.

2. Play the Search Game: Toss a treat into the room for the dog to find, building their excitement for searching. Repeat this a few times to get the dog engaged.

3. Introduce the Crate: Show the dog a treat, let them sniff or lick it briefly, then toss it into the closed crate. The dog will likely bark, jump, or cry in frustration, trying to get to the treat.

4. Create Frustration: When the dog moves toward the crate, gently pull them back using the leash. Show them another treat, let them lick it, and toss it into the crate again. The repeated inability to reach the treat builds drive and makes the crate feel like the ultimate goal.

5. Distract and Re-Release: After pulling the dog away, briefly distract them with movement or another activity. Then release them to let them try again. The dog will likely run back to the crate, checking if the door is open.

6. Build Drive: Repeat this cycle several times—tossing treats into the crate, pulling the dog back, and distracting them. Over time, the dog becomes increasingly fixated on the crate, desperate to figure out how to get inside.

7. “Accidentally” Open the Door: Once the dog is running back to the crate at every opportunity, instruct the owner to slightly open the crate door as if by accident. When the dog notices the open door, they’ll rush inside to claim the treat.

8. Pull the Dog Back: Immediately run to the crate, take hold of the leash, and pull the dog out of the crate. Close the door and toss another treat inside. This increases the dog's frustration and makes them more determined to win the crate.

9. Repeat the Process: Repeat this game 3–4 times in one session, continuously pulling the dog back when they get inside. Keep tossing treats into the crate to sustain the drive.

10. Let Them Win: After several repetitions, when the dog is intensely fixated on the crate and showing frustration, let them “win.” Pretend the door was left open by accident, but this time, don’t pull the dog back. Allow them to stay in the crate, eat the treats, and enjoy their victory.

Why This Works

This competitive, frustration-driven approach taps into a dog’s natural instincts to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. By creating a sense of scarcity and opportunity, the crate becomes highly desirable. Over time, the dog learns that the crate is not a punishment but a place they worked hard to win—a space filled with rewards and comfort.

By consistently playing this game over 2–3 weeks, your dog will view the crate as a prized opportunity rather than something to resist.