7 Steps to Successfully Crate Train A Puppy

Crate training is one of the most effective methods for housetraining a puppy to help establish boundaries as well as giving your puppy a safe space to rest. When done correctly, crate training can offer comfort to your puppy and make life much easier for both of you.  

It's important to approach crate training with patience and extra care to make sure that your puppy views the crate as a positive place, not a punishment.

Crate training is an important part of housebreaking puppies, as dogs don't like to soil their sleeping quarters. They learn to hold their bladders while they're in their crate, so you won't have to clean up the mess and it is a safe place for puppies to retreat. It can also prevent your puppy from misbehaving when you aren’t there to supervise your puppy.

We’ll walk you through a step-by-step process of crate training your puppy. Some puppies adjust right away while others need a little more time.

1. Choosing the Right Crate is Important

Before starting crate training, it’s important to pick the right crate for your puppy. Crates come in various materials—wire, plastic, or fabric—and sizes.

Here’s what you need to consider:

Size: The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. However, it shouldn’t be too big, as puppies may use one corner as a bathroom and another to sleep in. If you have a large-breed puppy, consider a crate with a divider that you can adjust as they grow.

Comfort: Add a soft bed or blanket to make the crate inviting. However, avoid putting too many toys or items inside initially, as it may overwhelm them.

2. Introducing the Crate to Your Puppy

The goal of crate training is to create a positive association with the crate, so you’ll want to introduce it slowly. Start by placing the crate in a common area of your house where your family spends a lot of time, like the living room.

Keep the door open: Allow your puppy to explore the crate at their own pace. Don’t force them in—let them investigate freely.

Use treats: Place a few treats or a favorite toy inside the crate to encourage them to go in on their own. Praise and reward them when they do.

This process may take a few days, so be patient and don’t rush it.

3. Feeding Your Puppy in the Crate

Once your puppy is comfortable going in and out of the crate, the next step is to start feeding them their meals inside the crate. This helps build positive associations with the crate and makes it a place of comfort.

Start with the door open: Place your puppy’s food bowl just inside the crate so they can easily step in to eat.

Gradually close the door: Once they’re comfortable eating inside the crate, begin closing the door while they eat. Open it as soon as they’re done.

Extend the time: Over the next few feedings, gradually increase the amount of time you leave them in the crate after they finish eating, building up to 10–15 minutes.

4. Introducing Crate Time with the Door Closed

Now that your puppy is comfortable with the crate during meals, you can start crate training them with the door closed for short periods while you're at home.

Begin with short periods: Start by asking your puppy to enter the crate and giving them a treat. Then, close the door and sit nearby for 5–10 minutes. Praise them if they stay calm, and then let them out.

Gradually increase the time: After a few days, increase the time your puppy spends in the crate to 30 minutes. You can leave the room for short periods to help them get used to being alone in the crate. Continue to return and let them out once the time is up.

5. Crating Your Puppy Overnight

Crate training at night is an important part of housebreaking. Puppies will often cry the first few nights as they adjust to sleeping alone, but it’s important to be consistent.

Create a bedtime routine: Take your puppy outside for a potty break before bed to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Offer your puppy a treat or favorite toy as a comfort item in the crate.

Place the crate near your bed: This will help your puppy feel more secure knowing you're nearby. You can gradually move the crate further away over time as they get used to sleeping in it (or at least right outside your door at the beginning.)

Ignore whining (within reason): If your puppy cries, it can be tempting to let your puppy out of the crate. However, doing so can reinforce the idea that crying gets them out of the crate. If you think they need to go to the bathroom, take them out but put them back into the crate immediately afterward.

6. Daytime Crate Training and Potty Breaks

During the day, puppies can’t hold their bladder for long periods, so it’s important to give them regular potty breaks. As a rule of thumb, puppies can typically hold their bladder for about one hour per month of age (e.g., a 3-month-old puppy can hold it for about 3 hours).

Create a schedule: Take your puppy outside frequently—after meals, playtime, and naps. Stick to a regular schedule to help them understand when potty breaks happen.

Don’t leave your puppy in the crate for too long: Crate time should be balanced with ample opportunities for play, exercise, and socialization. Puppies need both mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

7. Gradually Increase Crate Time

As your puppy becomes more comfortable in the crate, you can start leaving them in for longer periods when you leave the house. Be sure to take them out for a potty break before crating them and offer a safe toy to keep them entertained while you're gone.

Practice leaving the house: Start by leaving your puppy in the crate while you leave the house for a short period, like 15–20 minutes. Over time, you can gradually increase this to a few hours.

Avoid making a big deal when leaving: When leaving or returning, keep your comings and goings low-key to prevent your puppy from becoming overly excited or anxious about being in the crate.

Crate training a puppy takes time, patience, and consistency, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Not only will crate training make housebreaking easier, but it will also provide your puppy with a safe, cozy space where they can feel secure.

It can take some time for your puppy to be comfortable in the crate, but it’s worth the time and effort to get it right.