Crate Training: FAQs

Why do I need to crate train?

There are so many benefits to crate training that impact not only puppyhood, but your dog’s entire life.

It can help with sleeping; building independence; toilet-training; providing a safe place; and it’s a perfect way to manage your puppy so you can get things done without needing to keep an eye on them.

I use my crate EVERY DAY! It helps me to manage Taco & provide her with a routine that helps her to function better and fit into my lifestyle.

How do I start?

Ideally, you should start with your puppy sleeping in their crate: put them in for every nap to help encourage a routine of relaxing in the crate. You can also do fun things to help build that bond like putting food or toys in the crate at times.

When introducing a crate to an older dog, use lots of high-value treats and positive reinforcement in ever interaction with the crate. Go slowly and don’t force them at any stage. Reward them for every step: sniffing the crate, putting one paw inside, chasing a toy in and coming straight back out, being in the crate with the door open, and especially being in the crate with the door closed for any period of time.

I normally put my puppy in with the door closed from day one. I know it can be hard, but the sooner you introduce the crate the quicker they will adjust.

What if they cry in there?

Your puppy is still a baby; they may cry in their crate, like a baby might when left in a crib. Most of the time, a little bit of whingeing is fine and it’s best to leave them to calm themselves so as not to reward the behaviour and reinforce the habit of crying to get out.

To start with, for the first few nights when you get your puppy, I recommend sleeping beside the crate so that they can hear and see you. They’ve just been taken from their mum and siblings and familiar environment so it’s okay to reassure them when they wake up not knowing where they are. I found talking to my pup softly or having the TV on quietly helped to calm my pup enough for her to fall asleep.

If they do get hysterical however, I recommend putting on a lead and taking them for a slow, boring wander in the yard until they calm down, and then going back into the crate.

I like to teach my puppy that they need to sit and be quiet before they are allowed out of the crate. I do this using little training sessions throughout the day with high value treats. This is to help your puppy to understand that in order to get out they must be quiet, rather than cry.

What crate should I get?

You should invest in a crate big enough for when they will be full grown and section the crate off to make it smaller for them while they grow. Dogs are naturally clean creatures, and they don’t like to sleep in the same place that they wee. If you give them lots of space, they may be able to wee in one corner and sleep in the other. To help toilet train them in the beginning, it is best to section the crate off so that there is only enough space for the puppy to sleep. This means they will be a lot less likely to wee in their crate. And of course, when you let them out they will need to go outside straight away – I carried my pup outside immediately after they wake up to eliminate the length of time walking to the correct toileting area.

I prefer metal crates as they can't be chewed, and they pack down flat to be transported or stored.

You can purchase crates from most pet stores, Kmart, and online. My favourite place online is crazysales.com.au they are quite cheap here, (plus you can also get a lot of kong products from there cheaper too).

What should I put in with them?

I don't leave water or food in mine so that I don't need to get up to let them out more often. You can use food rewards when training, and serving their breakfast or a bone in their crate is a great positive reinforcement.

Many people like to leave a toy or blanket with your pup’s mum’s scent on it for the first few weeks in their new house. Depending on the dog’s play style though, leaving toys in the crate with them may encourage them to chew on and rip up toys in their crate. The crate should predominantly about sleep and relaxing, so toys shouldn’t be necessary in with them.

Bedding is optional and as you get to know your puppy you will find what they prefer. Some don’t like anything in their crates, some like the mattress-style bedding, and some are happy with some old towels.

Where should I put the crate?

This is up to you and where you’d like your dog to regularly sleep and take refuge during the day. Ideally, an area that is quiet but not too secluded, so they still feel included in the family.

If your crate is in a common area, I recommend getting a cover (an old sheet will do) to help prevent the stimulation from the things going on. It's amazing how having a visual barrier can change the way a dog reacts to things.

Good Luck!