You're probably familiar with crate training a puppy, but did you know that crate training an older dog can be just as important?

你可能聽過小狗要做狗籠訓練，但你知道狗籠訓練對成年狗也是很重要的嗎？

Although the process isn't so different from training a puppy, there're still a few important things to know before you begin.

雖然過程跟訓練小狗沒什麼不同，但在開始以前，你還是要知道一些重要的事。

So, let's get started!

那就開始吧！

Tip No. 1: Teach your dog to love the crate.

第一：教你的狗狗愛上籠子。

Your goal is to teach your dog that their crate is an awesome place to chill.

你的目標是讓你的狗知道籠子是放鬆的好地方。

But with an older dog, you want to make sure you do it at their pace.

但對成年狗來說，你要確保要按照他們的步調。

In some cases, if your dog previously didn't have great experiences with the crate, it might take a bit longer to get them to change their mind.

在某些例子中，如果狗狗之前對籠子有不好的經驗，他可能會花比較多時間改變他們的心態。

But just like any other training session, keeping crate training fun and relaxed every step of the way is bound to win that crate some brownie points with your dog.

但就像其他訓練課，讓狗籠訓練的每一步保持有趣跟放鬆，讓狗狗認為有籠子就會有點心吃。

Tip No. 2: Make the crate a comfy place.

第二：把狗籠打造成舒適的空間。

Make sure the crate is big enough for your older dog to stand up, turn around, and comfortably lay down.

確保籠子夠大，能夠讓你的成年狗站立、轉圈或舒服地躺下。

You'll also want a soft mat in there for comfy coziness.

你也可以放一個軟墊來增添舒適度。

If your dog is a little more anxious, dog appeasing pheromone, or DAP products, like a spray or a collar can help keep him cool and collected.

如果你的狗狗有點太緊張，狗狗安撫費洛蒙、 DAP 系列的噴霧或項圈都能幫助狗狗冷靜跟集中。

Tip No. 3: Set your dog up for success.

第三：為狗狗做好成功的準備。

Before you crate your dog, make sure he is fed and exercised so we can just focus on relaxing.

在狗籠訓練前，確保他已經有吃飽跟運動過，這樣才能專注在放鬆。

Giving him his favorite chew toys can help encourage him to associate the crate with good things.

給他最喜歡的磨牙玩具，鼓勵他把籠子跟好的事情聯想在一起。

Remember not to crate your adult dog for more than 4 to 6 hours.

記住，不要把成年狗關著超過 4 到 6 小時。

If your dog is over-crated, he might start to resist going in the crate.

如果你的狗關太久，他可能會開始抗拒進去籠子裡。

Remember, the crate is supposed to feel like a chill getaway; kinda like my secret pillow fort.

記住，籠子應該要像能放鬆的地方，就像我的秘密枕頭堡壘。

Tip No. 4 : Go back to basics.

第四：回到基礎訓練。

If your adult dog isn't used to a crate, he might show signs of stress like whining, barking, or destructive behavior.

如果你的成年狗不習慣狗籠，他可能會發出哀嚎、吼叫或破壞的行為來展現壓力。

Don't feel discouraged; instead, try going back to basics and working more slowly towards the goal.

不要灰心。反而要試著回到基本的訓練，更慢地向目標前進。

If your dog is showing extreme signs of panic or distress from being in the crate, he might have separation anxiety.

如果你的狗在籠子裡出現非常驚恐或悲傷的樣子，他可能有分離焦慮。

You can try consulting a professional trainer or check out our video on separation anxiety here.

你可以試著找專業的訓練師，或看看我們在分離焦慮的影片。

Crate training your adult dog can help reduce anxiety, prevent unwanted behaviors, and give them a safe space to retreat to whenever they need a little peace and quiet.

成年狗的狗籠訓練能夠幫助減少焦慮，避免不好的行為，並且讓他們在需要一點平靜和安靜時，能夠撤退回一個安全的空間。

And remember, no matter how old your dog is, you can always teach your best friend some new tricks with with a little patience and lots of fun.

記住了，不論你的狗多老，你都能夠教他們一些新技巧。只要多一點耐心，就會有很多樂趣。

Do you have any tips for crate training and older dog?

你有任何對老狗狗的狗籠訓練技巧嗎？

Tell us about it in the comments below. I'm Brandon, and thanks for watching. Bye!

在底下留言告訴我們。我是 Brandon，謝謝你的觀看，拜拜！