Before bringing your newest pack member home, a crate is one of the essentials we recommend! If you choose to crate-train your puppy, you’ll be off to a great start! We know they have a bad reputation, but when used properly, crates are very beneficial. They provide your pup with a safe, comfortable place to relax and hide away from any overstimulation they may experience.
Our homes can be filled with an abundance of new sights, smells, and energy that canines feed off. They may be curious or shy. Either way, it is important to bring calm to the chaos by providing a space of their own to rest and recharge. Dogs naturally enjoy a small den-like space and will avoid soiling in this area. By utilizing a crate, you have a helpful tool in potty training too!
How to Use a Dog Crate
There are a couple of important rules to follow when crate training. A crate should rarely be used as a form of punishment or for too long. The age of your dog will determine how long they can stay in a crate. The younger the pup, the shorter blocks of time they can spend, mainly due to the size of their bladder— about a half hour at most to start. You don’t want to make a puppy feel that they have no other choice than to relieve themselves in their crate if you can. It is unnatural for them to choose this, and it can be habit-forming.
Make sure the crate you choose is not too little or too big. It should be large enough for them to stand, turn around, and lay down comfortably, but not so big that they use one side as a bathroom. Introduce the crate to your puppy positively by filling it with a bed, blanket, and toy. Then, reward them with a treat after you guide them in. Pairing this action with a command such as “go to your room” will help them recognize the crate as the place to go when they hear you say this phrase.
Leave the crate with the door open in a space they have access. You’ll find that they will choose to go lay down there voluntarily. When they do- you can celebrate your success!
What if My Puppy Hates the Crate?
Puppies do have different temperaments. If your furry friend’s personality tends to be more anxious or destructive, it may be better to keep things simple. Many dogs prefer hard surfaces, no matter how many different bed styles you provide. Note that while potty training crate accidents are inevitable. Providing just a towel in the early weeks of crate training makes for easy cleanup. As with all learning, start small.
Your newest little bestie may not take too kindly to the crate at first, so start with small time frames while you’re home. They are used to being with the pack and have slept with their littermates every day of their lives up to this point, so the transition to being alone is scary and foreign. Notice their behavior. Are they relaxed or whining and pacing? Are they chewing on their bed, toys, or the crate itself? Try to keep to the time you’ve set no matter the behavior, and then before you open the door, try to make sure they’re in a calm state. Make adjustments and try again at a later time.
Try taking them on a walk or having a play session; maybe they need to spend some energy. Try putting a blanket over the crate to make it more cave-like. Give them a bone to gnaw on. Is your crate the wrong size? Crate training positively and early will usually curb any more extreme behaviors, but if they persist utilizing a professional dog trainer is a wonderful option.
Nightime Puppy Crate-Training
Puppies can stay in a crate at night for much longer periods, of course. You will want to familiarize yourself with the different types of whines. Nighttime crate use is very helpful with potty training, but only if you recognize that they aren’t just trying to convince you to let them sleep beside you! Keeping to a good feeding and watering routine paired with a potty schedule will help set the standard for your pup. Dogs thrive on consistency, so the more reliable your schedule is the better your furry friend will acclimate to the changes in joining your pack life.
Crate-train Your Puppy Tips & Tricks
We know it can feel cruel to “cage them up,” especially if they whine. However, if you consistently present the crate positively, it can become their little sanctuary. If they still hesitate and remain skittish here are a few extra ideas:
- Have mealtimes in their crate, but don’t close the door. Unless you have multiple dogs. They will appreciate the extra safety the crate provides.
- Play fetch and occasionally throw the ball in the crate.
- Play a game of hide and seek with treats and hide one in the crate.
- Put their favorite toy in the crate.
- Many breeders will provide a blanket or toy with their littermates’ smell and putting this in the crate can help establish it as a safe space.
- If your puppy shows anxiety when you leave, put an old shirt of yours in the crate for comfort.
- Give the reassurance of companionship with a Snuggle Puppy. Our preferred puppy trainer, Kimberly has used them with great success!
We hope we have taken away any misconceptions that may have made you hesitant to consider utilizing a crate with your canine companion. If you are on the lookout for the perfect puppy to join your pack, look at the puppies we have available and contact Gladys. She will be happy to walk you through our adoption process!
