Crate Training a Puppy: The Tale of Tiny and the Cozy Crate

Crate training a puppy is easier than you think. And if you present the crate experience in the right way, you can turn what looks like a miserable wire cage to you and me into a cozy dog den for your pup.

Last weekend, it started with a whimper. Then a yip. Then, a full-on, ear-splitting puppy protest that couldn't have been more traffic-stopping if it contained picket signs and catchy slogans.

Tiny, the mischievous pug puppy down the street, had just been introduced to his new crate—the wrong way. And he wasn't having it.

The Rodriguezes—determined to protect their brand-new wood floors from midday oopsies as they worked long hours—had done the only thing they felt they could. They crated the pup.

But after just one notorious day of whining so loud that a neighbor called them at work worried their puppy had hurt himself, they were ready to throw up the white flag and give the puppy away.

I urged them to reconsider and showed them how to crate train a puppy the right way.

The Benefits of Crate Training a Puppy

Crate training a puppy is more than a way to keep a pup from eating your shoes while you're not home. A crate is a place of safety. It gives a pup a sense of ownership—that is, when it's presented to the puppy in the right way.

It's not a prison. But it sure will feel like that if you throw your puppy in there and lock'em up.

Why Crate Train a Puppy?

This important dog behavioral training has many benefits for both you and your pint-sized K9:

• Creates a Safe Haven - Dogs are naturally den animals like their wolf ancestors. A crate gives them a space of their own to relax. It provides comfort and allows them to escape from the larger world when it becomes overwhelming with storms, get-togethers, fireworks, or other dogs. Few things can relieve dog anxiety better than a crate and a meaty dog bone to gnaw on.
• Aids in House Training – Puppies naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, making crates an effective potty-training aid. That is, as long as you understand a puppy's bladder limitations. I did talk to the Rodriguezes about making sure someone came by at least two to three times to let Tiny out for a pee break. And I guess I kind of volunteered myself to potty train a puppy in the process.
• Prevents Destructive Behavior – No more shredded couch cushions while you’re away! Puppies can learn from a young age that they stay in the crate while you're away and run, exercise, and play when you get home.
• Helps with Travel & Vet Visits – A crate-trained dog is more comfortable in carriers and during transport.

How to Crate Train a Puppy

Want to know how to crate train a puppy without the drama—or the calls from worried neighbors? Follow these steps. And for more information on how to crate train a dog as an adult, check out this post.

Step 1: Choose the Right Crate

Not too big, not too small—your pup’s crate should allow them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If you have a large breed puppy, get a crate with a divider so they can grow into it. For larger dogs like my lab mix, Bruno, I like crates with both top- and front-loading capabilities like this one on Amazon.

Step 2: Make It Comfortable

Add a soft blanket, a favorite toy, and maybe even an old shirt with your scent. A cozy space encourages your puppy to feel at home. They'll claim the space as their den—as if it was their idea.

Step 3: Introduce the Crate As a "Harmless" Object

Start by leaving the crate open in the middle of the room. Puppies are naturally curious and will go inside and walk on during the normal course of the day.

They don't associate the crate with anything negative. It's just another piece of furniture. They may even start "crating themselves" and sleeping in there before you get to step 4.

Comfy!

Step 4. Toss Some High-Value Treats In

Now that they have a relatively neutral leaning toward positive association let's double down on the good vibes. Toss in some high-value dog treats like K9 Connoisseur lung bites. Let your pup explore it on their own terms—no forcing!

Let them savor that irresistible single-ingredient dog treat and begin to realize that good things come to those who crate.

Step 5. Train Intentional Entry

So far, Tiny has been walking in and out on his terms, which is excellent. But we also want to teach him to walk into the crate on command—with no protesting.

So, when he walks into the crate on his own, I say in a cheery voice, "Tiny, go to crate." Then, I immediately give him a treat and praise. "Good boy, Tiny."

He walks back out looking for more treats. So I say, "Tiny, go to crate". He doesn't understand the command yet. So it takes a little time. When he goes in the crate, I reward him with a treat and lots of praise.

Step 6: Start Short Crate Sessions

Throw a more substantial treat into the crate, like a meaty marrow-filled dog bone. If it's meal time, you can also give them a small bowl of puppy food. Just use something tasty that will keep their attention.

Personally, I prefer the meaty marrow bone if the puppy has adult teeth.

Quietly close the door for just a few minutes at a time, while they enjoy the treat. Chances are they won't notice, or if they do, they're more interested in the irresistible dog treat.

Gradually increasing the duration.

Always reward calm behavior and ignore whining (unless it’s a bathroom break request).

But of course, Tiny had to prove me wrong and started whining immediately—probably because of the previous crate experience.

If this happens while you're training, wait for them to calm down, reward them, and let them out.

Step 7: Stick with a Schedule

Puppies thrive on routine! The Rodriguezes started creating Tiny for an hour after meals, playtime, and before bedtime. It helped him settle into the rhythm of puppy life.

They shifted their work schedules so that they could reduce the amount of time that Tiny's stayed crated during the day, reducing the risk of crate accidents. And I helped them out by coming by a couple of times a day to let Tiny out.

By around 4-6 months, puppies have much more control over their bladders, and I was able to say, "my job is done here."

But I did have some parting advice.

Step 8: Keep It Positive

Never use the crate as punishment in puppy training. Instead, make it a rewarding place with dog bones and dog treats.

Dogs don't understand punishment as a consequence of something they did, even though those "guilty eyes" seem to tell us otherwise. They see punishment as you being a "bad dog". It breaks trust. So, instead, train with positive reinforcement. I keep a bag of dog treats and dog bones always at the ready to train and reward my dogs.

That's what the Rodriguezes start doing with Tiny, too. He quickly claimed his comfy crate, and it became his sanctuary. He's learning new dog commands. And they're having so much fun as a family.

Want to master crate training and more? Join our 7-Day Dog Training Challenge.