CCS Practical How To Series: How To Crate Train A Puppy & Why A Crate Is Only One Option

By Norma Jeanne Laurette

Introduction

​Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it also comes with many responsibilities. One of the first questions new puppy guardians often ask is, “Should I crate train my puppy?” Crate training is a common recommendation, and when introduced properly, a crate can be a useful tool. It can provide a safe den to rest in, help prevent unwanted chewing when a puppy can’t be supervised, assist with housebreaking and prepare a dog for situations where confinement may be necessary, such as travel, veterinary care or emergencies (R1) (R8).
 
However, a crate is not the only way to successfully raise a well-behaved puppy. While some quickly learn to love their crates, others find confinement stressful. They will whine, scratch at the door, panic, attempt to escape, and some become increasingly anxious the longer they’re confined. In severe cases, dogs even injure themselves while attempting to escape, or chew or lick excessively at their own bodies as a way of coping with their anxiety.
 
Every puppy is unique and the best training approach is the one that helps the puppy feel safe while learning appropriate behaviours (R2) (R3). The goal of puppy training is not just about teaching a puppy to tolerate confinement, it’s to raise an independent, confident, relaxed and happy dog that can be trusted to not have accidents or chew inappropriate items when left alone in the house.

Why Crate Training?

Crates are popular because they provide a practical way to manage normal puppy behaviour. Young puppies explore their environment with their mouths the way children use their hands. They will chew, investigate and can get into things that are potentially dangerous if not kept out of reach. A crate can prevent a puppy from practising unwanted behaviours when supervision isn’t possible (R1). A crate can also provide a quiet place where a puppy can rest, chew appropriate items and learn to settle. When introduced gradually and positively, many dogs will willingly choose to spend time in their crates because they associate them with comfort, relaxation and rewards.

The key to success is how the crate is introduced. A puppy should never be forced into a crate or expected to immediately accept being closed inside for long periods of time. A puppy that’s already adjusting to leaving its mother and littermates is likely to suffer separation anxiety and find sudden isolation frightening and upsetting.

Imagine being an eight-week-old puppy. Yesterday, you were with your mother and littermates surrounded by everything familiar. All of a sudden you are in a new home with new people, sights, sounds and smells and possibly other animals, and then you find yourself all alone in a crate. For most puppies, this experience is frightening and overwhelming. If the puppy acts out it’s not because it’s disobedient or demanding, it’s because it’s scared, stressed and anxious.

Like people, dogs vary in personality and temperament. While some are naturally more independent and adaptable, others need gradual introduction to new and necessary experiences. Behaviour experts recommend using step-by-step, positive training methods to prevent unpleasant emotions, and set the puppy up for success by creating positive associations (R1) (R3). For more information about positive training see my article entitled Positive Dog Training: The Science, Ethics & Proven Results.

Signs That A Puppy Is Distressed

Signs that a puppy is distressed include: excessive panting, drooling, frantic attempts to escape, prolonged distress vocalization, refusal to engage in chewing while in the crate and refusing to enter the crate. A puppy that occasionally complains because it would rather be out playing is different from one that’s actually distressed. Recognizing this is an important part of responsible training. To learn more about stress and anxiety in dogs see my article Stress & Anxiety In Dogs: How To Cure Stress & Anxiety While Protecting Your Dog’s Emotional Wellbeing.

Other Options

I always videotape my puppies when I leave until I’m confident they are calm, happy and not having accidents or chewing inappropriate items while I’m gone. When I brought Tala home and confined him to a small area, he panicked the moment I left. He cried and attempted to escape. When I set him up in my kitchen secured with an exercise pen, with his bed, toys and a variety of tasty, aromatic chews, he immediately settled down. It was obvious that this boy simply needed more space to feel comfortable.
 
An exercise pen, often called an X-pen, is an excellent alternative to crate training for many puppies. It provides a safe, enclosed area while allowing the puppy more freedom to move around and stay active. The puppy can stretch, change sleeping positions, play with toys, chew on a bully stick or stuffed Kong and relax without feeling confined. For many puppies, the additional space reduces frustration, stress and anxiety, and helps them settle.
 
An exercise pen can include a comfortable bed, safe and tasty chew options, water and enrichment activities. Water is only left out when the puppy will be alone for more than a couple hours to reduce the need for urination and to prevent spills.
 
The X pen can be set up on a tarp to protect the floor, with newspapers or pee pads placed in one area for elimination. When using larger confined spaces, the exercise pen can also be positioned to block access to walls, cabinetry or other items the puppy might chew.
 
This setup allows guardians to safely manage their puppy while they are busy with chores or need to leave the home, while still allowing the puppy opportunities to move around, stay busy and mentally stimulated. Many breeders and trainers use exercise pens because they allow puppies to develop independence in a safe, controlled environment (R4). For more information about mental stimulation see my article entitled Canine Enrichment: The Best Options For Mental Stimulation & Boredom Prevention.

Puppy Proofing

Some puppies do very well with access to a puppy-proofed room or gated area of the home. A kitchen, laundry room, hall or other safe area can provide enough space for the puppy to rest, move around and play while preventing access to unsafe items. The key to success is preparation. The area should be free from electrical cords, toxic plants, dangerous objects and anything inappropriate the puppy could chew or swallow. Again, exercise pens can be used to protect walls or other objects the dog may chew on. Our goal is to create a safe environment where the puppy is set up to succeed.

