08/21/2025
I often get questions about crates whether to use them or not, and the training for the crate. In my opinion the crate is the safest place for your new puppy. Much like children our puppies can get into things that could potentially be a harmful situation. When our backs are turned cleaning, cooking, etc. that is when our puppies are doing things they probably shouldn’t be. So for potty training, safety, sleeping, to eat in, quiet time or car rides I do suggest a crate. First and foremost the crate should be a safe and quiet place. It should not be a punishment, however there are moments where your pup needs a quiet time and that’s just a calm put them in the crate kind of moment. Hopefully your pup has had a little exposure to a crate before coming home, but often their first crate experience is when you bring them home or at home. Start with short sessions of sitting with your puppy and placing food inside their crate so they are more tempted to explore the crate. I tend to do a lot of hand feeding the first few weeks after bringing a pup home. Make their experience with the crate positive. Once your pup is going in and coming out of the crate encourage your puppy to hang out in there longer, by placing more pieces of food inside while they are in it. Eventually build to where you close the door and feed a few food pieces and then open the door when they are quiet and calm. It is important to really not do a whole lot of talking and touching, especially if they are being loud and not calm. Just keep it quiet. You can do a verbal “good crate” once the pup is inside of it. Reward with food when they are quiet and calm. Only remove your pup from the crate when they are quiet and calm. Only verbally reward when they are quiet and calm. If you try talking to them when they are throwing a ruckus it sets back crate training because they are getting attention for the ruckus. I know this can be tough. If you are consistent, then your pup will learn that the only time they are let out is when they are quiet and calm. This takes time. Some pups adjust faster than others. It is reasonable to get them acclimated to the crate within a week. Once the basics are set in place then I will crate my pup for 30 minutes to take a shower, do some chores, cookor whatever you want to do in that time, also step in and out of your house in that time. Then when you are ready let your puppy out and take them outside directly at first for potty training. Then you can start to increase the time that your pup is in the crate by 30 minute increments . I also find that covering the crate can help reduce the visual stimulation. When I am to the point where I can leave the pup in the crate to run to the store I usually will turn on the tv or music for them while I’m gone.
For potty training: anytime that you can not watch your puppy or you are going to be busy then that is where the crate comes into play. Your puppy gets crated for the time you are cleaning, cooking, showering, bathroom time, and then your puppy comes out and goes to the outdoors for potty. You will want to probably use the phrase “go potty” and when they do it’s a potty party “good go potty outside “ and food or treats outside for going outside. Most pups will not go to the bathroom where they sleep or eat so usually you won’t find a mess in the crate.
Note: you may find that after play time is a good time to crate because your pup is more tired. Also during nap times. I also find that the plastic airport style crates are better for crate training at first.
