--- title: "Crate training made simple" id: "202764" type: "post" slug: "crate-training-made-simple" published_at: "2019-12-23T12:40:07+00:00" modified_at: "2019-12-23T12:40:07+00:00" url: "https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2019/12/23/crate-training-made-simple/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2019/12/23/crate-training-made-simple.md" excerpt: "Crate training is not complex, but if you have never crate trained you might have mixed feelings about using the crate. It’s important to remember that crate training isn’t cruel, it’s actually a great way to create healthy boundaries for..." taxonomy_category: - "Tips & Tricks" --- [Home](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/) / [Blog](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/blog/) / [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/blog/) / **Crate training made simple** [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/blog/) # Crate training made simple December 23, 2019 · 2 min read · [Carley Kuehner](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandsanantonio.com) Crate training is not complex, but if you have never crate trained you might have mixed feelings about using the crate. It’s important to remember that crate training isn’t cruel, it’s actually a great way to create healthy boundaries for you and your pup. Here are a few tips to make crate training simple. 1. Not Making it Comfortable You want your dog to have positive associations with the crate. Step 1 in that goal is to make sure that the crate is comfortable for your dog. Make sure the crate is large enough so that your dog can stand up and turn around. Make it homey with a comfy bed and whatever else your pooch digs. 2. Giving In and Letting Out Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/) This can be critical. You know the drill. Your dog starts that pathetic little whimper and gives you that look. You know, that look. Anyway, you just can’t resist and you just give in and let your dog out of the crate. The problem is that your dog learns that whimpering and whining will eventually get her out. Stay strong! 3. Not Feeding in the Crate Dogs love food. The easiest way to create positive vibes around the crate is to feed your puppy in the crate. It also establishes a good routine. By not feeding in the crate, you are missing out on the most powerful positive association. Still reading? Our puppies are waiting. Healthy, happy pups ready to meet their families — see who's available today. [Meet our puppies](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/) 4. Forcing Your Dog Into the Crate Don’t force your dog into the crate. Use your brain to figure out a way to get your doggy in without force. Or just steal these ideas: use food or a toy. 5. Crating Your Dog for Too Long Crating a dog is not a long term option. By long term, I mean that you shouldn’t crate your dog for 8 hours straight while you are at work. 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LORENZO educated me on their demeanor, foods etc... I was there a good while, he showed no signs of rushing me, or pushing a sale. Answered all my questions and even educated me on ferrets as i asked lol he loves his job & wish all associates were like this everywhere! I was very pleased 😀 didn't grab the rabbit as my daughter took forever to answer me, but we're leaving for vacation and would not be cool to leave him alone . We will be back! And I will only ask for him! Thank you for the great customer service! ```