Getting ready to crate train your new puppy or dog? While crate training can seem a little daunting, it doesn’t have to be! Dogs naturally seek out cozy, enclosed spaces that feel like a “den,” and with the right approach, you can help your puppy see her crate as a safe and comfortable retreat. These 10 easy tips will guide you through the process of crate training while keeping your pup’s needs and happiness in mind.
1. Choose the Right Crate
Before bringing your puppy home, pick out a crate that will best suit her size and temperament. Wire crates are popular because they’re breathable, easy to clean, and often come with dividers to adjust the space as your puppy grows. If your puppy craves more privacy, consider a hard-sided plastic crate or add a cover to her wire crate to create a cozy, cave-like environment.
2. Prep the Crate with Puppy-Friendly Essentials
Make the crate inviting by setting it up with a few basic comforts. Place a bed or blanket at the bottom, but don’t be surprised if your puppy prefers a cool floor on warmer days. Add a couple of her favorite toys—choose durable ones that don’t pose a choking hazard. And remember to keep a small, puppy-sized water bowl in the crate if she’ll be in there for an extended time.
3. Start with Positive Introductions
The key to making the cage a happy place is to start with positive interactions. Place a few treats or toys inside the crate and allow your puppy to discover these “hidden treasures” on her own. Take it slow, letting her explore the space without forcing her inside. Your goal is for her to associate the crate with fun, safety, and treats!
4. Turn Crate Time into a Fun Game
Once she’s ventured into the crate on her own, turn it into a playful activity. Gently toss treats into the crate and let her go in to retrieve them. Praise her each time she enters and repeat this several times a day. Over time, you’ll notice her trotting in and out of the crate on her own, with the crate becoming just another cozy part of her world.
5. Introduce a Simple Cue for Entering the Crate
After a few days of treat-tossing, add a simple phrase like “Go to bed” or “In your crate” when she goes inside. Give her a treat each time she does it right! Eventually, she’ll respond to your cue and happily head into her crate on her own. This will help immensely in building up to longer crate times.
6. Close the Door Briefly—With Rewards
When she’s comfortable entering the cage on command, try closing the door for a few seconds while she’s inside. Stay nearby and slip treats through the bars to keep it positive. Open the door after a minute or two, allowing her to come out and stretch her legs. Practicing this helps her understand that being in the crate isn’t a separation; it’s just a chance to relax with a snack.
7. Practice Short Stays With You Nearby
Your puppy’s first longer stays should feel comfortable and safe. Place the crate in a central area, like the kitchen or family room, where she can watch you and feel reassured. Sit nearby and maybe catch up on your favorite show, allowing her to rest or chew a toy in her cage for short periods. If she whines, wait until she’s quiet to open the door—this teaches her that calmness is rewarded.
8. Gradually Extend the cage Time
Once she’s used to the crate, you can start adding a little more time. Leave her in for a few extra minutes, then give her a treat or praise when you return. Slowly work your way up to longer sessions, but keep her comfort in mind. Puppies need frequent breaks, so ensure she has had a toilet break before settling in.
9. Give Her a “Special” Chew Toy for Crate Time
Make crate time extra special by offering a special chew toy, natural chew, or treat she only gets in her crate. This creates a positive association, making her more eager to settle in. Give her the treat, close the door, and step away briefly. As she relaxes with her chew, she’ll start to understand that the crate is a great place to unwind.
10. Ease Into Crate Training at Night
Nighttime cage training can be a bit tricky at first. Place the crate near your bed so she can hear you and feel reassured. If she whimpers in the night, gently reassure her with a calm word or soft pat. If she doesn’t settle, it might be time for a quick potty break. In a few nights, she’ll learn that her crate is her own comfy nighttime retreat.
A Few Extra Tips for Success
- Stick to a Routine: Consistency helps your puppy feel more secure. Keep training sessions short and positive, and always end on a good note.
- Never Use the Crate for Punishment: The crate should always be a safe place, never used as a form of discipline.
- Be Patient and Positive: Every puppy adjusts at their own pace. With encouragement and patience, she’ll learn to love her crate.
Crate training takes time and practice, but it can make a world of difference for your puppy’s sense of security and happiness. With these steps, you’ll help her grow comfortable in her little den, creating a space she’ll feel is truly her own.
