3 WEEK CLASS - Practical skills for calm, reliable crate behavior
Does your dog bark, whine, or struggle to settle the moment you close the crate door or walk away? For many dogs, the crate can become a place of barking, restlessness, or frustration rather than relaxation.
This class is designed for both dogs who are new to crating and those who may be struggling to settle or relax when confined.
This class is a great fit if:
Instead of simply managing behavior, we will focus on teaching the skills that lead to calm, confident crate behavior. When dogs understand how to settle and what is expected of them, the crate becomes a place where they can relax and feel comfortable.
Here’s what makes this class a must:
Whether you are preventing issues or working through early struggles, this class will give you a clear plan and the tools to help your dog feel more confident and relaxed in the crate.
If you’re ready to start building real crate skills, this class will give you a clear plan to follow.
Extra support included: A Teacher’s Assistant (TA) will be available to support bronze students.
Lectures are released on the first day of each week and include step-by-step written instruction plus short demonstration videos. Most videos are between 20 seconds and 2 minutes long, making them easy to fit into busy schedules. Videos are designed to be understood even without sound; if speaking is important, the lecture will clearly outline what is being said. Homework is included at the end of each lecture so you always know what to practice. Supplemental lectures and videos will be posted as needed.
Week 1: Foundation, Entry, and Emotional State
Lecture 1.1 – The Crate is a Cue for Relaxation
Lecture 1.2 – Crate Entry: Building Value Without Pressure
Lecture 1.3 – Stationing: The Skill That Makes Crating Easier
Week 2: Building Calm and Adding Pressure Gradually
Lecture 2.1 – Teaching Dogs to Actually Relax
Lecture 2.2 – Door Closure Without Creating Frustration
Lecture 2.3 – Barrier Frustration: Understanding the “Temper Tantrum”
Week 3: Real-Life Application and Long-Term Success
Lecture 3.1 – Crating in the Real World
Lecture 3.2 – Creating Independence and Disengagement
Lecture 3.3 – Putting It All Together: A Calm, Reliable Crate Routine
Faculty
Nicole Wiebusch CPDT-KA (she/her) has been active in dog sports for over 25 years. What began with 4-H quickly grew into a lifelong passion for dog sports. (Click here for full bio and to view Nicole's upcoming courses)...