Master puppy crate training with these 5 game-changing tips

The key to crate training a puppy is to project the idea that the crate or kennel is their castle or, in a dog’s world, their den. Although some people may think crate training is cruel, seeing a dog in the crate is natural.

Crating a puppy is also an excellent way to housebreak them.

After a certain age, most puppies will not poop where they sleep or eat.

Never use a crate or kennel as punishment. Never keep puppies locked up longer than necessary. Other than bedtime, never leave your puppy inside with the crate door closed for over an hour.

Don’t make your puppy feel like he’s in jail. Start with short periods of time. You can gradually lengthen their confinement, but be reasonable.

Many progressive-thinking breeders have already convinced their litters to recognize their crate as a good thing.

They do this by detaching the top part of the crate during the day, allowing the pups to learn to enter and exit a safe place. They replace the top at night; thus, the puppies are “created” or denned.

This way, a new puppy positively associates with crates before they leave their litter.

Choose the right crate

You have several options when buying a crate for your puppy.

Option one: Get a hard-sided plastic crate approved for airline travel. You can choose between crates with one or two doors.

Other options include collapsible, wire, or soft crates that use less space.

Be sure to choose one that will suit your dog as he grows. You can start with a bigger crate and block part of it to create a smaller, cozy space that will make potty training easier.

Getting started with crate training

If your puppy is unfamiliar with being crated, expect plenty of drama and crying when you start teaching it to enter the crate. Instinctively, if it does not positively associate with its crate, it will feel segregated from its pack.

Your goal is to help your puppy understand the crate is a special place. Dogs are den animals but feel isolated and vulnerable until they perceive their den as a safe sanctuary.

The biggest mistake most new dog owners make in crate training is getting one that is too big.

Wanting to save a few bucks, they purchase one for the size they expect their pup will be as an adult. There are crates/kennels with partitions. You can expand the size by removing the barriers as the animal grows.

A crate for any puppy or dog should be big enough for them to sit, stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

If dog crates are too big, puppies and adult dogs will sometimes soil them. If the crate is too small, it is uncomfortable, and the pet may feel trapped.

Place a towel, pillow, or soft blanket in the crate so your puppy has a soft bed.

Getting your puppy into the crate

Place the crate in a quiet, darkened area where little or no activity occurs after bedtime. Hearing you buzzing around only encourages your puppy to want to be with you.

Some want their puppy in their bedroom with them. Young puppies may benefit from keeping the crate in your bedroom. Understand, however, that there are pluses and minuses to doing that.

On the plus side, your puppy may gain a sense of security, knowing you are nearby, and they will get used to your nightly routine.

The biggest drawback: If the puppy is awake and noisy, having the dog in your room will make it harder for you to get a good night’s rest.

Ensure your puppy’s crate is a pleasant place and a positive experience. Leave the door open during the day, and toss a few treats or a favorite toy as a surprise.

Make being in the crate fun 

Feed your puppy meals in the crate. Place your dog’s food dish inside the crate.

After a few days, close the door while they are eating. If the dog whines or cries to be let out, ignore it and leave the door closed. Only open the door when the puppy is quiet.

You can also place the crate in an area of your house where the family spends time, such as the kitchen or family room. That way, your puppy won’t feel social isolation.

Use a “keyword” or cue, such as “bedtime,” to teach your puppy when it’s time to be tucked in for the night. It is incredible how quickly they will respond when they have a positive association with their crate.

Toss in a Grade A treat or reward, something they love and get ONLY at crate time, or a favorite safe toy they only get and guide your puppy into the crate.

We have found that most love ice cubes because they are teething and in considerable pain. A small metal bowl with a few ice cubes keeps them busy, soothes their mouths, and provides enough hydration to get them through the night without filling their bladders.

Keeping your puppy in the crate

If a puppy or dog has been exercised sufficiently during the day, it is usually ready to sleep. Tire your puppy out a few hours before bedtime.

If you do it just before you crate it at night, it may still be “wired.” A relaxed, tired puppy is sleepy and likelier to sleep through the night.

Once they are in their crate, cover it with a sheet or towel. Often, a dark location and quiet place are enough to calm them down so they can curl up and sleep. Some owners have found leaving a radio on nearby offers their pup the comfort of human voices and relaxing music.

Never open their crate when they are performing an Oscar-winning drama. It is like responding to a screaming baby in a crib.

If you know they are safe, clean, dry, and have a full belly and empty bladder and bowels, each time you jump to rescue them, it only reinforces their control over you. Hard as it may be, ignore them.

If they continue to cry and you think they may need to go outside, wait until they have stopped. Give your puppy 3-5 minutes of quiet, then calmly open the crate.

Don’t make a big production out of it and get them all excited.

Be reasonable about the amount of time, both length and number of times per day, that you expect your puppy to be confined.

Consider using a puppy pen if you cannot supervise them or want them out of the way because you are busy. That way, they won’t resent their crate or kennel.a

Overcome crate training challenges

As with any training process, crate training a puppy may have challenges.

Here are some tips and suggestions for dealing with problems that may arise during the crate training process:

Separation anxiety

Some puppies may experience separation anxiety when placed in their crates, especially during the initial stages of training.

To help alleviate this, gradually increase your puppy’s time in the crate.

Start with short intervals and gradually extend the duration as they become more comfortable. Consider leaving a piece of clothing with your scent in the crate to provide comfort.

Whining or barking

If your puppy whines or barks when placed in the crate, avoid immediately letting them out.

Wait for a moment of quiet before opening the crate to avoid reinforcing the behavior.

Additionally, provide a comforting toy or a treat-dispensing puzzle to keep your dog occupied and distracted.

Accidents in the crate

Accidents can happen, especially if the crate is too large or if the puppy is left in it for longer than it can hold its bladder.

Ensure that the crate is an appropriate size for your puppy, and avoid leaving it crated for extended periods without a potty break.

Fear of the crate

Use positive reinforcement to create a positive association if your puppy shows fear or hesitation toward the crate.

Offer treats, toys, and praise for entering the crate voluntarily. Avoid using the crate as a punishment, which can further exacerbate the fear.

Start with short stays in the crate. You can gradually increase to a longer period of time as your puppy acclimates.

Crate games

Introduce crate games to make the crate a fun and rewarding place for your puppy.

Hide treats or toys in the crate and encourage your puppy to find them. This helps create a positive association with the crate and makes it an enjoyable space for your puppy.

Addressing these common challenges with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement can help your puppy acclimate to crate training.

Remember, every puppy is unique, so be flexible and adjust your training approach based on your puppy’s needs and behaviors.

Bottom line for successfully crate training a puppy

Some puppies take longer than others to acclimate to crate training.

Be fair, firm, consistent, and patient to successfully crate-train your dog.

You may have to try some tricks to find what works best for your pup. When you do find it, stick with it.

Crate training benefits include helping puppies housebreak sooner and ensuring their safety when you can’t watch them. That can eliminate problem behavior like chewing or digging.

Whatever the reason, puppy crate training will be worth the effort.

Karen A. Soukiasian owns Good Dog! Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.

Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success