Dogs, like their wild ancestors, instinctively want to seek shelter, even in the house. If not provided, they will create it themselves under a table, chair or bed. A crate serves as a den for the domesticated dog. I recommend covering wire crates to give your dog the privacy he needs to feel secure.
Puppy Training Guide
How to Crate Train Your Puppy
Expert-backed advice from veterinarians and trainers to help your pup feel safe, settle in fast, and get housetrained with confidence.
01 — The benefits
Why Crate Training is Great for All Dogs
Crate training is not just for puppies! See what the experts have to say about its benefits.
Crates are the quickest and easiest way to housetrain a dog. Your puppy’s mother has already trained him not to eliminate in the den. Most dogs will do anything to avoid eliminating in their dens, so confining him in his crate encourages him to “hold it.” You can make it more den-like and safe with crate covers and bumpers.
When traveling in your car, crates provide safety for you, your passengers and your dog. Using Crate Bumpers protects your dog during sudden stops and turns.
Crates are transportable, so unlike you, your dog can have his own familiar bedroom wherever he goes — whether he’s staying at a friend’s, a hotel or a kennel.
02 — Getting started
When to Crate Train Your Puppy
1
Be patient in the early weeks
Puppies usually arrive at their new homes at 8 weeks of age. Just like babies, they cannot control their bladders until they mature — usually between 3 and 6 months. Be patient and expect accidents. Reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior!
2
Start on day one
Introduce your puppy to his crate the first day he arrives home — ideally when he’s tired. Put treats and toys inside to entice him in on his own, and praise him when he enters. Use a special phrase like “go to crate” or “go to bed” and he will soon understand.
3
Keep a close watch
Until he’s housetrained, keep him on a leash when he’s not crated. This way he cannot sneak off and have an accident when you are not looking.
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No pads or paper inside
Never put housebreaking pads or newspaper inside the crate. Take advantage of your puppy’s natural instinct not to soil his den.
03 — Step by step
How to Crate Train Your Dog
Follow the expert advice and you'll be on your way to successfully crate training your pup!
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1
Choose the right size
Your dog’s crate should have only enough room for him to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Buy one that fits his full-grown size, but block off the back while he’s a puppy — otherwise he’ll make one side his potty, defeating the purpose.
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2
Pick a busy spot
Dogs are social animals, so the ideal location for a crate is a room full of activity. Make it comfortable and your pet will enjoy his new room while still being part of the family.
Dr. Nicholas Dodman, DVM
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3
Set a schedule and keep a log
Before training begins, keep a written log of feeding, drinking and elimination times so you can predict when he’ll need to go. Puppies normally need to eliminate after eating, playing and waking from a nap.
1 hour per month of age, up to 8 hours (3 months = 3 hours max)Dr. Andrew Obstler, DVM
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4
Start small and build up
Confine him for 5 minutes at first, then gradually increase the time as he gets comfortable. Don’t show excitement when releasing him, or he’ll think leaving the crate is the reward. Crate him several times a day, not just when you leave, and don’t leave him unsupervised for long.
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5
Stay consistent through the whining
Just as a baby cries in his crib, expect some distress at first. Don’t let him out until he stops, or you’ll reward the whining. Crate Covers reduce distractions so he’ll feel relaxed and comfortable.
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6
Make potty time a celebration
After crating, take him straight to his potty spot. As he goes, praise him lavishly and name it — “go potty.” Reward with a play session so he learns: as soon as I relieve myself, I get to play. If he doesn’t go, crate him for 15 minutes and try again.
Pia Silvani, Director, Pet Training & Behavior Counseling, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, NJ
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7
Don’t overuse the crate
Never confine him for too long. If you can’t be home, a pet sitter or neighbor is your best option — paper-trained pups are much more difficult to housetrain.
Pia Silvani
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8
Plan for nighttime
Put the crate next to your bed, and if you hear whimpering (not playing), take him out. At first you may need an alarm halfway through the night. Attend to your puppy’s needs whether or not it’s convenient!
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9
Feeding and water
You may feed him in his crate, but take him for a walk shortly afterwards and remove water 3 hours before bedtime. If it’s hot or he’s exercised, leave a little water or a few ice cubes. Don’t always feed in the crate, or he may struggle to eat elsewhere.
Pia Silvani
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10
Troubleshooting accidents
If your dog soils his crate, it’s most likely too big, he was left in too long, or the feeding schedule slipped. Success takes a correctly sized crate — and commitment!
Separation anxiety? If you feel your dog is suffering from separation anxiety and showing clinical signs, please avoid crating him until speaking to a professional.
Dog Crates are Not Just For Training
Your dog’s crate is his “special place” and should not be put away when training is complete. Crates give your dog an increased sense of security and build his confidence. The Pet Dreams line of Cratewear dog bedding provides comfort and safety for your dog and is a great way to reward him as he succeeds in his house training!
Crate training your puppy is rewarding!
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