Crate Training For German Shepherds
German Shepherds are loyal, intelligent, and full of energy—but they also need structure. If you don’t set clear boundaries early on, you’ll end up with a destructive, anxious, or overly dominant dog. That’s where crate training comes in.
I’ve been a veterinarian for over 10 years, and I run a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats. I’ve worked with plenty of German Shepherds, and let me tell you—if you don’t train them properly, they’ll run the house, chew your furniture, and develop bad habits that are hard to break.
Why Crate Training is Essential for German Shepherds
German Shepherds are working dogs. They thrive when they have a job, structure, and a designated space. A crate gives them that.
✔ Housebreaking is easier – Dogs don’t like to soil where they sleep. A crate helps them learn to hold it.
✔ Prevents destructive chewing – Shepherds chew everything when they’re bored. A crate keeps your furniture and shoes safe.
✔ Reduces separation anxiety – A crate teaches your dog how to be alone without freaking out.
✔ Creates a safe space – Every dog needs a quiet, secure place to relax.
🔹 Pro Tip: If you don’t crate train your German Shepherd, they’ll find their own “den”—which might be under your bed, behind the couch, or in your laundry pile.
Choosing the Right Crate for Your German Shepherd
📌 Size Matters
A fully grown German Shepherd needs a 48-inch crate. If you’re starting with a puppy, get a crate with a divider so you can adjust the space as they grow.
- Too big? They might use one corner as a bathroom.
- Too small? They won’t be able to stretch out comfortably.
📌 Wire vs. Plastic Crates
- Wire crates – Best for airflow and visibility.
- Plastic crates – Good for travel, but less ventilation.
- Heavy-duty crates – Ideal if your Shepherd is a strong chewer or escape artist.
📌 Make it Comfortable
- Use a thin, durable bed—Shepherds love to shred plush bedding.
- Place the crate in a quiet area, but not completely isolated.
- Add a safe chew toy to keep them occupied.
How to Crate Train a German Shepherd (Step by Step)
Step 1: Introduce the Crate (Make it Positive)
Your Shepherd needs to see the crate as a good thing, not a punishment.
✔ Leave the door open and let them explore it.
✔ Toss in treats, a toy, or a blanket to make it inviting.
✔ Feed them inside the crate so they associate it with good things.
🔹 Pro Tip: If they hesitate, don’t force them in—that’ll make them hate it. Be patient.
Step 2: Start Closing the Door for Short Periods
Once they go inside willingly, start closing the door for short periods.
✔ Give them a treat, close the door, and wait 10-20 seconds.
✔ Open the door before they start whining.
✔ Gradually increase the time—30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes.
🔹 Pro Tip: If they whine, ignore them. Wait until they’re quiet before letting them out.
Step 3: Increase Crate Time
Once they’re comfortable, start leaving the room for short periods.
✔ Crate them after exercise—a tired dog settles easier.
✔ Give them a Kong with peanut butter to keep them busy.
✔ Start with 5 minutes, then 10, then 30.
🔹 Pro Tip: If they panic, go back to shorter sessions. Rushing the process will backfire.
Step 4: Use the Crate for Housebreaking
Shepherds learn fast, but they need a schedule.
📌 Follow the One-Hour-Per-Month Rule – A 2-month-old puppy can hold it for 2 hours, a 3-month-old for 3 hours, etc.
📌 Take them outside immediately after crate time – Praise and reward them when they go.
📌 Stick to a strict potty schedule – Routine prevents accidents.
🔹 Pro Tip: If your Shepherd has an accident in the crate, clean it up with an enzyme cleaner to remove the smell. Otherwise, they’ll think it’s okay to go there again.
How Long Can a German Shepherd Stay in a Crate?
German Shepherds shouldn’t be crated for too long—they need mental and physical exercise.
📌 8-10 weeks old → No more than 1-2 hours
📌 3-4 months old → Up to 3-4 hours
📌 Over 6 months old → Can handle overnight crating (8 hours max)
🔹 Pro Tip: If your Shepherd whines a lot in the crate, they might need more exercise and mental stimulation.
Common Crate Training Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
🚫 Using the crate as punishment – Your dog should see the crate as a safe space, not a jail.
🚫 Letting them out when they whine – This teaches them to whine for freedom. Wait until they’re quiet.
🚫 Not giving enough exercise – A German Shepherd with pent-up energy won’t settle in a crate.
🚫 Leaving them crated too long – These dogs need activity. Too much crate time = frustration and bad behavior.
Final Thoughts: A Well-Trained Shepherd is a Happy Shepherd
Crate training isn’t about locking your dog away—it’s about giving them structure and security. A properly crate-trained German Shepherd will feel safe, stay out of trouble, and be easier to train overall.
✔ Make the crate a positive space
✔ Increase crate time gradually
✔ Use it for housebreaking
✔ Be patient and consistent
If you stick with it, you’ll have a well-behaved German Shepherd that sees their crate as their own personal den. And trust me—that’s a game-changer. 🐾
