How to Train a Puppy to Like a Crate

Training your puppy to like a crate is worth the effort. Not only is crate training the easiest way to house train your new family member, it will make travel a breeze for the life of your pet. Once your puppy learns to like their crate, you can leave the house with confidence knowing that they are safe from getting into trouble.

Puppies almost always adapt quickly to crate training as long as you follow some basic guidelines, especially when first introducing them to the crate. This guide will give you three training methods that you can use together to ensure the best experience for your young dog. 

In addition, we will provide you with some tips and tricks to make crate training your new puppy easy and painless for you and your young fur-ball. 

Tips for successful crate training:

•  Be sure there is fresh water in her crate at all times.
  
• Keep bedding clean, dry and soft.
  
• Place his favorite dog-proof toys in the crate with him.
  
• Try to practice crate training exercises when your puppy is tired.
  
• Wait for a silent moment before letting your pup out of the crate – even if all you can get is a few seconds between whines.
  

Things NOT to do with crate training:

• Leave your puppy unattended in the crate with a choking hazard like rawhide or toys with small breakable parts.
  
• Punish your puppy while he is in the crate by yelling at him, using a firm tone, tapping or shaking the crate.
  
• Abandon your puppy for more than a few minutes in the early stages of crate training. Give her some time to learn that you will come back for her before you expect her to feel safe in the crate for a few hours in your absence.
  
• Alternate having your puppy spend time in the crate with you nearby, along with leaving her alone. This will keep her from associating the crate with always being left alone.
  
• Leave your puppy in the crate for more than a few hours (maximum) at a time. 
  

Remember: 
If your puppy is going potty in the crate, you are failing her by leaving her in there too long. Always take your puppy out to potty before and after you put her in the crate.

Learn to listen for signs that your puppy may be whining to go out to potty while in the crate. If you think there is a chance that she needs to go out, take her out to potty, then put her back in the crate. If she routinely spends time in pain in the kennel holding her bladder, she will come to associate the crate with torture and refuse to go in.

Likewise, be sure you are using the crate as it is intended: A safe place for your puppy to rest in between more vigorous play and social time. It can also be used to help you find some time to run to the store while you leave your puppy alone for a short period of time.

However, the crate is not a substitute for spending time training and playing with your dog. Make sure that your young dog is getting plenty of mental and physical stimulation throughout the day in order to get the most out of her puppy days to grow into a wonderful family pet.