{"id":21860,"date":"2022-09-15T09:15:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-15T15:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/?p=21860"},"modified":"2022-10-13T06:29:20","modified_gmt":"2022-10-13T12:29:20","slug":"how-to-crate-train-an-older-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/dogs\/how-to-crate-train-an-older-dog","title":{"rendered":"How to Crate Train an Older Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You have a senior dog, and he\u2019s been having some issues lately. Or maybe you\u2019ve decided to adopt an adult dog and you want to give him a safe place where he can feel comfortable in his new home. No matter what the reason, you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s some information on why crate training is so important, and how to go about it no matter what age your pup is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Crate Training Is Good for Your Dog <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Whether you\u2019ve owned a dog or not, you might be skeptical about sticking him in a dog crate. Will your older dog like that? Is it going to cause more problems? Is he going to feel claustrophobic?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth is that most dogs like crate time as long as you properly train them to go in their crate and make it a cozy environment for them. A plastic crate, wire crate, or a collapsible metal one could be good for your dog. It\u2019s his safe space where he can relax and feel<\/a> secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, it comes in handy because you can use it for training purposes. For instance, when you first get your older dog, he may be anxious and end up going to the bathroom all over your house. But typically, dogs won\u2019t soil their own spaces. Putting him in a crate for a few hours while you can\u2019t supervise him could help him with potty training issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your dog has separation anxiety<\/a>, a crate could provide him with the comfort he needs to feel safe as well. Or, if he has issues with noise, like thunder<\/a>, he could go into his crate to feel better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also use a crate when taking your dog in the car. It is much safer than letting him roam free in your vehicle, which can lead to an accident and make your dog feel more anxious to boot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, here are some tips on how pet parents can get their older pooch to try out the crate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Related reading: 4 of the Best Dog Crate Toys & Kong Alternatives<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Make the Crate Appealing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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First of all, you\u2019ll want to make sure that your dog can stand up and turn around inside his crate. Then, you\u2019ll know it\u2019s big enough. If it\u2019s too big, you can always use a divider in the middle or get a smaller crate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put the crate in a room where your dog can calm down. Maybe this is a den or a room where you can close the door. Place a comfortable bed and soft blanket inside the crate so that your dog wants to go in there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One option for a great dog bed is a calming donut dog bed. These types of beds have a calming, self-warming effect and will support your older dog\u2019s joints while providing better sleep. The removable shells on the M-XL Best Friends beds are machine washable as well, making cleanup super easy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to put one of your older dog\u2019s favorite toys in his crate with him. If he likes squeaky toys, he\u2019ll love Outward Hound\u2019s Squeaker Matz Plush Toy<\/a>, which has six to 32 squeakers (depending on the size you get), and is an ideal toy for dogs that love laying, tugging, digging<\/a>, and biting on squeaker toys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By putting a nice dog bed, soft blanket, and favorite toy in his crate, your older dog will have positive associations with it.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Original Calming Donut Shag Cat & Dog Bed<\/h3>\n\t\t\t

Give your pet more than just a dog bed! Best Friend\u2019s by Sheri is the original creator of the most popular dog bed that has surfaced the internet in recent years: The Calming Donut Dog Bed. This innovative cuddler shag design provides better sleep, supports joints, and offers a calming, self-warming effect. The donut cuddler is carefully crafted with durable, vegan nylon and filled with AirLoft fibers,…<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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