How to Crate Train a Puppy

• by Tracy

Introduction

• Crate training your new puppy is an oft-used method to introduce your new pet to your home gradually, without overwhelming him. Introducing your dog to a crate is a crucial first step in getting him to feel comfortable inside it. Once your dog knows that its crate is a safe home-within-a-home, he may seek refuge in it when you have guests or are embarking on a long journey. Crate training can also help prevent accidents in your home, as you'll be confining your pup, and he won't want to soil what he considers his territory. It does take time, but consistent training with a new crate can make a huge difference in housebreaking your puppy and slowly letting him grow more comfortable in your home.

Step 1: Choose a Proper Crate

• Ensuring your pup will be comfortable in his crate is your first important step. Crate styles vary widely, with differences in material, size and price. Most crates range in price from $25 to $200, which is well worth it when considering the damage your puppy could do in your home if left unattended—to your furniture or to himself.

1. You'll want your puppy to be able to stand and turn around inside his crate.
2. He should also be able to lie down fully in the crate you choose.
3. Presuming your puppy will grow a bit, it's best to purchase a crate that will accommodate your dog as an adult.
   • You can easily make the space smaller while he is still a puppy by adding towels or using cardboard to block off a section.
4. Of course you can also start with a smaller crate and graduate to a larger size over time. If the crate is too big, you pup may simply use a corner of it as the bathroom, which will defeat its purpose!
5. Check with your vet if you're not sure which crate to get.

Step 2: Introduce Your Dog to His Crate

• At first, your dog's crate will seem like a foreign place. Introduce your pet slowly to his temporary home, and make it as appealing as possible.

1. Start crate training at the beginning of the day, so your puppy has a whole day to get used to the new crate.
2. Be sure to place the crate in an area where you or your family tend to congregate. This way he won't feel isolated or banished from all the fun.
3. Line the crate with a soft towel or blanket so it will be a warm, inviting place.
4. You'll also want to place a treat and some toys both inside the crate and outside its door to entice your pup to go inside and check it out.
5. When trying to get your puppy to explore his crate for the first time, talk to him in a "happy tone of voice" and keep the door open so he can wander in and out.
6. Some dogs like a towel or blanket draped on top and over their crates to increase their sense of privacy.

Step 3: Time Inside the Crate

• Once your puppy grows used to her crate, you can begin leaving her inside it for longer periods of time.

Start Slow

• Remember, crate training takes patience! Rushing your puppy's crate acclimatization risks making her associate her crate with bad memories.

1. At first, keep your pup in her crate for very short periods, around 10-15 minutes. Remain close by, so your puppy doesn't feel abandoned.
2. If your puppy has willingly entered the crate, it's okay to shut the door.
3. Then start leaving your pup in the crate while you go into another room. Remember, don't leave her alone for more than 15 minutes or so at first.

Meals Inside

• Mealtime can be another way to get your pup used to the new crate.

1. Try feeding your pup her meals inside her crate, so she will begin to develop good associations with it.
2. After she's done eating, try shutting the door for short periods, extending the time she stays in her crate after meals by a little bit each time.
3. If your dog starts to whine or cry after a bit, keep the door shut for a shorter period next time, as you may have kept her pent up for too long this time.

Longer Periods of Time

• If you've successfully lured your pup into her crate and she seems happy to be in it for short periods, you can start extending her time in her crate.

1. Start by leaving her for a half hour or an hour, being sure to stay nearby, maybe just in the other room.
2. Encourage your dog to enter her crate by using a command ("Go in your crate," "Crate," or "Kennel" are popular examples) and offering a treat when your puppy's inside.
3. If your dog remains quiet and happy while left alone in her crate for a short period, then you can start having her try sleeping in her crate and leaving her alone for longer periods.
4. You may even want to start having your pup sleep in her crate in your bedroom.
   • Remember that young puppies may not be able to sleep through the night without needing to be let out, as they can generally only go 3-4 hours without going to the bathroom.

Step 4: Leave Your Pup Alone in Her Crate

• Now that your pup is used to her crate, you can start leaving the house for longer periods of time.

