Crate Training 101: How to Get Your Puppy to Love Their Crate

Crate training is one of the most effective ways to create a calm, secure space for your puppy. When done correctly, it provides structure, helps with toilet training, and prevents destructive behaviour. In this guide, we’ll cover the best techniques to make sure your puppy loves their crate rather than seeing it as a place of punishment.

Why Crate Training is Important

If done properly, your dog will soon love their crate, mimicking a den-like environment where they feel secure. It also plays a vital role in toilet training, as puppies naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. Proper crate training also helps prevent separation anxiety and gives your dog a place to relax when needed.

Dogs learn through associations and the meaning we give to things. Therefore, if they only know a crate as a place of positivity and relaxation, it makes crate training the number one tool I recommend—especially since a puppy should sleep up to 18 hours a day!

You get THIS ONE THING right, and puppy training becomes a breeze!

Step-by-Step Guide to Crate Training

1. Choosing the Right Crate

• ✅ Ensure the crate is big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not too big—they need to feel secure.
• ✅ Use a plastic or metal wire crate with good ventilation.
• ✅ For growing puppies, consider a crate with a divider to adjust the space as they grow.
  
  

2. Making the Crate a Positive Space

• ✅ Place soft bedding or a blanket inside.
• ✅ Keep the crate in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home.
• ✅ Leave the crate door open and toss treats inside to encourage exploration.
• ✅ Avoid using the crate as punishment – it should always be a safe, positive space.
  
  

3. Introducing Your Puppy to the Crate

• 🐶 Feed meals inside the crate to create a positive association.
• 🐶 Use a cue word like “crate” when leading them inside.
• 🐶 Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise.
• 🐶 Start with short periods inside and gradually increase time.
  
  

4. Crate Training Routine for Success

• Day 1-3: Let your puppy explore the crate freely, tossing treats inside.
• Day 4-7: Close the door for short periods while they are relaxed.
• Week 2+: Extend crate time and use it for naps and bedtime.

A great crate game to play is: Toss a treat inside and close the door. The puppy will develop a desire to go in. Once they show excitement, open the door—they should eagerly enter to grab the treat. This builds engagement and positive associations with the crate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Leaving your puppy in the crate too long – It should never be a place of isolation.
• ❌ Ignoring whining without assessing the cause – If they truly need the toilet, let them out.
• ❌ Forcing them inside – Always make crate time a choice, not a demand.
  
  

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

With patience and consistency, your puppy will learn to love their crate as their go-to relaxation spot.

Need personalised help? Book a 1-to-1 training session today!