This month the Good Dog Pod will focus on how to prepare our dogs as we transition to post-pandemic life. In this episode, host Laura Reeves and certified professional dog trainer Kristin Sandstede talk about latchkey puppies. Kristin has been teaching dog obedience for over two decades and is the founder of Big Moose Dog Training.

What is a latchkey puppy? A ‘latchkey puppy,’ a term derived from the more commonly known ‘latchkey child,’ is a dog who stays home for most of the day while his owner is at work. As more and more people return to working in the office, our dogs are being left at home for extended periods of time. It is crucial to train newly acquired puppies as well as existing dogs that have grown accustomed to our continuous presence to stay home comfortably and safely on their own. 

How should I start training my latchkey puppy? To Kristin, the best method is to utilize crate training and crate games. Measure out your dog’s kibble for a meal and sit down by your dog’s crate, throwing a few kibbles inside at a time. Gradually, your dog will poke his head in, then step his front paws in, and finally step all four paws in the crate. For most dogs, this first step only takes a few minutes! After your dog is comfortable stepping into the crate, practice closing the door, starting with a few seconds and moving up to an hour. The key to successful crate training is patience; don’t try to rush your dog to stay in the crate for an hour the first time. A great guiding principle is the five for five rule, in which if your dog performs perfectly five times in a row, you can raise the bar for training. Kristin has dog training videos on her social media channels, some of which can be found on her website here. 

How can I provide enrichment for my dog? After your dog is comfortable staying in the crate, provide enrichment to keep him entertained in the form of toys such as Kongs. Kristin emphasizes that mental exercise will keep your dog occupied and tired out for longer than physical exercise. This is also a great time to teach your dog new tricks!

By crate training your dog and providing mental stimulation, you can help your dog transition to staying home safely on their own.