1. Continue using your command to tell your pup to enter her crate, and give her a treat to encourage her.
2. You can crate your pup anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes before you plan to leave.
3. Avoid a major emotional goodbye when leaving your pup the first few times so she doesn't think it's a big deal that you're leaving.
4. And keep putting your pup in her crate for short intervals while you are home so she doesn't begin to think that every time she goes in her crate it means you're leaving her.
5. Puppies who are 8-16 weeks old should not be left in a crate for more than an hour, unless they're sleeping there overnight.
6. Older puppies should not be left alone in their crates for more than 3-4 hours.
7. Adult dogs should not be left for more than 6-8 hours.
   • Even an adult dog who may be able to "hold it" for an extended period is not going to be happy in a crate all day if she hasn't had a long walk or some play time, too.

Step 5: The Crate as Pup's #1 Safe Place

• When your pup is acclimated to its crate, she may retreat to it to avoid guests or hide from a scary noise, like the vaccuum or a loud thunderstorm.

1. Once your pup enjoys spending time in her crate, it will be that much easier to travel, either when flying with your pet or on a car ride.
2. You can also let your pup hang out in her crate in your hotel room to avoid damage and to acclimate your pet to a new environment.
3. You may wish to use your pup's crate as a place to introduce her to new people.
4. Children who want to play with your pup should be told that if your dog retreats to her crate she should be left alone.

Step 6: Address Common Crating Problems

• Crate training is not for everyone, but if you are aware of some of the potential pitfalls of crate training, you may be able to address them before they become problems.

Soiling the Crate

• Even though most dogs think of their crates as "their space," squelching their desire to soil where they sleep, it doesn't always work that way.

1. Your crate might be too big, making your dog think that going to the bathroom in one corner of it is okay.
2. Try adding bedding slowly so that thick blankets aren't initially "acting like a diaper" so that your pup doesn't notice the smell or wetness.
3. Don't yell at your dog, force his nose in his elimination, or physically reprimand him if you notice he has soiled his crate. Because you're noticing it after the fact, your dog won't understand why you're upset, and may start to associate his crate with bad behavior.
4. When your dog does go to the bathroom in the proper place, praise him excessively so he knows that he has done the right thing and will want to repeat the behavior.

Separation Anxiety

• You may have started crate training to reduce separation anxiety as well as your dog's destructive behavior in your home while you're gone, but crates don't solve everything.

1. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, he may try to escape from his crate during the day and injure himself in the process.
2. If your dog is constantly whining, barking or otherwise begging to be released from his crate, you may need to re-do earlier training steps to get him acclimated to his crate. Remember, rushing through training can render it ineffective.
3. If your dog continues to suffer from separation anxiety problems, you may need to check in with a professional for additional guidance.

Troubleshooting Tips

• To avoid making your dog's crate a place he fears, follow these tips carefully.

1. Make sure your dog's crate isn't too small or uncomfortable or is made from a material like mesh that he can chew through easily, especially if he is a major chewer.
2. Do not leave your dog in his crate for too long, especially at the beginning of the training process.
3. If your dog is whining to be let out, at first you should try to ignore him, but if he persists, try taking him out to the bathroom. As your housetraining progresses, he will start maintaining a more regular bathroom schedule and won't need to be let out in the middle of the night.
4. Do not use the crate as punishment, or your dog will have negative associations with his crate and will not feel safe inside it.
5. Even adult dogs can't be left in their crates at all hours. If an adult dog will spend the day in his crate, he should get 30-60 minutes of exercise before going into his crate. He should get another half hour at least of exercise if he will be spending the night in his crate, too.

Conclusion

• Crate training your dog can make separations easier to bear for both of you. Use the time, patience, and love you have for your puppy to make the process successful. Your dog, and your home, will thank you!

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Resources for How to Crate Train a Puppy

• American Medical Veterinary Association: Welcoming Your Pet
• ASPCA: Crate Training
• ASPCA: Dog Behavior: Potty Wars
• Dog Channel: 8 Great Reasons to Use a Crate
• Dog Channel: Crate Advice
• Dog Public: Puppy Primer: Crate Training
• HealthyPet.com: Crate Training
• The Humane Society: Crate Training

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