Crate training an older dog

[BigJohn]

If all goes well, I'm adopting a 5 year old male Rottie. This will be my third Rottie, I lost my last one to cancer last year.

I've crate trained pups before with no problem. Will an older dog that has never been crated respond well? Is there any difference in technique that will work with an older dog?

[hokisteph5]

From what I've read on here, the general consensus seems to be that any dog, no matter the age, can be crate trained. I'm not sure if there are any tricks to training older dogs, but I think it's important to get the dog thinking of their crate as their den/safe place.

When I leave the house and can't take the dogs with me, they get put in crates. At night, though, I don't crate them since they sleep in my bedroom, on their dog beds. A lot of times, though, Gretchen still likes to sleep in her crate with the door open (which is beside my bed).

[brunie's mom]

I've crate trained many mature foster dogs.
The best way is to make sure everything is positive about the crate. Make sure the crate is big enough for the dog to be able to lay down and turn around. Start feeding all meals in the crate. Put the food in the back of the crate, give a command ( I say "kennel up") and then let the dog eat the food without closing the crate. When the dog is comfortable going in and eating in the crate...start closing the crate door. Only give good things when the dog goes in the crate (save all of the treats and goodies for crate time)...such as stuffed Kongs or a marrow bone,etc.

Keep the dog in crate for short times while you are around...start with 5-10 minutes. Then work up to longer amounts and make a quick trip to the store,etc.
Everytime you want the dog to go in the crate, give the same command and throw a treat into the back of the crate.

Being that the dog is 5 years old, he may not need to be crated. It's good that he learns to be crate trained....but by that age he should be clean and non-destructive. Crating during the day while you are away would be good, at night he may be just as happy to sleep by your bed.

Start working on obedience training right away with him...and don't feel sorry for him because of his past.

Gina

[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by brunie's mom

Being that the dog is 5 years old, he may not need to be crated. It's good that he learns to be crate trained....but by that age he should be clean and non-destructive. Crating during the day while you are away would be good, at night he may be just as happy to sleep by your bed.

Start working on obedience training right away with him...and don't feel sorry for him because of his past.

Gina

I'm hoping that he will be fine. All my other dogs were fine in the house by themselves well before they got to be five. I'm here most days (its great to be retired) so I don't have to worry a lot. I'm hoping that once he settles in, the door can be open most of the time.

Thanks for the advice!

[spoiledbabies3]

Originally Posted by brunie's mom

The best way is to make sure everything is positive about the crate. Make sure the crate is big enough for the dog to be able to lay down and turn around. Start feeding all meals in the crate. Put the food in the back of the crate, give a command ( I say "kennel up") and then let the dog eat the food without closing the crate. When the dog is comfortable going in and eating in the crate...start closing the crate door. Only give good things when the dog goes in the crate (save all of the treats and goodies for crate time)...such as stuffed Kongs or a marrow bone,etc.
Keep the dog in crate for short times while you are around...start with 5-10 minutes. Then work up to longer amounts and make a quick trip to the store,etc.
Everytime you want the dog to go in the crate, give the same command and throw a treat into the back of the crate.

Great advice! This is exactly how we just crate trained my 2 yo grandbaby boxer...my daughter used to feel that crates were cruel and unjust punishment, however, she has recently changed her opinion (thank goodness... ) and now her boxer LOVES the crate. It took us about 2 weeks to get him to like it. We fed him in here for a while also, just so that he knew this was his space and no-one bothered him (including my new 5 mo rescue girlie) . He goes in without any problems and he is happy as a clam because he can see the other 3 dogs in the house when we are away. I have 3 crated when I am not at home. I have WAY TOO MANY varied personalities at my house to leave more than 1 out of the crate when unsupervised. Good luck and who knows...he might already be crate trained. Congrats on the newest member of the family!