Crate Training for Puppies: The Day I Met a Houdini Pup

Crate training for puppies isn't for the faint of heart. But it's 100% worth it to see a pup effortlessly enter their crate. No more being late for vet appointments or cleaning up crate accidents.

Puppies can learn to love their crate, as if they were human children playing in a cardboard box house in the living room. It feels safe and inviting. It "belongs to them."

But this all depends on how we dog parents introduce the concept.

Last month, I helped my neighbor crate-train her new puppy while my 3 dogs played chase in the neighbor's backyard.

I always observe the interactions between new pups and pet parents before I try to help. So, now I understand why my neighbor named this puppy "Houdini". He is a squirmy one. As I watched my neighbor try to round him up in the crate, he performed an escape act every time.

I get it. Houdini loves wide-open spaces as much as I do. He didn't want to feel trapped. But with some more positive association, we would change his aversion into admiration.

In this article, I'll share how to crate train puppies with troubleshooting and choosing the best puppy treats to keep crate training for puppies on track—and fun!

Is Crate Training Good for Puppies?

Is it good?! I'd say it's one of the most loving and healthy things you can do for your dogs.

Crate training has one of those reputations that precedes it. Some think it's cruel to crate a dog. It's anything but. The crate can become their "home" instead.

With the right training, they learn to think of it as their cozy den—a throwback to my dogs' ancestral wolves who sought caves, outcroppings, and hollow logs to make their homes.

Liking confined spaces is an instinct for dogs, like chewing on a long-lasting dog bone.

It also serves some other purposes we humans can appreciate:

• Safety - Puppies are curious little explorers, which can lead to trouble—like chewing electrical cords or pulling chicken bones out of the trash. You can't watch them all the time. A crate gives you a break without putting them in harm's way. When they're feeling unsafe or overstimulated, they will often go to the den to get away and calm down. It's "me time."
• Potty Training - Like their ancestral wolves, dogs want to keep their "den" clean. So, the faster you can get them to think of it as the "den", the less likely they are to go in the crate. They'll hold it—within reason.
• Promoting Independence - My dogs deserve their own space. I have the means to give them that. So, each of my 3 dogs has their crate.

How Long Does Crate Training Take for a Puppy?

Every puppy is different. But most K9s adjust to "crate life" in 1-2 weeks when it's constructively presented. Some may take longer, especially if they’ve had negative crate experiences.

Patience is vital in dog training and life!

How to Crate Train a Puppy

1. Choose the Right Crate

Pick a crate big enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too big, and they might use one corner as a bathroom. Too small, and they’ll feel like it's a trap, not a den.

2. Make It Cozy

Add a soft blanket, and toss in a favorite toy. Cover the crate with a light blanket to make it feel more den-like.

3. Introduce the Crate Slowly

Leave the crate door open and let your puppy explore it on their own terms. Toss in a few puppy treats or their favorite dog bone for puppies to create positive associations.

Little Houdini loves his squeaky bunny toy, so we used this affection to encourage him to do what puppies do—explore something new in the room.

4. Start with Short Stays

Encourage your puppy to enter the crate with a treat. Close the door for a minute or two. Then, let them out before they get restless. Gradually increase the time they spend inside.

I use a more substantial treat like a marrow-filled dog bone to keep them engaged with something. It takes a little longer to realize the door is closed.

5. Use Treats for Training Dogs

Reward your puppy with healthy treats like beef lung bites when they enter the crate. This reinforces the idea that the crate is a "happy place".

You don't have to give them a treat every time. But continue to intermittently give them a crate treat to remind them that this is a fun place to be.

6. Establish a Routine

Puppies thrive on routines. Use the crate during naptime, mealtime (if needed), or when you’re busy and can’t supervise. This consistency helps your puppy adjust quickly. 

7. Create a Command

Create a command phrase like "Go to Crate" that will allow you to direct your dog to their crate on demand. Whether you need to mop the kitchen without leaving dozens of paw prints or need your own "me time", your puppy will now see going to the crate as a positive rather than a punishment.

Say your command phrase every time they enter the crate without any prodding. Be consistent.

Troubleshooting Crate Training for Puppies

1. Whining or Crying

It’s normal for puppies to protest at first. If you accidentally leave them in too long at first, resist the urge to let them out while they're whining.

Wait until they’re quiet—even for a couple of seconds—to avoid reinforcing the behavior.

2. Puppy Refuses to Enter the Crate

Is your pup hesitant? Don’t force it.

Because my neighbor had already been trying for days before she called me, Houdini had an aversion to his "den". But we were quickly able to turn it around.

Remember: a den is a very natural concept to a dog. But so is avoiding a trap. Think like a dog!

Toss healthy dog treats or toys inside and praise them when they investigate. Be patient. This can take time.

3. Accidents in the Crate

Usually, this means the crate is too big. Or your puppy has been inside for too long. Adjust the crate size and take them outside frequently. As they get older, you can leave them for longer periods.

Best Puppy Treats for Training Dogs

Before I go, I wanted to share a few of my dogs' favorite training treats and dog bones. These are all single-ingredient and nutritious dog puppy treats for crate training.

Beef Lung Training Treats

These are easy to break apart for smaller mouths and packed with collagen protein, omega 3, vitamins, and minerals you expect from high-quality grass-fed organ meat. My dogs deserve real food. I give them beef lung treats.

Beef Trachea Chews

Once puppies have their adult teeth (around 6 mo), you can start them on longer-lasting treats like trachea. Give them this cartilage chew to keep their teeth cleaner and to promote mental engagement.

Refillable Beef Marrow Bones

For puppies, I would choose K9 Delights. They're perfectly small for little mouths to chew. And when the bone marrow is mostly gone, I refill them with puppy favorites from this free dog bone refill guide.

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