Crate training is one of the most valuable skills you can teach your puppy. Not only does it create a sense of security and routine, but it’s also essential for travel and medical visits. A properly sized crate allows your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without giving them enough room to designate one side as a potty area and the other as a sleeping area. If you start with a smaller crate to prevent them from soiling their space, you can gradually transition to a larger one as they grow. Some crates come with dividers, which can be a handy feature for adjusting the space as your puppy matures. Typically, a 20”x16” crate is a good size for most Havanese puppies, but always adjust based on their individual size and needs.
Make it a positive experience.
Crate training should always be a positive experience for your puppy. Never use the crate as a form of punishment; instead, view it as a safe haven where they can relax and retreat. It’s important that they associate the crate with comfort and security.
When you first bring your puppy home, I recommend placing the crate in your bedroom. Ideally, place it close to your bed or on a nightstand so your puppy can see and hear you. This helps them feel more secure and eases their transition to their new environment. It also gives you the ability to comfort them if needed, and you’ll be able to hear if they need to go outside during the night. If you do take them out for a nighttime potty break, keep it brief and focused only on eliminating, then return them straight to their crate. This helps establish a clear routine and prevents confusion about nighttime expectations.
In addition to the crate, an ex-pen (exercise pen) can be a great tool. This allows your puppy to have a safe, contained space where they can play, nap, or relax while you’re busy or unable to supervise them directly. It’s a great way to give them freedom in a controlled environment and minimize accidents or destructive behavior while you’re not actively engaging with them.
Ultimately, crate training lays the foundation for a well-adjusted and happy puppy. With patience, consistency, and a positive approach, your puppy will grow to love their crate as their own personal sanctuary.
Some games you can play to help with crate training:
1. Treat and Toy Treasure Hunt
Use your puppy’s favorite treats or toys to create a “hunt” that leads them to the crate. Place a treat just outside the crate, then gradually move it further inside. Encourage your puppy to go in by showing excitement when they get closer to the crate, and reward them with the treat as they enter. This game will help them feel like the crate is a place of discovery and fun, rather than something they’re forced into.
2. Crate Hide-and-Seek
This game not only teaches your puppy to enter the crate on command but also reinforces crate training in a playful way. Start by calling your puppy to you, then guide them into the crate with a treat or toy. Once they enter, close the door for just a few seconds, then let them out and repeat. Over time, increase the duration they spend inside before letting them out. You can mix this game with commands like “crate” or “go to your bed” to help reinforce obedience.
3. Crate as a Rest Spot
Make the crate a fun “rest area” by giving your puppy a comfortable blanket, toys, and a chew. Encourage them to go inside to “chill” and reward them when they settle down. You can turn this into a game by tossing a toy just inside the crate and encouraging your puppy to fetch it. As they get used to retrieving inside the crate, it helps create a positive association with the space as a place where they can play and relax.
4. Puzzle Games Inside the Crate
Interactive puzzle toys that dispense treats or food when solved are a fantastic way to keep your puppy entertained in their crate. You can place the puzzle toy inside their crate, encouraging them to enter and “work” for their reward. This game provides mental stimulation and helps your puppy associate the crate with positive activities, like solving puzzles and earning treats.
5. Crate Door Game
With the crate door open, encourage your puppy to go in by placing treats or their favorite toy inside. Once your puppy enters the crate, gently close the door for just a few seconds and then open it immediately, rewarding them with praise and treats. Gradually increase the time the door is closed to help your puppy become comfortable with staying inside. This game helps desensitize your puppy to being crated for longer periods and makes the experience less stressful.
6. “Home Alone” Game
For older puppies who are more familiar with the crate, you can simulate short periods of being left alone by placing them in the crate, leaving the room for a few minutes, and then returning. Initially, keep these “alone times” brief to avoid stressing your puppy. Over time, this game helps them become more comfortable being crated when you’re not around, and they’ll start to view it as a calm, safe place when you’re not home.
By integrating these games into your crate training routine, you turn the crate into a space of excitement, comfort, and safety. Not only will your puppy learn to love their crate, but they’ll also be more likely to stay calm and content when they’re inside it. Keep the sessions short, fun, and positive, and your puppy will quickly associate the crate with enjoyable activities.