Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, and one of the most effective tools you can introduce is crate training. A crate offers your puppy a secure den for naps and breaks, aiding in house training and teaching appropriate behavior. During stressful times like storms, their crate becomes a sanctuary. It’s crucial to remember that crates should never be used for punishment or for extended periods, ensuring your puppy views it as a happy, safe space.
Crate training offers significant advantages, particularly in the house training process. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas, meaning your puppy is more likely to signal when they need a potty break rather than have an accident in the crate. This proactive approach is invaluable for new puppy owners. House training a puppy becomes more manageable when leveraging this natural canine behavior.
Furthermore, crates help prevent unwanted behaviors from becoming ingrained habits. If your puppy has a tendency to chew on furniture, supervised crating for short periods can interrupt this behavior before it becomes a problem. This proactive management is key to establishing good habits early on.
Portable crates also offer convenience for travel, whether it’s a trip to the veterinarian or a stay at a friend’s house. Your puppy’s familiarity with the crate means they’ll likely enter it willingly, and it provides them with a private, comfortable space that prevents them from getting into trouble. This can be especially useful when traveling with your pet, offering a sense of normalcy in a new environment.
How Long Can My Puppy Safely Stay in the Crate?
The duration a puppy can be safely crated is generally tied to their age. While specific veterinary advice is always recommended, the following provide a general guideline:
| Age | Approximate Allowable Crate Time Limit |
|---|---|
| 9 to 10 weeks | 30 to 60 minutes |
| 11 to 14 weeks | 1 to 3 hours |
| 15 to 16 weeks | 3 to 4 hours |
| 17+ weeks | 4 to 6 hours |
A common rule of thumb is one hour of crate time for every month of the puppy’s age.
It’s essential to avoid leaving your puppy crated for excessively long periods, even for adult dogs. If your workday exceeds these limits, consider arranging for a midday visit from a dog walker or family member. Hiring a dog walker can ensure your dog gets necessary breaks and exercise.
10 Essential Puppy Crate Training Tips
Ready to embark on the crate training journey? Keep these key tips in mind for a smooth and positive experience.
Choose the Right Crate: Select a sturdy wire, plastic, or mesh crate. Wire crates are collapsible and offer good ventilation, often with covers for privacy. Mesh crates are lightweight but less durable. Plastic crates provide a den-like feel and more privacy. Ensure the crate is the correct size—large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For growing breeds, consider a crate with a divider to adjust the space as your puppy gets bigger, preventing accidents in an oversized area.
Central Placement: Position the crate in a room where your family spends time, like the kitchen or living room. This helps your puppy feel included and less isolated. In some cases, a quieter location might be better if family activity is disruptive to naps.
Create a Cozy Environment: Make the crate inviting with a soft blanket, a small pillow, and a favorite chew toy. A worn t-shirt can also provide the comfort of your scent. However, if you’re leaving your puppy unsupervised for extended periods, avoid stuffed toys that could be ingested if your puppy is a strong chewer.
Encourage Entry: Scatter treats or small food pieces around and inside the crate to entice your puppy. Be patient if they are hesitant; never force them into the crate, as this can create negative associations.
Utilize Meal Times: Serve meals inside the crate to build positive associations. Start with the bowl just outside, gradually moving it inside, and eventually to the back of the crate. Keep the door open initially. Once your puppy is comfortable eating inside, you can begin closing the door. Hiding treats can also add an element of surprise and discovery.
Introduce a Cue Word: Once your puppy readily enters the crate, pair the action with a cue word like “Kennel up” or “Go to bed.” Reward them with a treat upon entering. Ensure all household members use the same cue for consistency.
Provide Companionship Initially: Stay in the room with your puppy during the initial stages of crate training. This prevents them from associating the crate with your absence. Gradually increase the duration you leave them alone.
Gradually Extend Crate Time: Begin with very short periods and slowly increase the duration. If your puppy whines, they may need more time to adjust. Wait for them to be quiet before opening the door to avoid reinforcing whining. When releasing your puppy, teach them a “wait” or “stay” cue before opening the door, and use a release cue like “OK” or “free” to signal they can exit. This teaches patience and can be applied to preventing them from bolting out of doors or cars. This skill is particularly useful to stop your dog from running out the door.
Avoid Scolding: Refrain from scolding your puppy if they whine or bark in the crate, as this can increase their stress. Instead, focus on making the crate a positive experience. Ensure they are tired before crating, provide engaging toys, or stay nearby until they relax. If whining occurs at night, take them out for a brief potty break, keeping interactions low-key to encourage settling back down.
Prioritize Exercise: A tired puppy is more likely to settle in their crate. Ensure your puppy gets ample physical activity through walks or play sessions before crating. This expends excess energy, making the crate a place for rest rather than pent-up frustration. Getting plenty of exercise is fundamental to a well-behaved dog.
Most puppies adapt well to crate training. If you encounter persistent difficulties, professional trainers can offer personalized guidance. Consulting your veterinarian is also advisable if you suspect underlying medical issues are contributing to the challenges.
For adult dogs adopted from shelters, these tips can also be applied to crate training them, even if they have no prior experience. If you require further assistance, consider resources like the ASPCA®’s Behavioral Help for Your Pet webpage to find a suitable professional trainer.
Remember: Treats should constitute no more than 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake. Sudden dietary changes can cause stomach upset.
Consider an ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan for coverage of eligible veterinary costs, offering peace of mind for your pet’s well-being. Explore pet insurance options and get a free quote.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
