Crate Training 101

Why Crate Training Works

Crate training taps into your dog's natural denning instinct. In the wild, canines seek small, enclosed spaces for security and rest. When introduced properly, a crate becomes your dog's personal safe haven — a place they choose to go when they want comfort and peace. It's also one of the most effective tools for house training and preventing destructive behavior.

💡 Tip: The crate should never be used as punishment. If your dog associates the crate with negative experiences, the entire training process will backfire.

Choosing the Right Crate

The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably — but not so large that they can use one end as a bathroom. For puppies, use a divider to adjust the space as they grow.

Wire crates — Good visibility, foldable, easy to clean

Plastic crates — More den-like, airline approved, good for anxious dogs

Soft-sided crates — Lightweight and portable, best for already crate-trained dogs

Avoid: Overly large crates for puppies (too much room = potty accidents)

Step 1: Introduction (Day 1–3)

Place the crate in a common area where the family spends time. Leave the door open and toss treats inside. Let your dog explore at their own pace. Place a comfortable bed or blanket inside. Never force them in.

Step 2: Meals in the Crate (Day 3–7)

Start feeding your dog their regular meals inside the crate. Place the food bowl at the back of the crate. Once they're comfortable eating inside, begin closing the door while they eat. Open it as soon as they finish at first, then gradually extend the time.

Step 3: Increasing Duration (Week 2–3)

After your dog is eating comfortably in the crate with the door closed, start crating them for short periods while you're home. Give a treat and a command like "kennel up," close the door, sit nearby for 5–10 minutes, then let them out. Gradually increase the duration.

Start with 5–10 minutes while you're in the room

Progress to 20–30 minutes while you're in another room

Work up to 1–2 hours while you're out of the house

Never exceed the maximum appropriate time for your dog's age

Step 4: Nighttime Crating

Put the crate in your bedroom initially so your dog doesn't feel isolated. This also lets you hear if a puppy needs a middle-of-the-night potty break. Over time, you can gradually move the crate to your preferred location.

"Patience is the most important ingredient in crate training. Rushing the process creates a dog that fears the crate — the exact opposite of what we want." — Association of Professional Dog Trainers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the crate as punishment

Leaving your dog crated too long (max 4 hours for adults, 1 hour per month of age for puppies)

Letting your dog out when they whine (rewards the behavior)

Forcing your dog into the crate

Not exercising your dog before crating