How to crate train your puppy

Puppies don't naturally like being on their own and this can lead to anxiety and destructive behaviour. Crate training helps your puppy to feel at home, even when you're not there.

Jack Russell Terrier puppy sleeping on a soft blanket

Why is crate training important?

When left alone puppies can experience frustration, anxiety and fear, all of which can cause unwanted behaviours. When done well, crate training can reduce these unwanted behaviours and offer your puppy a reassuring and relaxing environment.

What are the benefits of crate training?

There are many good reasons to crate train your puppy:

One

Crate training is a good way to limit your puppy’s access to the house before they learn the house rules

Two

Once comfortable in their crate, your puppy can be safely left overnight, or alone at home

Three

When familiarised with the crate, your puppy no longer feels anxious or abandoned when left on their own

Four

Soiling, chewing and destructive behaviour is reduced

Five

Your puppy has a place all of their own where they feel safe, so they can retreat at any time

Six

You can use the crate to easily transport your puppy to the vets or other places

Dachshund puppy sitting indoors on a blanket

How to choose a crate?

Crates come in all shapes and sizes. The main thing to remember is that the crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in, now and as an adult.

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Getting used to the crate

Place the crate in a room where the family often spend time together
Line it with a soft blanket
With the door open, slowly introduce your puppy to the crate
Place a trail of treats leading inside to encourage them to explore
Alternatively, you can place their favourite toy in the middle of the crate

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Feeding in the crate

Start feeding your puppy regular meals near the crate
If your puppy is already happy with the crate, place their dish inside the crate
If your dog is anxious, start feeding him outside the crate and gradually place his dish further inside, each time
When you puppy is comfortable eating inside the crate, slowly close the door. Chews or food toys can be great ways to increase meal times in the crate.
Slowly build up the time the door is closed after each meal

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Sitting in the crate

When your dog is happy spending time inside the crate, try leaving them for short periods while you are at home
Call your puppy to the crate and give them a treat
Give them a command, such as “kennel up” and when they enter the crate praise them and give them another treat
Provide your puppy with a chew or a toy to engage them. When you are sure they are calm, slowly leave the room
Slowly increase the amount of time you are away each time until your puppy can be left alone, without whining

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Staying in the crate

When your puppy is happy to spend 30 mins of more in the crate without becoming anxious you can leave them in the crate when you are away from home
Always praise your puppy calmly and give them a treat before leaving them in the crate
Make departures quick and matter-of-fact, not emotional
When you return don’t respond to your puppy in an excited way – it’s important to make this separation feel normal
You should not crate your puppy for more than four or five hours per day. The time should be build up gradually, as most puppies will need to urinate at least once in this time

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Sleeping in the crate overnight

Introduce your puppy to the crate from an early age
At first move your puppy’s crate near to your bedroom – this stops them from feeling isolated
If your puppy whines at night, they may need to be let out to go to the toilet
Praise your puppy when they enter the crate and give them a treat
When your dog is comfortable with sleeping in their crate you can move it elsewhere in the house

Poodle puppy sitting indoors in a dog bed

Chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy lying down behind a dog fence

Poodle puppy sitting down on a white sheet

Chihuahua puppies sleeping in a dog crate

Puppy training and play

Learning and play are vital to puppy development and provide them with an understanding of the rules of life. Training should start as early as possible whilst your puppy naturally has an excellent capacity for learning.

Training your puppy

Dachshund puppies playing in black and white

Dachshund mother and puppies in black and white on a white background

How to socialise a puppy

Socialisation is one of the most important steps in ensuring your puppy grows into a well-balanced, confident adult. It's never too early to start gently introducing your pet to new experiences, people and animals.

Socialising your puppy