How to Successfully Crate Train Your New Puppy: A Step-By-Step Guide for New Owners

Crate training is more than just teaching your puppy where to sleep. It creates a space where your new best friend can feel secure and relaxed. This method not only assists with housebreaking but also minimizes destructive behaviors. With proper crate training, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your puppy is safe while you’re away. If you’re a first-time puppy owner, learning how to crate train effectively will make a big difference in your lives.

Enide of Chatterton Kennel

Understanding the Benefits of Crate Training

Before diving into steps, let’s talk about why crate training matters.

Crate training provides your puppy with a secure haven, mimicking the den-like environment that dogs naturally seek. This comfort aids in teaching boundaries. For example, dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area, making crates an effective tool for housebreaking as well as general training.

Additionally, crate training simplifies travel arrangements and visits to the vet. In fact, according to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, about 65% of pet owners use crates for traveling with their pets, ensuring safety and comfort during trips. At King K9 Academy, we use kennels when transporting dogs whenever possible.

Choosing the Right Crate

Choosing the right crate is a vital step in the training process.

Size Matters

A properly sized crate is essential. If it’s too large, your puppy may choose one end as a bathroom. Aim for a crate that gives your puppy enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to measure your puppy from nose to tail and add a few inches for extra space. Keep in mind your puppy is going to grow up. Many wire kennels/crates come with a divider that allows you expand the space allotted to your pup as he grows. Use zip-ties to secure the divider so that it stays put!

Type of Crate

Different types of crates serve various needs:

• Wire Crates: These are durable and offer good airflow. They are easily collapsible, making them great for home and travel.

• Plastic Crates: Ideal for travel and vet visits. They often provide a more private setting, which many dogs prefer. I prefer plastic kennels in vehicles. It reduces how much the dog can see from inside the vehicle which can be a boon if you have a reactive dog, and it can help with motion sickness.

  
  

• Fabric Crates: Lightweight and great for short trips, but not recommended for heavy chewers (most pups).

  
  

Select a type that aligns with your lifestyle and your puppy's behavior and personality.

Introducing Your Puppy to the Crate: Day 1

Now that you have the right crate selected, it's time to introduce it. We are going to focus on our puppy's natural instincts to help condition the kennel to mean good things and we won't have to actively do anything to accomplish this.

Step 1: Make the Crate the Best and only Option

Transform the crate into a welcoming space. Place soft bedding and throw in a few favorite toys or special treats—make it cozy! Attach the ExPen to either side of the kennel front so that your puppy can go in and out of the kennel at will but still be confined to the area within the ExPen. It is best if this area is a solid surface such as a wood floor, vinyl, tile, etc. Basically we want to contrast the play area with the cozy crate but the solid surface will also be easier to clean when your puppy has an accident. Your puppy will naturally enjoy seeking the relative comfort of the kennel when wanting a nap, naturally conditioning your puppy to see the kennel as advantageous and preferable when wanting comfort.

Step 2: Encourage Positive Associations

Feed your puppy inside the crate. Place the food bowl at the back of the kennel so your puppy has to go all the way inside to eat. Close the door and allow your puppy to eat.

Don't play with your puppy's food, or invade his bowl in an effort to desensitize him, thinking you'll make him less likely to resource guard; it will backfire, sometimes spectacularly. Leave him alone and let him eat in peace. More on that in another post..

Crate Train Me!

How to Crate Train a Puppy - The Process

With comfort being established, it’s time to jump into the process of crate training.

Step 1: Regular Schedule

Dogs thrive on routine, so introduce a consistent schedule for crate time. For instance, consider crating your puppy after play sessions, meals, or walks. This gives them a clear understanding of when to expect crate time. You may want to remove all toys from the ExPen after a play session, allow your puppy to enter the crate and take a nap. Close the door of the crate and walk away.

Step 2: Gradual Duration

Start with short timeframes and slowly extend them as your puppy gets better at bladder control. For young pups you'll want to take them out after they wake up from a nap as they likely were awoken by an urge to pee. Often pups will whine or turn circles or start sniffing and pawing their bedding.

Puppies have small bladders and typically need to go out every two hours.

Step 3: Bed Time

This isn't a post on Housebreaking, however housebreaking goes hand-in-hand with crate training. Be sure to take up water 2 hours before bedtime and take your puppy out just before bed. Encourage your pup to go into the kennel, but if he refused be prepared to place him inside. Once inside close the door. Ignore your puppy if it makes a fuss, it was just out, so any fuss is just that, and should be ignored. Plan on getting up a few times during the night with an 8-12 week old puppy. You signed up for this.

Dealing With Common Challenges

Challenges can arise during crate training, and knowing how to navigate them is critical.

Whining or Barking

If your puppy whines or barks, assess whether they need to go outside or are feeling anxious. Wait briefly before responding; if it seems like an attention-seeking behavior, do not reinforce it. If the distress appears genuine, take them out for a bathroom break but if they are scheduled to be inside the crate during this time, make sure you put them back inside after the quick potty break.

Refusal to Enter the Crate

If your puppy hesitates to enter you will have to place them inside. Refusal is not an option your puppy should learn. Consistency and patience are key to overcoming this hurdle. Once your puppy learns that refusal isn't a viable option, they will begin to comply.

Regression

Some puppies might regress after initial success. This can be due to new stressors, like visitors or environmental changes. When this happens, remain calm and consistent with your training, as these factors are typically temporary.

Tips for Successful Crate Training

To enhance your crate training experience, consider these additional points:

• Keep the Crate Clean: Regularly check for accidents and clean the crate to maintain a cozy environment.

• Exercise Before Crating: An exercised puppy is likely to be more relaxed in the crate, so provide them with plenty of playtime first.

  
  

• Always Potty before Crating.

• Consistency is Key: Stick to your schedule and maintain uniform commands and training practices.

  
  

Completing Your Crate Training Journey

Crate training is a journey that requires patience and determination. It may take some time for your puppy to love their crate, but the rewards of a happy and well-adjusted dog are more than worth the effort.

By following these steps, you can successfully crate train your new puppy. This not only ensures a safe and comfortable home but also enriches your daily lives together.

Creating a positive experience of the crate promotes a bond that can last a lifetime. Happy crate training!