Crate training my puppy
Let me be real with you—crate training your puppy isn’t just a “nice idea” or something you’ll get to when you have time. It’s the foundation of a well-behaved dog and a peaceful household. If you brought a puppy into your life, you took on a responsibility. Crate training is part of that responsibility.
I’ve spent the last ten years as a vet and run a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats. And I can’t count how many times I’ve heard, “He just doesn’t listen,” or “She tears up everything when I leave.” Nine times out of ten, it comes down to this: no crate, no routine, no boundaries.
Let me be real with you—crate training your puppy isn’t just a “nice idea” or something you’ll get to when you have time. It’s the foundation of a well-behaved dog and a peaceful household. If you brought a puppy into your life, you took on a responsibility. Crate training is part of that responsibility.
I’ve spent the last ten years as a vet and run a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats. And I can’t count how many times I’ve heard, “He just doesn’t listen,” or “She tears up everything when I leave.” Nine times out of ten, it comes down to this: no crate, no routine, no boundaries.
Why Crate Training Matters
Your puppy doesn’t come pre-programmed. They don’t magically know where to go to the bathroom, what not to chew, or how to calm themselves down. That’s your job to teach, and the crate is your best tool to do it.
Crate training:
- Helps with housebreaking by teaching bladder control
- Prevents chewing, digging, and destructive behavior
- Gives your pup a quiet space to relax
- Teaches independence and reduces separation anxiety
- Keeps your puppy safe when you can’t supervise
It’s not mean. It’s not restrictive. It’s structure—and dogs thrive on it.
How I Crate Train My Puppy (And How You Should Too)
When I bring a new pup into my home, crate training starts the same day. Not next week. Not “once they settle in.” The crate is part of the routine from the beginning, because that’s how dogs learn: through consistency.
Here’s what I do—and what you should do too:
- Introduce the crate like it’s no big deal. Leave the door open. Toss a treat or a toy in. Let the pup explore it without pressure.
- Feed meals in the crate. This creates a positive association.
- Use the crate for naps and bedtime. Puppies sleep a lot. Let them rest in their crate so they learn it’s a safe, calm place.
- Ignore whining—unless it’s a bathroom need. Don’t reward noise with attention. Wait for calm, then let them out.
- Keep the crate in a central part of the house. This isn’t a punishment zone—it’s a part of their daily life.
What People Get Wrong (Pay Attention)
If I had a dollar for every person who told me they “tried crate training and it didn’t work,” I could build another wing on my sanctuary. It didn’t work because you didn’t do it right. Here’s where most people mess up:
- They give in too soon. The puppy cries, and they open the door. Guess what the puppy just learned? Noise = freedom.
- They use it for punishment. That turns the crate into a place of fear. Big mistake.
- They’re inconsistent. Sometimes the pup sleeps in the crate, sometimes on the couch. Mixed signals = confused dog.
- They keep the puppy in there too long. Crating is a tool, not a lifestyle. Puppies need play, training, and exercise outside the crate.
How Long Is Too Long?
Follow the rule of thumb: one hour per month of age, up to about 6 hours max during the day. Nighttime is different—they can usually hold it longer while sleeping. But during the day? Your puppy needs breaks, stimulation, and interaction. Don’t crate and forget.
Final Thoughts: This Is On You
Crate training isn’t about convenience. It’s about raising a dog the right way—with boundaries, patience, and consistency. The crate gives you a safe way to say, “Here’s where you settle. Here’s where you rest. Here’s where you learn.”
If you skip it or half-commit, you’ll end up with a dog who’s anxious, unruly, and confused. And I’ve seen too many of those end up abandoned or surrendered because someone didn’t take the time to do things right.
So take it seriously. Crate training isn’t just good for your puppy—it’s good for you, your house, your sanity, and your relationship with the dog you chose to bring home.
