05/07/2026
A look at how I crate train puppy's. Crate training is by far the most effective way to potty train your puppy overall.
Puppies enjoy eating, drinking, potty and play time until they tell me it's nap time. Nap time / crate time can look different depending on the puppy. Some will play until they are exhausted, while others quietly find a place to start snoozing. I encourage nap time with calming music like native flutes.
They find peace in a crate slightly larger than them, this gives them a sense of security , and discourages potty in the crate. Pups look for den-like areas to sleep instinctively, this is why I cover three sides of the crates as well. My pups started potty training at 3 weeks old. They now go outside using the doggie door or use their potty tray, they generally don't like to potty where they sleep. At first crate training is only 20 mins then I build up to an hour or so. They each get a turn in the crate throughout the day as I only have 4 crates.
Some pups are vocal about their feelings on crate training while others instantly lie down and start to dooze off. It's important that you do not let them out of their crate until they settle or you could unknowingly train them that barking is their way of getting out. Essentially the puppy is training you. Dogs/ puppy's feel a sense of security when you can provide good leadership.They need this to be happy and healthy overall.
As a safety measure I remove their collars while in the crate. When your puppy leaves the crate he needs to immediately go outside to potty.