How to crate train your puppy or dog

On this page

1. Choosing the right crate
2. Step 1: Make the crate a treasure chest
3. Step 2: Feed meals in the crate
4. Step 3: Add a cue and short closed-door stays
5. Step 4: Build up time in small steps
6. How long can a dog stay in a crate?
7. Night-time crating for puppies
8. Whining, barking and other challenges
9. When a crate is the wrong tool
10. Crate training and house training
11. Questions

A crate is useful for house training, keeping a young dog safe when you cannot supervise, travel, vet visits and emergencies. As one certified trainer quoted by the American Kennel Club points out, most dogs will spend some time in a crate at a vet, groomer or boarding facility, so teaching them to relax in one ahead of time is a kindness.

The key is that the crate is never punishment and never a place to leave a dog for longer than they can comfortably manage.

Choosing the right crate

• Size. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. For house training, a crate that is much bigger than that can leave room for a bathroom corner. Many wire crates come with a divider so you can enlarge the space as a puppy grows.
• Style. Some dogs prefer a wire crate so they can see what is happening. Others settle better in a covered, den-like space. A crate cover can give you both options.
• Location. Put it in a calm part of the house where your dog can still feel part of the family, not in a busy hallway or an isolated basement.
• Bedding. Start with something easy to clean. If your dog shreds or soils fabric, wait to add soft bedding until that stops.
• Safety. The AKC suggests taking your dog's collar off when they are in the crate.

Step 1: Make the crate a treasure chest

Before you ever close the door, teach your dog that wonderful things happen in and around the crate.

1. Leave the door open, or secure it so it cannot swing shut and startle your dog.
2. Toss treats near the crate, then just inside, then farther in.
3. Hide a few treats or a favorite toy inside when your dog is not looking, and let them discover it.
4. Praise calmly whenever your dog goes in on their own.

Keep sessions short and fun. Let your dog walk in and out freely.

Step 2: Feed meals in the crate

Mealtimes are a natural way to build a positive association. Place the bowl near the entrance, then gradually move it toward the back. Once your dog is eating comfortably all the way inside, you can begin closing the door during the meal and opening it as soon as they finish.

Step 3: Add a cue and short closed-door stays

1. Choose a cue such as "crate" or "bed".
2. Say the cue, toss a treat inside, and praise your dog for going in.
3. Close the door for a few seconds while you sit beside the crate, then open it before your dog gets restless.
4. Gradually increase to a few minutes, then step out of sight briefly, then return.

A long-lasting chew or a food-stuffed toy helps a lot during this stage.

Step 4: Build up time in small steps

Work up to longer stays while you are home: reading, cooking or watching TV in the same room. Then start leaving the room for short periods. Only after your dog is relaxed for 30 minutes or more with you out of sight should you begin leaving the house for short trips.

Before each crate session, meet your dog's needs: a potty break, some exercise and a chance to settle. Crate train when your dog is already calm or sleepy, not at the peak of excitement.

How long can a dog stay in a crate?

Never longer than your dog is comfortable or can hold their bladder. For puppies, the American Kennel Club gives a common rule of thumb that puppies can hold their bladder for roughly as many hours as their age in months, up to around 9 months to a year. A 3-month-old puppy may manage about three hours, though individual puppies vary. If you need to be gone longer, arrange a dog walker or sitter, or set up a puppy-proofed pen with space to sleep and a potty area.

Night-time crating for puppies

• Keep the crate in or near your bedroom at first, so your puppy is not isolated.
• Take your puppy out right before bed.
• Young puppies may need a trip outside during the night. Keep it boring: straight out, potty, praise, straight back.
• If your puppy whines, try to tell the difference between "I need to go out" and "I want attention". Whining that starts shortly after a recent potty break is often attention or anxiety; respond calmly and avoid turning it into play time.

Whining, barking and other challenges

• Whining that starts within minutes of going in usually means your dog is stressed. Go back a step and spend more time on positive associations and short stays.
• Reluctance to go in can be about the crate itself. Try a different style, a cover, or a different spot.
• Accidents in the crate may mean the crate is too big, crate time is too long, or there may be a medical issue. Check with your veterinarian if accidents persist.

When a crate is the wrong tool

The AKC advises against crating a dog if it causes stress or panic. Watch for pacing, shaking, scratching or biting at the door, long bouts of howling, or heavy drooling. Dogs in a panic can hurt themselves trying to escape. For these dogs, a larger safe area such as an exercise pen or gated room is better, along with help from a qualified trainer or behavior consultant. See our separation anxiety guide for more.

Crate training and house training

A properly sized crate is one of the most helpful potty training tools because most dogs avoid soiling where they sleep. Pair crate time with a regular potty schedule and plenty of praise for going in the right spot.

Questions

Sources

Checked October 28, 2026.

• American Kennel Club: How to crate train your dog
• Humane Society: Crate training 101
• American Kennel Club: How to potty train a puppy