Be the boss dog training - utah county dog training

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO BE CRATE TRAINED

Home
º
Blog

What WE mean when we say “crate trained.”

MOST DOGS ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE CRATE, YET WE WOULD NOT QUALIFY THEM AS CRATE-TRAINED.

The same phenomenon happens with humans. Most humans are familiar with a hammer/wrench/nails…but we are not trained carpenters. We know how to hang up a picture occasionally…but it is not a skill that we can rely on to make our lives better.

Crate training for dogs is not just being familiar with the crate. It is knowing how to properly USE the crate to facilitate a calm mindset and a respectful attitude towards EVERYONE in the house. The crate is a CREATIVE place for your dog.

Here is what your dog can do if your dog is crate-trained. Keep in mind…if you have not SPECIFICALLY tested your dog on these items you do not know if they are crate-trained.

  1. Sleep in the kennel OUTSIDE of your room at night.
  2. Be calm in the crate WHILE YOU ARE HOME without making any noise.
  3. Go into the crate without compulsion EVEN when they do not want to.
  4. Hear the doorbell ring, people talking or laughing, or high distractions and NOT BARK, WHINE or WHIMPER while in the crate
  5. Be able to be crated at a kennel, facility or friend’s home and be calm.

Zeus, in this video, is being SUCH a good boy! He is learning that the crate is not just an object to go into…but an object that helps him to rely on cues from his Mom. The crate is a facilitator of his relationship with the humans in the household. ❤️

More Tips

Check out our other posts

Protective or Possessive? The Truth About Dogs That Guard Their Owners

July 14, 2026 No Comments

Is your dog truly protecting you, or are they acting out of fear and possessiveness?

Many owners mistake controlling behaviors for loyalty, but allowing your dog to make decisions about who can approach you can lead to stress, anxiety, and even aggression. In this guide, you’ll learn how to recognize the difference between protective and possessive behavior, why teaching trust is the key to a calm and confident dog, and the training techniques that create lasting results.

Whether you’re searching for expert dog training in Utah County or Salt Lake City, Utah, these practical tips will help you build a safer, happier relationship with your dog.

Read More »

Mental Fatigue vs. Physical Fatigue in Dogs: The Key to Better Behavior

July 14, 2026 No Comments

Have you ever taken your dog on a long walk only to come home and watch them race around the house with endless energy?

You’re not alone. Many dog owners focus on physical exercise to tire out their dogs, but mental stimulation is often the missing piece. In this article, you’ll learn the difference between mental and physical fatigue in dogs, why activities like training, sniffing, and problem-solving can be just as exhausting as a long walk, and how balancing both types of exercise can reduce unwanted behaviors like pulling on the leash, jumping, barking, and destructive chewing.

Whether you have a playful puppy or an energetic adult dog, these simple strategies will help you raise a calmer, happier, and more well-behaved companion.

Read More »

Is Your Dog Too Trained? Why Constant Commands Can Backfire

June 29, 2026 No Comments

Most dog owners think more training leads to better behavior—but that’s not always true.

If your dog only listens when you’re giving commands, they may be relying on you instead of learning self-control.

Discover how overtraining can create dependence, why constant correction often backfires, and how teaching your dog to make good decisions leads to calmer, more reliable behavior at home and in the real world.

Read More »

The Surprising Reason Your Dog Mirrors Your Emotions

June 25, 2026 No Comments

Ever wonder why your dog seems to get more excited, anxious, or reactive when you’re stressed?

Dogs are experts at reading human emotions, and your body language, tone of voice, and energy can directly influence their behavior.

Discover why calm humans create calm dogs and learn simple training habits that lead to less pulling, less barking, and a more confident, well-behaved companion.

Read More »
Load More