Your Guide to Crate training

Whether you're crate training a new puppy or a newly adopted dog, this is your guide to crate training success the Instinct Canine Training way.

Welcoming a new member to your pack is an exciting time. Whether it be a young puppy or newly adopted dog, there’s not so many differences when it comes to setting your dog up for success. One of our top tips for clients welcoming a new dog into the home is to utilize crate training from day one.

Crate training is a valuable tool that helps your puppy feel secure, aids in house training, and provides a safe space when you're not around. It also helps your dog get a better quality of sleep - keeping them well rested. Puppies, especially, have a hard time getting the quality of sleep they need if we just let them make their own schedule. Here’s a guide to help set your puppy or newly adopted dog up for success. 

Why Crate Training?
Crate training gives your puppy a safe and secure space. Dogs are den animals by nature, and the crate becomes their personal den, providing comfort and aiding in house training by encouraging them to develop bladder control, as dogs generally do not enjoy sitting in their own filth. Crates also prepare puppies for situations like travel and vet visits, making these experiences less stressful.

Crates are also essential in creating structure with fair boundaries. When we can’t observe our dogs while we are out of the house, we know they can’t get into anything that could hurt them, or destroy our property. It is key in preventing separation anxiety as well - a beast we create ourselves by not teaching our dogs to be comfortable on their own away from us.

Setting Up the Crate

• Proper Size: Ensure the crate is just big enough for your puppy to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If it's too big, they may soil one side and sleep on the other, which creates bad habits. A larger crate that has a partition that can be adjusted can be used as your puppy grows.
• Positive Association: Feed your puppy in the crate or place a special treat inside that’s of high value. This helps them associate the crate with something enjoyable, creating a positive environment.

Crate Location: Where to Place the Crate
Placing the crate in your bedroom, especially in the early stages, helps your puppy feel secure and provides comfort as they adjust to their new home. It’s easier to hear them if they need a potty break during the night. Over time, you can move the crate to a more permanent location, but starting in the bedroom builds trust.

The Crate Schedule: Managing Crate Time
A general guideline is:

• 2 hours in the crate, 1 hour out. Puppies need about 16-18 hours of sleep per day, so ensure they have enough rest time. (Even when you are home, put them in the crate!)
• No time out of the crate unless your puppy has eliminated outside. This reinforces house training and encourages your puppy to hold their bladder.
  
  

When your puppy is out of the crate, actively watch or interact with them. This time can be used for training, walks, play, or safety by tethering them to you on a leash or using an x-pen.

Managing Barking and Crying
Puppies may bark or cry in the crate, but don’t give in (even though it’s tough!) Opening the crate door when they are making noise teaches them to manipulate you, as the dog will learn that you have a limit to the amount of crying or barking you’re willing to endure before you release them. Be consistent and allow them to settle on their own. If you think they need a potty break, calmly take them outside without turning it into playtime, and return them to the crate once they’ve gone to the bathroom.

If the barking is overwhelming, try earplugs to help you stay calm or take the opportunity to step outside and breathe. This not only helps you salvage some sanity, but teaches your dog that the crate is their safe place when you’re not home. The crying phase will pass as your puppy or adopted dog learns to settle in their crate.

Accidents in the Crate
Accidents might happen as your puppy or dog is learning. Clean up after them immediately  for their comfort. Puppies are naturally clean and don’t want to soil their sleeping space. .

Safety First: Collar-Free Crates
Always remove your dog’s collar before putting them in the crate. In rare cases, collars can get caught, posing a choking hazard. The safest dog in a crate is one without any collars or harnesses on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you cover the crate with a blanket?
Covering the crate can help dogs who are overstimulated by movement, but it may disrupt their circadian rhythm. Use it only if necessary to help with stimulation.

How long can puppies hold their bladder overnight?
A 3-month-old puppy can hold their bladder for about 4 hours. Adult dogs can hold it for 8-10 hours. Younger puppies may need a midnight bathroom break, so set an alarm to proactively help your puppy with bladder control (and avoid a midnight bath!)

What age can a dog be crate free?
Around the age of 1, some dogs can be trusted outside their crate while you’re gone, but it depends on the dog. Test with short durations before trusting them to roam free without a crate.

What if I have 2 dogs?
You can have different rules for each dog. If your older dog is free-roaming, keep your new puppy in a crate. Just be sure the free dog doesn’t tease or frustrate the crated one.

Should I add a Pee Pad?
Nope! If you place a pee pad inside the crate, you encourage them to eliminate there. We also don’t want to use them in general because it delays the training of the dog and giving them freedom to go whenever, instead of building a controlled bladder. (exceptions might be made for those who live in apartments).

Crate Training TakeawayCrate training is essential for your puppy's development or welcoming a new dog into the family, providing a safe space while teaching them to be comfortable in confined situations. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, your dog will see the crate as a comfortable, safe retreat they’ll enjoy settling down in.

We're Here for You Every Step of the Way

From crate training woes to starting your new family member on the right paw, Instinct Canine Training is your trusted resource for building a lasting bond with your dog on the foundation of trust, respect, and of course, love.
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Sign up for our Puppy Preschool to receive our full instructional handout on crate training and more expert advice to guide you through your puppy’s first year.

Newly Adopted Dog? We can help with that too! Reach out for a consultation to ensure your dog settles into the “furever” home with ease.