If you’re a dog parent, you’re probably familiar with the concept of crate training – the process of introducing your puppy or an older dog to an indoor crate, with a view to it becoming a safe, familiar space for them. 

Crate training won’t always go smoothly, even if your pup has one of the best dog toys in there with them, and there’s the potential for things to go slightly off-track. Perhaps you know how to crate train your dog, but you’re struggling with your pup when they leave the crate.

That’s where Juliana DeWillems, owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training can help. In a recent Instagram post, she’s outlined what you can try to create a calm exit so your canine will be coming out of their crate and doing just fine. 

“There’s no rule that says your dog has to stay still and wait as you open the crate,” explains DeWillems. “But if you’re wanting that skill for safety, this is our favorite way to teach it.”

She explains that it’s a good idea to pair the opening of the door with treats being placed inside the crate. This allows your pup to build the behavior of waiting as the door opens, because they’re anticipating the treats being dropped. Gradually, you can fade the treats out and make your pup’s release from the crate itself the reward once you’re confident that they can reliably wait. And you might decide to try one of these crate games for dogs to make training more fun.

DeWillems adds, “Sure, a dog could learn that leaving the crate early results in the door closing. I’ve taught it this way many times before I learned alternative options. Or, a dog could learn that hanging out in the crate even when the door opens leads to positive outcomes. It’s not always about effectiveness, but rather what is the dog’s experience when accomplishing the goal.”

You can see in the video that the trainer delivers a stream of treats just inside the crate as she opens the door. As a result, the puppy remains lying down in the crate even though the door is open. “What this is doing is building and reinforcing the behavior of staying inside the crate as the door opens instead of bolting out.”

But crate training is not necessarily for everyone. As DeWillems says, it’s not recommended for every dog and puppy, and where it is recommended, it’s best to introduce it in a positive and low-stress way to build positive associations. She finishes, “We do our best to prioritize agency and freedom of movement!”

Here are five alternatives to crate training that you might find work better for your pup. 

Disclaimer: Unless specifically stated, any expert comments quoted in this news piece have been taken directly from the video cited below.

There are few things more exciting than bringing home a puppy for the first time. But, as you've probably already figured out, those little bundles of fluff certainly come with their fair share of challenges too! 

From learning how to potty train a puppy to ensuring they master the perfect loose leash walk, there's a lot to teach your puppy in that first year of their life. 

Trying to figure out how to crate train a dog is one of the things a lot of new pet parents struggle with and it's not hard to see why.

Puppies will often cry when crated for the first time as for the first two to three months of their life, they slept with their littermates, so being alone can feel scary to begin with. 

Thankfully, expert trainer Alex Sessa, founder of Peach on a Leash, has shared a helpful video to Instagram in which she's revealing the three-step process she uses to build a positive association with the crate. 

Read on to find out how she helps puppies feel comfortable in confinement...

1. Use treats strategically: "Toss food into the crate and step back. Wait for your pup to go in to get the food and then toss more inside," Sessa advises. "Keep the door open! When your pup is inside, food is flowing. If they choose to leave, food stops."

2. Pause throughout the training and assess where your puppy is at: "After a few reps, try pausing to see if your puppy will go in the crate BEFORE you toss any food," says Sessa. "If they do, you can then begin rewarding in the crate. Do this a few times."

3. Cue your puppy: "You can now add a cue word," explains Sessa. "Say your word, pause, and wait for your pup to go into the crate, then reward. Then gradually add distance."

After completing the steps listed above, Sessa says that you can then start to work on closing the door and gradually building up the time your puppy spends in their crate.

As with teaching your puppy any new skill, crate training takes time, patience, and consistency — but it's worth persevering. Not only is it a wonderful tool for potty training, but it will help keep your puppy safe and secure when you're out and about.

Does crating your dog result in tears before bedtime? Being able to have a safe confinement area for your pooch can be really useful – but not if it results in stress for you both. Bundling a crying, wriggling dog into a crate so you can run to the store is no-one’s idea of a good time, so read on for some top tips on how you can tackle the problem.

Working out how to crate train a dog should be on the top of your list as an owner. Not only is it useful to have a safe, secure space where your pet can be temporarily confined if necessary, but it’s also practical for house training and traveling. 

Even when you’ve carefully invested in one of the best dog crates, some dogs just don’t appreciate their home from home.  Fortunately, Karishma Warr, the head of training & behavior for Calm Dog Training in New York has put together some tips in a useful Instagram post , which you can view below. 

Even if you don’t have a puppy, it’s equally useful to crate train older dogs and this step-by-step guide shows how to make the whole process less stressful. Karishma suggests breaking the process down as follows. 

