How to Crate Train Your Puppy: The Step by Step Guide You Wish you Had Yesterday

Because you deserve sleep, and your rug deserves life

“I don’t want to put my puppy in a cage!” I hear it all the time and I get it. Crates have a bad rap, especially when you've just brought home your brand new family member and you want them to feel welcome, not locked away. The truth is, when introduced correctly, It’s a den, a safe space, a cozy little bedroom. When used properly, it helps with potty training, reduces household chaos, and gives your dog a break from the overstimulating world. It’s not punishment, it’s help for you, and them.

If you’re ready to do crate training the right way which is the safe, positive reinforcement way, this is your starter plan. Fair warning: it looks simple, but it takes timing, awareness, and consistency. (That’s where I come in.)

Step 1: Pick the Right Spot

Low-traffic, quiet-ish, but not isolated. It should be a tucked away corner of your living room, den or your bedroom. Your dog should feel included, but not overstimulated.

Avoid putting the crate in a room that gets really noisy or busy or putting them somewhere with no traffic leaving them feeling isolated.

Step 2: Do I Cover the Crate?

Most dogs prefer a covered crate because it makes it feel like a den. Leave the front (smaller side) open so they can still see out, and watch how your dog responds. If they settle better with it covered, great. If they look nervous or overheated, you can remove it. Some dogs/puppies prefer it fully covered. Personal preference matters here.

Step 3: Crate = Treat Central

Make the crate a fun and rewarding place. Toss in a treat, and let your pup walk in to get it. No pressure. No closing the door yet.

If they stay inside, toss another treat in between their paws. Give it a cue like "crate", “go to bed” or something upbeat and easy to remember. You’re building good associations.

You can feed meals inside the crate, use food-dispensing toys like a stuffed Kong, and always choose safe chew items (no rope toys, no squeakers). And keep it exclusive, crate toys should be special access only, not scattered around for regular play.

Step 4: Close the Door (Just for a Sec)

Once your pup walks in comfortably without hesitation, try closing the door for just a few seconds. Stay nearby. Let them out before they get nervous or upset. Slowly build up time.

Avoid your dog going into panic mode! That doesn’t mean throw open the crate in a dramatic rescue. Walk back to the crate quietly, wait for calm (even 3-5 seconds of it), then open. That teaches them calm = release. If you let them out while whining or barking, they learn that this type of behaviour = freedom, and that’s a training mistake you don't want to have to break later. If they have a melt down, that usually means they were left too long. Next time, keep it shorter. Watch your dog like a hawk during this phase.

Step 5: Add Duration and Distance

Eventually, you want to be able to walk out of the room for a few minutes with your dog happily chilling in the crate. Take baby steps. Add a few seconds each session. Reward calm, and always, always make it rewarding to be in there.

This is how you prevent separation anxiety from creeping in. You’re showing your dog they can be alone safely, and you always come back.

Step 6: The Wind-Down: Setting Your Pup Up for a Peaceful Night

Before bedtime, create a routine. A little structure goes a long way. Make sure your pup has had their last potty break, finished dinner with enough time to digest, and had some mental or physical play to burn off energy. Then shift gears into settle mode. Dim the lights, lower your energy, and guide them toward calm. When it’s time for the crate, don’t just pop them in and disappear. Sit nearby, give them a gently stuffed Kong or safe chew, and wait a few minutes while they settle in. Once they’re relaxed and interested in their chew, then quietly step away. This builds security and reinforces that bedtime is safe, predictable, and relaxing.

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A few details to keep in mind

Bedding: Not all dogs like bedding. Certain breeds (like huskies or Labs) often prefer a hard surface. If you do use bedding, make it something like a small white towel or blanket. That way you’ll notice if your puppy’s peeing on it (which they shouldn’t be). Just watch for chewing, some puppies will tear and in some cases ingest the fabric.

Potty Training: Puppies need out every 2 hours during the day. Overnight, they can usually stretch it a bit longer. But if your pup’s going in the crate, it’s generally not a behavior issue, it’s a schedule issue. They were left too long.

No pee pads in the crate. That tells your puppy it’s okay to potty where they sleep. It’s not, and if they use it, they'll want out of the crate. Puppies don't want to hang out with their pee and poop.

Toys: Safe, durable, not too many. A frozen Kong is a classic but some puppies also like a stuffy to settle with and something a little harder for chewing (Nothing too hard, those baby teeth can chip!)

Two Dogs, One Crate? Absolutely not. Crates are one-dog-only zones. Even if your dogs are best friends, this is a huge safety tip and their own personal space.

Crate All Day? Nope. A crate is a tool, not a lifestyle. It gives structure and safety, but dogs need enrichment, training, exercise, and socialization. Your puppy wants to be with you, so only use it during the day when you cant supervise them for short periods of time.

Older or Rescue Dogs Crate training isn’t just for puppies. It can be incredibly helpful for rescue dogs who need structure and a consistent routine. Just take it a little slower. Some dogs may have bad crate experiences, so go at their pace and be extra gentle with introductions.

A Few Final Thoughts

Crate training is easy in theory. But in real life? You’re juggling potty schedules, crate meltdowns, kids, groceries, and real life chaos.

That’s why even dog-savvy people call me for help. And guess what? That’s smart. Because done right, crate training builds confidence, helps prevent anxiety, keeps both your puppy and your home safe, and your life easier.

Need a Hand?

I offer in-home and virtual puppy training with customized plans, breed-specific guidance, and real-time support to make crate training stress-free (for both of you).

Let’s get you and your pup set up for success.

Fill in a form or contact me www.rainfiretraining.com Or message me on Instagram @rainfire.training

Let’s make that crate your pup’s favorite place to chill