Do you need to take a trip with your puppy? You’ll probably have to place your puppy in a crate to do so. This and various other scenarios call for puppies to be calm and well-behaved when in crates.

Dealing with a puppy that’s restless or barking relentlessly while in a crate can be overwhelming for both you and your furry friend.

This is where crate training a puppy comes in handy. It’s a great way to ensure your dog feels safe and remains calm while in their crate.

Benefits of Crate Training a Puppy

If you’re like many people, you probably view crates from a human perspective. You may not like the idea of having your furry friend confined to a ‘cage’.

However, nothing could be further from the truth. Crates are designed to provide your pet with a safe space. They also provide them with a space that is just theirs.

Some of the top reasons you may want to consider crate training for your pup include:

Providing your pup with a safe and quiet space
Giving your pup even more incentive to housetrain
Ensuring safer travel for your pet
In case your pup needs to be evacuated in an emergency
It can help to keep your pup away from hazardous items
The crate will provide your pet with a space where they can rest and recover from injury
It can help ease separation anxiety when you have to leave them for a period of time.

First Things First – Buy The Right Crate

Before even training your pup, it’s important to have the right crate. The following are factors to consider when choosing a crate for your pet:

Size

It should be large enough for your pet to lie down, turn around, and stand up comfortably.

Entries

It should have multiple entries for easier access.

Easy to clean

Look for a crate with a removable tray or wipeable surface

Sturdy

Durable enough to handle some scratching or chewing.

Easy to transport

Lightweight or foldable crates are great for travel.

Have rounded corners

Safer for energetic or curious puppies.

How to Crate Train a Puppy

Create a comfortable space

Make the crate comfortable and inviting. Consider adding a blanket or their favorite toy.

Introduce your pet to the crate

Make your pet familiar with the crate. Place a treat or its favorite toy inside to encourage it to explore. Be patient. Keep trying even when you don’t succeed the first time.

Feed your pet meals in the crate regularly

This will get them used to the space and help them develop a positive association with it.

Close the door with your pup in the crate

Do this when they are sitting comfortably within the space. Do this for 1 minute at first and keep increasing the length of the sessions each time working your way up to 10 minutes.

Leave your puppy alone while in the closed cage

Do this for short periods of time and increase the length of each session. Give them a treat for their good behavior.

Leave them in the crate when you leave home

Do this when going out for a short period. This is especially important for pups that exhibit separation anxiety.

Leave them in the crate at night

When your pup is comfortable spending longer periods within the crate, have them spend the night in the crate. You may want to place the crate in your bedroom so you can hear any cries.

As your pup becomes more comfortable, you may move the crate to a different location within your home.

Contact Anchor Up K9 Academy for Help with Puppy Training

At Anchor Up K9 Academy we believe that no dogs are bad. They’re just not trained. We provide dog owners and their pets the opportunity to obtain the skills they need for a good relationship in the long term.

Our professional trainers will provide you with training designed to meet your and your pet’s specific needs. We’ll even help you discover the best way to crate train a puppy.

Crate Training a Puppy: Step-By-Step Guide