• Work at their pace. Never force a nervous dog into a crate if they’re not ready, as this just causes distress. 
• Start where they can be successful. Just like with humans, every dog is different. A crate-shy dog might be scared of confinement, or of small spaces. Spend some time finding out what the problem is, then try alternative solutions such as tethers instead of crates or large pens that are gradually reduced in size. Once your dog is happy with these, you can try the crate again. 
• Play ‘in-out’ games. If your dog is afraid of getting trapped in his crate, then these games involve teaching entry and exit with a cue. Putting a structured system in place helps to build confidence. 
• Practise relaxed settling. This tip involves settling your pooch on a mat or bed, then gradually moving it into the crate. As they associate the bed with relaxation, that feeling should be carried through into the new environment. “This skill is one that can take multiple months to master, and often needs the eye of a professional on it to be done successfully,” warns Karishma. 
• Long duration projects. Try settling your dog in his crate with one of the longest last dog chews or a frozen treat. Not only will this help to distract him, but repetitive chewing is a great soother. 

If, after following these tips consistently and regularly, you’re still having problems then we’d recommend booking some time with a professional trainer. Reading our guide on how to spot dog trainer red flags will help you make the right selection. 

When your new puppy is unsettled all you want to know is how to stop your puppy crying in the crate. It takes time for your puppy to get used to it and stopping them from crying is a different, perhaps more stressful, challenge. 

Investing in the best dog crate is all part of the process, and choosing the right one for your puppy is important. 

However, it is not as much of a disaster as you may be telling yourself. There are lots of things you can do to help, including giving them one of the best puppy toys in their crate.  

Our minds often jump to ‘our new puppy must be feeling sad and upset’ if they are crying and this can be deeply distressing for us in many ways. However, it is not as much of a disaster as you may be telling yourself. 

Pups who have recently left their littermates will feel a little lost and lonely which is understandable and being in a crate may also be a further new experience for them, so a bit of whimpering and upset is perfectly normal behavior from them. This vocalization from them is their way of communicating with you, they are pack animals and social creatures after all. In time, you and the household members will become their new pack, but for now, the idea of being in a crate feeling isolated may not be something they agree with and therefore they’re trying to get your attention.

General advice on how to crate train a dog.  is always useful to know but if you wish to know how to stop your puppy from crying in their crate for good read on so you can enjoy peaceful nights once again.

Why do puppies cry in their crate?   

While you may be worrying that something is seriously wrong with your little one, crying in the crate is normal puppy behavior. Quite often, crying in the crate is a sign of separation anxiety in dogs as they're having to get used to being away from you and your other family members. It's especially hard on puppies, who may be sleeping alone for the first time since leaving their mother and siblings. 

It's important to remember that puppies and dogs are highly social creatures and they hate being separated from the members of their pack - which includes you! "It's normal for puppies to cry when they go into their crate, but if you ignore it, it will stop and they will relax," explains professional dog trainer Adam Spivey. 

Rest assured, with a few weeks of patience and perseverance when it comes to training, your puppy will soon learn that you always come back and this will help them to settle down.

How to stop your puppy from crying in their crate

Even with the best training practices, you may still find your puppy cries or whines to begin with during crate training. But the most important thing during this process is consistency. 

Start the training early on to avoid your puppy picking up any bad habits or behaviors that will be difficult to curb when they get older, and try and remain patient as you continue training. Here are a few tips to help you get your puppy to stay quiet while they’re in their crate.

1. Pick the right size crate

We know, it seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how much crying comes from pet parents choosing a crate that’s too small. While they may be small, your puppy still needs enough room to stand up, turn around comfortably, and play with their toys (but not too big that they can use one end as a personal bathroom).

Many dog crates come with dividers that allow you to expand the size of the crate as your puppy grows. This can be a great way of both saving you money in the long run by ensuring you don’t have to purchase a new crate when your pup gets older, while also letting you create a space that feels both cozy and roomy. 

2. Consider the location

Just like with your own home or apartment, when it comes to your puppy’s crate it’s all about location, location, location! It's really important that you don't put your puppy's crate too far away from where you and any other family members spend the bulk of your time. So, avoid the garage and basement and any other spaces that have a cold feel to them as this may cause your furbaby to feel especially isolated.

Instead, choose an area where you tend to spend a lot of time, like a living area as this will help your pup feel more secure. You might even want to consider investing in two crates and keeping one near the end of your bed at night so your puppy is still in the same room as you. Not only can this help your furkid feel less lonely, you’ll also be able to hear when they need to be let out to go to the toilet.

