Crates are essential tools for puppy training that will help keep your new furry pal safe, content, and secure, but you first must train your puppy to accept and ultimately love being inside. This sounds like a challenge, but you need to dedicate only a few moments each day to achieve this goal. Here is our Neighborhood Veterinary Centers guide to puppy crate training that will have your new four-legged friend racing to “kennel up” in no time.

Why should you crate train your puppy?

First and foremost, crate training can eliminate many safety issues that arise when pups are left on their own. Puppies love to pick up things from the floor or jump on countertops to find hidden treasures. Crating prevents your puppy from swallowing an inedible item that could lodge in their digestive tract, consuming something toxic, or simply destroying your belongings. The first rule in teaching a dog appropriate behavior is to prevent them practicing unwanted behaviors, such as theft or destruction. 

Puppies who learn to love their crate will also settle calmly when left alone, are easier to potty train, adapt more quickly to travel, and better tolerate hospital visits and stays.

Choosing an appropriate crate for your puppy

Choose your puppy’s crate based on their expected adult size and intended use. You may wish to have several crates that you teach your puppy to accept—one for home, one for the car, and one for travel. The home crate should be sturdy, chew-proof, and large enough for your dog to stretch out, stand up, and turn around comfortably, but not so large that they can use a corner to potty. If you purchase an extra large crate for a giant-breed dog, you can also purchase a divider to temporarily make your puppy’s area the right size.

A car crate should fit reasonably in your vehicle and be stabilized to avoid movement while driving—a plastic airline crate is often the best choice. Pop-up fabric crates are lightweight and convenient for travel, but an overzealous pup can easily chew through or scratch the fabric if you use this type before they are ready.

Choosing a puppy crate location

For crate training to effectively improve your pet’s potty training, you must keep them confined overnight. This may influence the crate location—most young pups do best when they feel close to their people and not completely alone. Placing the crate in your bedroom can reduce nighttime crying and alert you to nighttime bathroom needs. As your pup gets older, you may continue using the crate in the bedroom or a new location. 

Building positive crate associations with your puppy

The ultimate goal of puppy crate training is ensuring they love being inside and are not fearful or anxious when left alone. You can accomplish this goal by building positive associations and moving at your pup’s pace. Try the following progressions, repeating each step several times before moving to the next, and refer to this video if you need help:

  • Throw treats into the open crate for your puppy to retrieve.
  • Have your puppy work on a long-lasting food treat in the open crate.
  • Close the crate door for one minute while your puppy eats treats inside.
  • Close the crate door and leave the room for a few minutes while your puppy eats treats.
  • Gradually increase the time your puppy spends in the crate alone.

Do you notice a theme? Never force your puppy into the crate, and keep the experience positive with treats or other rewards. Step back if you see signs of anxiety or stress, such as scratching at the door.

Again, puppies who learn to accept and love their crate are easier to potty train, better handle boarding and hospitalizations, and learn they have a space to call their own. Crating a puppy also has the added benefit of keeping them out of trouble when you leave. 

Learn more about crate training and other puppy training topics from your nearest Neighborhood Veterinary Centers team, or contact us to schedule your puppy’s next vaccination visit and wellness check-up.