How to Crate Train a Dog Using Natural Chews

November 12, 2025

Crate training is one of the most valuable skills you can teach your dog — but it only works if your dog sees the crate as a safe, positive space rather than a punishment. Natural chews are one of the most powerful tools for making crate training faster and more effective.

Why Dogs Resist the Crate

Dogs are social animals who don't naturally seek out enclosed spaces. Resistance to crating is normal and doesn't mean your dog is stubborn — it means they need positive associations built gradually.

Using Chews to Build Positive Crate Associations

The strategy is simple: the only place your dog gets their special chew is inside the crate. Over time, the dog begins to associate the crate with one of the best things in their life — their favorite treat. This transforms "I don't want to go in there" into "I want to go in there because good things happen."

Step-by-Step Crate Training with Chews

Day 1-3: Leave crate door open. Place the chew just inside the entrance. Let the dog eat it without closing the door.
Day 4-7: Place the chew further inside the crate. Dog must enter fully to get it. Still don't close the door.
Day 8-14: Once dog is comfortable entering, gently close the door while they chew. Open before they finish.
Day 15+: Gradually increase the time the door stays closed while dog chews inside.

Best Chews for Crate Training

Choose chews that last long enough to create a positive experience:

12" bully sticks — long sessions that outlast initial anxiety
Collagen sticks — very long-lasting for extended crate sessions
Gullet sticks — gentler option for anxious dogs who chew frantically when stressed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Never use the crate as punishment
Don't rush the process — go at your dog's pace
Don't give the special crate chew outside the crate — keep it exclusive
Make sure the dog finishes the chew before opening the crate so they associate staying in with the reward

SuperCan 12" jumbo bully sticks are the perfect crate training companion — long enough to last the entire training session and delicious enough to make the crate irresistible.

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My rescue dog trusts these — and that says everything

Duke came from a shelter with food aggression and a sensitive stomach from years of poor diet. Getting him on any treat was a process. These gullet sticks were the first thing he accepted without hesitation probably because they smell like real meat with nothing artificial. His stomach handles them perfectly, no loose stools, no vomiting. After 6 weeks on them his coat went from dull and patchy to genuinely shiny. The vet said his overall condition had improved significantly. For rescue owners dealing with sensitive dogs, this single-ingredient chew is the safest starting point I've found.

Three dogs, three sizes — all obsessed

I have a Chihuahua, a Beagle, and a Husky. Finding one treat that works for all three has always been impossible. These gullet sticks are the exception. Penny (the Chihuahua) takes almost 45 minutes to finish one. Biscuit (the Beagle) is done in about 20. Thor (the Husky) gets two per session and finishes both in under 30 minutes combined. All three have noticeably better breath and calmer energy after chewing. The 25-pack runs out in about 2 weeks in our house so we subscribe for the discount. Ordering consistency is just as good as the product itself. 10/10 for a multi-dog household.

Post-surgery recovery — these helped more than I expected

My 6-year-old Aussie had ACL surgery in January. Her orthopedic vet recommended natural glucosamine sources as part of the rehab protocol, so we added gullet sticks to her daily routine. She was non-weight-bearing for 6 weeks and during that time the mental stimulation from chewing was a lifesaver — kept her calm and in her crate without the stress. Now 4 months post-op she's walking normally and her follow-up imaging showed excellent joint tissue regeneration. I credit the combination of PT, supplements, and these sticks. The vet asked for the brand name to recommend to other patients.

My dog lost weight and kept his chew win-win!

Zeus is a 5-year-old Rottweiler who was about 12 lbs overweight. Our vet put him on a strict diet and I had to cut most of his treats. Gullet sticks made the approved list because they're naturally low in fat and high in protein — so he gets his chew session without derailing the diet. He's lost 9 lbs over 4 months and his energy is way up. I give him 2 sticks every other day as his treat allowance. He absolutely attacks them. The joint support is a bonus since Rotties are prone to hip issues as they age. Finally a treat the vet didn't make me feel guilty about.

Switched from bully sticks never going back!

We were buying bully sticks for our Vizsla for two years. They worked fine but the smell was unbearable and Remy would finish one in under 10 minutes. A neighbor suggested gullet sticks and I figured why not. First difference: almost no smell. Second difference: he takes 35–40 minutes on each one instead of inhaling it. Third difference: his joints — Remy is 5 and very active, and after 6 weeks on gullet sticks his post-run stiffness noticeably decreased. I think the natural glucosamine and chondroitin is actually doing something. Same price point, longer lasting, no smell, better benefits. Done with bully sticks.

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How to Crate Train a Dog Using Natural Chews

Why Dogs Resist the Crate

Using Chews to Build Positive Crate Associations

Step-by-Step Crate Training with Chews

Best Chews for Crate Training

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Carrito

Why Dogs Resist the Crate

Using Chews to Build Positive Crate Associations

Step-by-Step Crate Training with Chews

Best Chews for Crate Training

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leave a comment

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Let customers speak for us