3. Get your puppy comfortable

According to dog trainer Heidi Atwood, you want to make the crate a wonderful place to be. "You can feed them some meals in the crate, hide pieces of kibble for them to discover or favorite toys, get them interested in going in on their own and checking it out," she says.

Make your pup's crate feel cozy and inviting so that your fur friend feels safe and secure. We recommend investing in one of the best dog beds and furnishing it with a nice, soft blanket. Donut-style options are great as they have higher sides than other designs and because they're often self-warming, they can help mimic the warmth of your pup's mother, which can bring them a lot of comfort. 

After you've chosen a bed, consider popping in a few puppy toys so that your little furball has something to play with. "I have a freezer full of stuffed Kongs when I have a young puppy in my house, so that I can easily grab one and give them something very mentally stimulating, rewarding and fun. By the time they're done with the stuffed Kong, they're tired, and they will most likely have a nap," Atwood explains.

Make sure your puppy sees their crate as a happy and comfortable space to hang out. With that in mind, never use the crate as a form of punishment - you want every experience to be a positive one so that your puppy associates good things with being in their crate.

4. Give them plenty of exercise before crate time

A tired puppy is most definitely a sleepy puppy, so one of the most powerful weapons you have in your arsenal when it comes to getting your puppy to stop crying in their crate is playtime! The more energy your puppy burns before you pop them into their crate, the more likely they are to go straight into snooze land. 

Once it’s time for them to be crated, give them a toy that can be filled with treats so that even when they’re settling down, they still have something to amuse themselves with until they fall asleep. We love the Kong puppy toy which is great for smearing with peanut butter or dog paste, and it's rubber, so it's a great teething toy too.

5. Factor in potty breaks

Just like a toddler, puppies can’t ‘hold it’ for anywhere near as long as adult humans and dogs can and crying is often a sign they need to go to the toilet, so you’ll want to factor in potty breaks.

So, how often should you get up during the night to let your puppy out for a toilet break? Well, a good way to think of things is to take the age of your puppy and add one. That means that a three-month-old puppy will be able to wait around four hours before they need to go to the toilet again, which means in an eight hour period, you'll be wanting to let them out twice.

However, when you’re learning how to potty train a puppy, there’s no such thing as too many breaks, so feel free to take them outside more until you get a sense of how often they need to go.

6. Ignore their whining

There's nothing more heartbreaking than having to stand in another room and listen to your puppy crying with no end in sight. It's incredibly hard as a pet parent to not want to rush in and soothe your stressed out little bundle of fur or let them out, but it's really important that you do resist the urge to do that, as it will only make things worse in the long run.

According to expert dog trainer Cesar Millan, you want to avoid giving your puppy any attention until they've gone quiet. "He has to calm surrender before he comes out of the crate," explains Millan. "Don't look at the puppy, just wait for the calm surrender. We want the crate to represent the highest level of relaxation....and we want the crate to represent a resting state."

What if your puppy still won’t stop crying?

Sometimes you can read and implement all the tips and tricks in the world and it still won't be enough to get your puppy to stop crying. If you're really having a hard time putting an end to this behavior, there are a couple of other things you can try.

First up, place a blanket over the crate. While this sounds simple, it can actually be really effective. A blanket will help make the inside of the crate that much darker, which can be very comforting for puppies.

There are also a range of the best puppy sleep aids on the market that can also be useful in helping your young one to settle. And remember, the most important thing is that your puppy knows that you’re in charge - if you don’t respond to every cry, they’ll soon get the message that whining isn’t an effective way to get what they want.

If you find that your puppy's crying continues weeks or months after you've exhausted all of the above suggestions, have a chat with your vet, who will be able to rule out any underlying health issues and offer advice and guidance on how best to proceed they may advise you seek out the help of a trainer or canine behaviorist too who also be able to you and your new doggo.

Enjoyed this piece and looking for more helpful training tips? Then be sure to check out our guide to how to stop a puppy biting, mouthing or nipping.  You might also want to learn how to stop your dog barking in their crate.

If you have a senior pooch at home, you may be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to crate train an older dog. More importantly, you may be wondering how to go about it. The good news is that crate training an older dog is not all that different from crate training a puppy, although it may take a little more time and patience. 

All you need to get started is an appropriately sized dog crate, a soft bed, some of your dog’s favorite treats and kibble, and a positive attitude! Read on to learn how you can be successful crate training your older dog.

Should you crate train your older dog?

There are many benefits to crate training a dog. A properly trained dog can use the crate as a safe and comfortable resting place and may choose to go into the crate voluntarily any time he needs a break. 

The crate can also be a very valuable tool to use during potty training, in the car, when guests are visiting, or any time you need to keep your dog safely confined. A crate may also be used to help pups with separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobias, or other behavioral disorders by providing them with a safe space to retreat to when they are frightened.

