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Bringing a new puppy into your home is such a happy moment. Those first little barks and the happy tail wags that greet you each day are valid sources of joy.
Puppies need our help to develop into well-adjusted and confident companions. An important skill to teach your pup is how to be comfortable and relaxed in a crate.
Some puppies get the hang of crate training quickly, but others might need a few days or even a few weeks to become confident.
It narrows down to their personality and past experiences. The most important thing is to never use the crate as a punishment tool.
Continue reading this guide to learn how to crate train a puppy and shape them into good house-training habits.
Choosing The Right Crate for Your Puppy
There are many types of dog crates including DIY options, so choosing the right one should be your first step before establishing a puppy crate training schedule.
To begin, we recommend measuring your puppy to determine the appropriate crate size for its comfort and growth.
The ideal crate should be just big enough for them to stand up, stretch out, and turn around comfortably without feeling a pinch.
It should not be too small or too big. If the crate is too spacious, your little dog might decide to use one corner as a bathroom and another as a sleeping area.
Once you’ve decided on the size, you will then need to choose a style. We recommend picking wire crates when starting your housetraining journey with puppies.
Wire crates provide good airflow and visibility, and many come with dividers to adjust the space as your little pup gets bigger.
Other things to consider include the purpose of the crate, your puppy’s chewing habits, temperament, costs, and the crate’s appearance.
Once you’ve chosen your most desirable crate, make sure to put it in a spot where your family spends a lot of time.
Your puppy will see the crate as a normal part of the household space and not a place of isolation or punishment.
In addition to the crate, check out our article on the ultimate puppy checklist to find out what other things you’ll need for your new puppy.
How to Crate Train a Puppy
Step one: Create a welcoming environment
Start your crate training schedule by making the accessory cozy. You can do this by putting soft blankets, a small dog bed, or familiar toys inside to help your puppy see it as a safe zone.
Make sure the crate door is propped open so it can’t accidentally close and scare them. Let your new puppy explore this inviting setup on their terms.
Step two: Tap into your puppy’s curiosity
When crate training puppy, if they hesitate to enter the crate on their own, gently encourage them by guiding them closer while speaking in a calm and cheerful tone.
Put tasty treats near the entrance or just inside, but never force them in if they’re resistant. Your aim for now is to use their natural curiosity and love of food to encourage them to go inside.
Gradually, move the treats further into the crate so your puppy has to step further inside to get them. If treats don’t work, try using an interactive toy that leads them closer to the inside of the crate.
Just to reiterate, avoid closing the crate door at this early stage. It’s a good idea to leave the door open so your puppy doesn’t feel trapped.
These initial sessions can be short or spread out over several days, depending on how quickly your puppy adjusts to the crate.
Step three: Feed your puppy in the crate
One of the best ways to help your puppy love their crate is to feed them from inside. If your puppy walks in willingly, put their food bowl at the very back of the crate.
If they’re still a bit unsure, start by placing the bowl just inside the entrance. Then, with each meal, move the bowl a little further back until your puppy is comfortable standing inside.
Only close the door once your puppy is completely relaxed inside the crate. At first, open the door as soon as they finish eating, so they understand that being in the crate isn’t a permanent separation.
Slowly keep the crate door closed for a couple of extra minutes after each meal, increasing the time.
You can stay there and watch your young canine eat the food to remind them the crate can be a fun place with good things.
If you hear a lot of whining, you might be going too fast and need to shorten the time the door is closed as you decelerate the pace.
Step four: Gradually increase crate time
Besides mealtime, start introducing short periods of crate time during the day when you can be nearby. For example, entice your puppy into the crate with a treat or toy, then gently close the door.
Keep these sessions very short at first, maybe just a minute. If your puppy stays calm, give them praise and a reward when they come out.
Gradually increase the time to three minutes over several sessions, then five, and so on. You might hear some whining or see them pawing at the door.
Sometimes, puppies will settle down quickly, especially when they learn that too much moaning doesn’t automatically get them out.
But, if they seem upset, barking excessively, or trying to escape, it usually means you’ve moved too quickly. Go back to shorter sessions and work your way up again more slowly.
Step five: Incorporate positive reinforcement
A positive approach is the key to successful crate training. Every time your puppy goes into the crate willingly, reward them with a treat, toy, or just some calm words and a gentle pat.
Never use the crate as a punishment tool! If you do, your puppy might start associating the crate with a place of negative experiences.
Also, be mindful of how you greet your puppy when you let them out. Giving them too much-excited attention can make them think that being outside the crate is much better.
Instead, be friendly but calm. This helps your little canine see the crate as a regular part of life, not a place they’re just waiting to get out of.
Step six: Practice short absences
Once your puppy can quietly stay in the crate for a few minutes while you’re nearby, you can now try leaving the room for short periods.
Start with just a minute or two, then come back and check on them. If they’ve stayed calm, greet them calmly and let them out.
If you need to head out for a short while, put your puppy in the crate with a little treat and a cue word like ‘Get in’ or ‘Kennel time.’
It’s also a good idea to mix up your routine when you leave. Sometimes put your puppy in the crate a few minutes before you go, other times just right before.
Step seven: Crate your puppy when you leave
Once your puppy can handle being in the crate calmly for around 30 minutes, you can start practicing leaving the house.
After placing them in the crate with your usual command and a treat, remember to give a quick, cheerful goodbye.
Even though it’s difficult to leave a cute puppy behind, it’s important to make your departures calm and normal. Drawn-out goodbyes or acting nervous can make separation anxiety worse.
Relax your greeting when you get back. Overblown excitement when you return can make your puppy even more stressed about you leaving.
Step eight: Crate your puppy at night
After your little furry friend has grown comfortable using the crate during the day, you can begin learning how to crate train a puppy at night for a smoother transition to overnight routines.
Placing the crate in or near your bedroom is a smart approach when crate training puppy at night since they typically require a bathroom break during nighttime.
By doing this, you can always hear your puppy whine or cry to go potty, and they’ll also feel at peace knowing you’re nearby.
When you first start using the crate at night, it’s normal for puppies to whine a bit. You should figure out if they’re whining because they’re anxious or because they need to go to the bathroom.
Step nine: Be Patient!
With most puppies, you should be prepared for at least six months of crate training. There will be good days and off days since dogs don’t learn in a straight line, but you will get there.
As long as you stay calm and consistent with your approach, your dog will eventually catch on and start looking for the reward even if it feels like you’re repeating the same steps.
When Should You Start Crate Training a Puppy?
It’s a good idea to start crate training your puppy as soon as you bring them home, which we assume to be around 8 weeks old.
Starting early gives your puppy plenty of time to get comfortable with their crate, which helps them feel more at ease and settled in their new home.
To make the move easier, have the crate all setup and ready before your puppy gets home. That way, you can introduce them to it right from the start.
Conclusion
You’ve now learned how to crate train a puppy from a tender age. Always remember to practice patience, positivity, and consistency.
The timeline of crate training a puppy will vary from one individual to the other, but the rewards are worth the effort.
Since every puppy is different, we recommend adapting your crate training schedule to fit what your little canine friend can handle. Good Luck!
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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