How to crate train a puppy, step by step

Done well, a crate becomes your puppy’s safe, cosy den. It’s a place to rest and feel secure. It should never be a place they’re sent when they’re in trouble.

Choosing and setting up the crate

• Your puppy should be able to stand, sit, turn around and stretch out in it. Buy one for their adult size, or size up as they grow.
• Choose a sturdy crate. Fabric crates aren’t suitable for puppies who chew.
• Add soft, washable bedding.
• Put it in a quiet spot, away from draughts and direct sun, where your puppy can still see the family.
• For the first few nights, keep the crate next to your bed.

Step by step

1. Leave the door open and toss a few treats inside. Let your puppy wander in and out as they like.
2. Feed meals in the crate with the door open.
3. When your puppy happily goes in, close the door for a few seconds while they eat or chew. Then open it.
4. Over several days, slowly build up the time with the door closed while you stay in the room. Try 5 minutes, then 15, then 30.
5. Give a chew, or a toy filled with food and frozen, each time. Your puppy learns that the crate means good things.
6. Once your puppy can relax in the crate for an hour or two while you’re home, start leaving the room for short times. Later, try leaving the house.

If your puppy whines or scratches to get out, go back a step and go more slowly.

Crate rules

• Never use the crate as a punishment.
• Don’t leave your puppy in the crate for longer than they can hold their bladder. The UK vet charity PDSA says never more than 3 hours for any dog, and some can’t manage that long.
• Make sure your puppy can reach water.
• Before crate time, make sure your puppy has been to the toilet, had a play and isn’t hungry.
• When you’re not training, leave the door open so the crate stays their choice.

Learning to be alone

• Start in the first week or two. Leave the room for 30 seconds, then come back. Slowly make it longer.
• Keep goodbyes and hellos calm and low-key, so there’s nothing to get worked up about.
• Build up slowly. Four hours is generally too long for a young, active puppy to be left.
• If your puppy panics when left, with non-stop barking, chewing, toileting or trying to escape, talk to your vet. Don’t use the crate to manage this without professional help.