However, some older dogs may have had previous bad experiences with crates and confinement, and this can make crate training more difficult for you and your dog. When undertaking a new crate training routine with your older dog, it is important to proceed slowly and monitor your dog closely for signs of stress and anxiety. 

If at any point your dog shows early signs of being stressed – such as licking his lips, looking away, panting, crouching, or refusing to go into the crate – then stop what you are doing and re-evaluate your training plan. You may need to proceed more slowly, incorporate more positive rewards, or even try a different approach to help your dog feel more comfortable with the training process.

Choosing the right crate for your dog

An appropriately sized crate is the key to success when crate training a dog of any age. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up to his full height and turn around in a circle, but no larger. 

This ensures that your dog will be comfortable in the crate, but does not allow enough space for your dog to urinate or defecate in one area of the crate and sleep in another. If the crate is too large, this may encourage soiling, particularly in dogs that are not yet potty trained. If the crate is too small, your dog will not be able to get comfortable and may be stressed or anxious in the crate.  

Whether you choose a wire crate, plastic crate, or soft-sided crate is mostly a matter of pet and owner preference. However, if you find yourself searching for indestructible or escape-proof crates, this is a sign that your dog is not appropriately crate trained and is extremely stressed while in the crate. This is a good time to revisit crate training to make the crate a more positive environment for your dog.

Make the crate a safe and positive space

If you want your dog to love spending time in his crate, you’ll need to make it a space that is safe, comfortable, and fun to be in! 

That means providing a comfortable dog bed, placing the crate in a quiet area of the house, and offering toys or treats for your dog to work on while he’s in the crate so he has something fun to keep him busy. 

Puzzle toys or long lasting treats are a great option to keep your dog mentally stimulated and rewarded while in the crate. 

The crate should always be a fun and positive place for your dog to be, so never use the crate as a form of punishment. Never force your dog into the crate if he seems scared or apprehensive – instead, try luring him in with a treat or a favorite toy and rewarding him for getting inside. This way, he’ll always view the crate as a positive and rewarding place to be!

How to crate train an older dog

Get your dog used to the crate

To help your dog learn to view the crate as a happy and fun experience, start by feeding your dog his meals next to or just inside the door of the crate. As your dog gets comfortable with this arrangement, you can gradually move the bowl farther and farther to the back of the crate. You’ll know your dog is comfortable with the crate when he gets in and eats his full meal without trying to back out or get away.

You can also offer your dog treats in the crate or leave treats and toys in the crate for him to find on his own throughout the day. You’ll know the training is going well if your dog gets into the crate on his own to explore and, especially, if he gets in and takes a nap!

Use positive reinforcement

Once your dog has become comfortable with the crate, you can practice closing the door for short periods of time. Start with only a few seconds at a time, then reward your dog for calm behavior and open the door. If things are going well, you can gradually increase the length of time you make your dog wait calmly in the crate before opening the door – remembering to periodically reward your dog for good, calm behavior while in the crate. 

Don't give in to whining or barking

Never open the door while your dog is whining or barking – this only teaches your dog that barking will get him what he wants! Instead, wait until he is calm, then reward and let him out. When practiced patiently and consistently, this training routine will have your dog behaving calmly in the crate even when you can’t be there with him.

Your dog can learn to love the crate

With proper training and lots of positive reinforcement, your dog can learn to love being in the crate. Be patient and allow your dog to progress through the training at his own pace, and always make the crate a fun and positive experience for your dog. Before long, he’ll even want to go into the crate on his own!

Read next: Why shouldn't you sleep with your dog?

Learning how to crate train a dog is something most new puppy owners will have to do at some point. Whether it’s for safety reasons, house training purposes, or for travel — crates provide a safe and secure den for your dog.

But even after you've got one of the best dog crates, what do you do next? It’s easier to get your pooch more accustomed to its crate the younger they are. Although any age of dog can be crate trained. One of the top ways to get them started? Fill their crate with all their favorite things, like some of the best puppy toys or treats, so you can keep them entertained. This trick will also help your four-legged friend think of their crate as a positive place. 

Crate training might sound a little harsh. But one of the most important things to remember is that a crate is not a cage. It’s designed to provide a safe haven for your pup and a place to call its own. To help you on your journey to crate training your dog, we spoke to veterinarian Dr Joanna Woodnutt. 

Why should I crate train my dog?

