Getting your dog used to a box - instructions and tips

Now it's getting tight - but no need for a dog panic attack! For many four-legged friends, the dog box is actually a particularly cosy place where they feel safe. With a little training, your dog will get used to the box. We explain why getting your dog used to the box is one of the basics of dog training and give you a step-by-step guide to help you live together in a relaxed atmosphere.

Dog box - what you should use it for

A dog box is a practical companion when living with our four-legged furry friends: You can use the box in different situations and create a relaxation zone for your dog - especially if you line the box with cuddly blankets that smell like you, so that your furry friend feels even more comfortable. You can use it in the following ways:

• Travel: If you like to travel with your four-legged friend, then a dog transport box is an absolute must. This way, your dog can ride safely and comfortably in the car and there are no dangerous distractions while driving. For longer car journeys, take a break every two to three hours or so, during which you get your four-legged travel companion out of the box so that he can move around briefly.
• Training: The dog crate can also help you practice commands such as "stay" or when teaching your puppy to be housebroken. This is because dogs usually do not go to their own sleeping place. So it will make training easier for you in many areas if you get your puppy used to the box.
• Veterinarian: The visit to the veterinarian is usually very exciting for our dogs. If your dog knows his box well and feels comfortable in it after successful training, you can transport him in the box to the vet, for example in the car. This helps him to relax. If you have a small dog and a handy transport box, you can even take it with you to the waiting area of the practice.
• At home: When visiting, with loud noises such as vacuuming or from craftsmen, the box can serve as a retreat for your dog. If your four-legged friend has too much hustle and bustle in the house, he can relax in his box, which offers him a safe cave. In these moments, you should make sure that he is not disturbed by you as the dog owner or by your visit to the crate. The crate can also serve as a sleeping place for your dog : at night or during the day. It is important that you leave the box open so that he can move around and change his sleeping place in between.

In order for the box to give your dog a feeling of safety and security, the right training is necessary. Our instructions will help you get your adult dog or puppy used to the dog box.

Getting used to the dog box in 5 steps

The dog box should be a place of rest and relaxation for your dog. That's why it's important that your furry friend only associates positive experiences with the box. Don't send them into the box for punishment and do things that can be uncomfortable for them, like nail trimming or ear trimming outside the box.

By the way, don't be discouraged if it doesn't work out right away: During training, you need a lot of patience so that your dog feels completely comfortable in the box. If you notice tension or even fear in your dog during training, release him and simply take a step back in box training.

This is how you get your four-legged friend used to his box - in 5 steps:

1. Carefully explore the box from the outside:

Place the open dog box where you want it to be in your home, such as the living room. Lay them out with cozy blankets or your dog's favorite toy. Your darling can simply sniff the box in the first few hours and slowly feel his way around. To make them interesting, you can also hand out some treats in front of the box.

2. Get to know the box from the inside:

To encourage your dog to go inside, you can put a treat in the box. Think of a term like "box", which will later become the command for your dog to go into the dog crate. Name the term as soon as your four-legged friend enters it. Repeat this exercise about 3 times a day for 3-4 days. If your dog voluntarily goes into the crate during the day, you should reward him vigorously: with the voice or a treat.

3. Stay in the box longer:

In the third step, you put a treat in the box. Since the goal is for your pet to stay in the crate longer, it's best to sprinkle some food in the crate – you can also use your dog's bowl for this. Leave the box open. Your dog should be allowed out at any time if he wants to. After 2-3 days, move on to the next training step.

4. Close door:

If your dog dares to stay in the crate longer and, for example, eat his food there, you can try closing the door. If possible, only lean the door against it so that your dog can get out at any time. If he can handle it well, you can lock the door next time. Always stay close to him in the beginning so that he feels safe and you can observe his reaction. Staying in the closed box will be easier for your dog if you put treats in it that he will have to chew on for longer (such as a chew bone). If he manages to stay quietly in the box with the door closed for 10-15 minutes, you can move on to step 5.

5. Leave the dog alone in the box:

Now it's time to leave your furry friend alone in her new retreat. If your dog is busy chewing in his closed box, move away from him. Change rooms for a few minutes and then let your dog out of the box. Practice this for at least 3 days, increasing the amount of time you leave your dog alone each time. Only if this works well, you should leave the apartment. Even then, stay away for just a few minutes at the beginning and slowly increase the amount of time. If your dog is still relaxed when you walk back in the door, the training was successful! And more and more often, he will retreat to the pits alone when he needs a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.