For those not familiar with crate training, the system can seem a little harsh and old-fashioned. But crate training is good for your dog. It can help to keep them safe when you can’t be home, and give them a secure space that’s theirs. Remember, wild dogs live in dens, so a cave-like space is comforting to them. Crate training your dog also helps them to feel at home if they have to visit the vets, and to cope better with being kennelled at a boarding establishment if you go abroad. It can also help with toilet training, and even when dealing with separation anxiety.

How long does it take to crate train a dog?

How long it takes to crate train a dog depends on the age of your dog, his prior experiences, and his personality. For dogs that are quick to learn and confident, who have had no bad experiences with the crate, a week or two may be enough. However, for an older dog who has already developed a fear of his crate or is of a nervous disposition, it may take longer. How long it takes to crate train a dog also depends on your goals – do you want to be able to shut him in there all night? Or do you just want a dog that’s a little more confident when he visits the vets? It’ll take a lot less time to train a dog to walk into a crate with confidence than to stay there for periods of time without you.

7 tips to crate train your dog

1. Leave the crate up at all times

Try to find somewhere for the crate so that it can be left up all the time. The crate should become part of your dog’s daily life, just like the sofa or dog bed might be. Only getting it out to put your dog in when you are leaving the house means it will become associated with you leaving, and stop being so comforting. Ideally, the crate should be left somewhere where your dog can access it when he chooses to, not just when you ask him to.

2. Create a cosy den in the crate

The dog crate needs to become a cosy sleeping space that your dog feels safe in, so turning it into a den is a great way to make it feel safer and more secure. Throw a towel or blanket over the top, put a dog bed inside, and throw in a few of the best dog toys to make it feel like home. For some dogs, using a pheromone spray on the blanket or a plug-in diffuser nearby helps them to feel more relaxed. Respect this area as your dog’s space, a bit like a bedroom. It’s good practice to ask children not to approach the dog’s crate, regardless of whether he is inside or not.

3. Associate the crate with positive things

Just as with any habituation program, you need to associate your dog’s crate with positive things. This might involve feeding them in the crate or hiding dog treats in the crate. For dogs that are reluctant to go through the open door of the crate, you can try playing a game where their favourite toy is thrown into the crate for them to collect. Your dog should come to view the crate as a fun place to be. 

4. Don’t shut the crate door (at first!)

Don’t- whatever you do- throw the food into the crate then slam the door shut behind your dog- it will only scare them and set their training back. The first few times your dog goes into the crate, don’t shut the door at all. Once your dog is going into the crate willingly and often, you can start to push the door to, but don’t lock it. Build up to closing the crate door slowly over a week or two of daily practice.

5. Slowly build up the time they’re in there

Once you’ve got the door closed behind your pooch, the next step is to start increasing the amount of time your dog is in the crate for. At first, it’s best to stay with them. Open the crate within a minute or two, and certainly before your dog starts to get upset, so that they leave calm and happy. Slowly build up the amount of time they are in the crate for before you open the door, then start to leave them alone in the crate. It might help to distract them with a treat or chew the first few times you leave so they barely notice you go. 

6. Only let your dog out when they’re quiet and calm

If you progress through the training steps too quickly, your dog may become distressed. It’s important not to let your dog out of the crate when they’re stressed, whining, or crying, as this will allow them to think that having a tantrum works. Instead, wait until they are quiet and calm, then let them out from the crate. Next time you practice with the crate, go back a step so that you remove them from the crate before they become upset.

7. Never use the crate for punishment

Using the crate for punishment defeats its purpose and undoes all your hard work with training your dog. Whilst the dog crate can be used to prevent toileting accidents, chewing, and other destructive behaviours, it should never be used to punish a dog after these have occurred. Your dog will soon try to resist the crate, making it much harder for you to train him. On the whole, punishing your dog is unnecessary. If you discover an accident or a chewed slipper, quietly clean it up, ignoring your dog completely. 

Alternatives to crate training

Of course, crate training isn’t for everyone (or every dog!). If you have a dog that was locked in a crate for some time in the past, they may be too scared to go into the crate, and you may need a different option. 

Remember, the goal of crate training is to teach your dog that his bed is a safe place where he can rest, and that going there when asked is a rewarding option. Therefore, you can try using a small room or the underside of a desk instead of a crate. Teaching a command like ‘in your bed’ is a good way to encourage your dog to go to a set place and wait there to be released. Even if that bed isn’t in a crate, this command can help dogs to understand what’s expected of them at the vets and groomers.

Crate training your dog has a range of benefits for you, your dog, your dog sitter, and your vet, so it’s well worth taking the time to do it properly. How to crate train a dog involves hard work, but it can be fun for both of you!

Looking for more on crate training? Find out how to stop your puppy crying in the crate or discover some fantastic crate games for dogs. Or, read why shouldn't you sleep with your dog