How To Introduce The Crate

For puppies that benefit from crate training, the process should always move at the puppy’s pace. Begin by leaving the crate door open and allowing the puppy to enter voluntarily. Toss treats near the crate and place some inside, feed meals in the crate, and provide special toys and chew options inside. Never force the puppy into the crate. Our goal is for the puppy to learn that good things happen in there and to choose to enter willingly.
 
Once the puppy is comfortable entering the crate and relaxing on its own, close the door for just a few seconds before opening it again. Always open the door while the puppy is still busy playing or chewing, before it becomes upset. Slowly increase the amount of time the door remains closed, continuing to let the puppy out before it shows any signs of distress.
 
This process, known as desensitization and counter conditioning, helps puppies develop positive associations with confinement (R2). Desensitization gradually gets the puppy used to spending time in the crate, while counter conditioning creates a pleasant association.

Exercise Pen For Housebreaking

Many people believe that a crate is necessary for successful housebreaking however, while a crate can be helpful, it’s not the only option. Effective housebreaking focuses on creating a pattern of behaviour that includes preventing accidents, providing frequent opportunities to eliminate outside and rewarding the dog for doing so. Through consistency and repetition, the puppy learns that eliminating outside makes good things happen, while opportunities to have accidents indoors are minimized and the puppy learns from its mistakes without reprimands.
 
An exercise pen can be especially useful for young puppies because it provides a safe area while they are still developing bladder control. As puppies mature and become more reliable, they can be given more freedom until they are trustworthy enough to have access to most of the home. Our goal isn’t just to restrict the puppy’s movements, it’s to prevent unwanted habits from developing while teaching behaviours we want instead. For a pro-active housebreaking plan, see my article entitled How To Potty Train A Puppy – The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide.

How Long Should A Puppy Spend Alone Or Confined?

​​My opinion is that a puppy needs to learn independence and how to settle when necessary however, I do not agree with leaving young puppies alone for long periods unless it’s absolutely unavoidable. My rule of thumb is to gradually build the amount of time a young puppy is left alone, up to approximately four hours at most. Having someone you trust take your puppy out while you’re gone will help reduce stress.
 
Once the puppy is no longer having accidents in the house or chewing inappropriate objects, it can begin to earn more freedom in the home. Doors can always be closed to rooms you don’t want your puppy to enter. Once your puppy can safely have the run of the house, the amount of time left alone can be increased at the puppy’s pace until it reaches the length of time the adult dog will eventually need to manage. As always, when we have to leave our dogs, we return home as soon as possible to ensure we are meeting their needs.

Sleeping Through The Night

The first few nights with a new puppy can be challenging. Puppies are accustomed to sleeping with their mother and littermates, so adjusting to a new sleeping environment can take time. Whether you are using a crate, exercise pen or puppy-proofed area, your goal is to help the puppy feel safe and secure. Keep in mind that dogs are social animals and often prefer to sleep near their family, so suddenly expecting a young puppy to sleep alone can be stressful. Keeping the puppy’s sleeping area beside your bed until they develop more independence can help make the transition easier.​

Although some puppies will sleep through the night from the day they come home, others will require night time bathroom breaks. Picking up the food at least 3 hours and water at least two hours before bed will help because an empty (not hungry) puppy is more likely to sleep through the night. With a puppy that needs to go out during the night, a calm, consistent routine works best. Quietly take the puppy outside, allow it to eliminate, reward it with a small treat for doing so then return to its sleeping area. As puppies mature, they will begin sleeping for longer periods until they are able to comfortably sleep through the night. For more information see my article Sleeping Through The Night: Proven Tips For Restful Sleep.

Sleeping In My Bed

It’s best to decide where you want your dog to sleep long term before it comes home, because changing your routine after you’ve created a pattern can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety that can lead to emotional distress and other behaviour problems.
 
For the record, our dogs are allowed to sleep in our bed if they so choose, and because of this, we allow our puppies to sleep with us from the day they come home. We put little bells on their collars so we can hear them if they get up and take them outside to prevent accidents on the bed. I’ve done this with many puppies over the years and have never had an accident.

Summary

There’s no single correct way to raise a puppy. And as long as your choices are positive and effective, they are acceptable. Some puppies thrive in a crate, many do better with an exercise pen or blocked off area, while others excel with a combination of both. The important thing is recognizing that confinement is a temporary management tool and should never be used as a long-term cop out or substitute for supervision, training, socialization, exercise, enrichment and positive interaction. When we focus on setting puppies up for success they are happier, learn faster, develop confidence and build stronger relationships with their guardians. This is what positive dog training is all about.

References

(R1) American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). Humane Dog Training Position Statement.
https://avsab.org/resources/position-statements/
(R2) Yin, S. (2009). Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats. CattleDog Publishing.
(R3) Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
(R4) Dunbar, I. (2003). Before & After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, Well-Behaved Dog. New World Library.
(R5) Herron, M. E., Shofer, F. S., & Reisner, I. R. (2009). Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesirable behaviors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 117(1–2), 47–54.
(R6) Bradshaw, J. (2011). Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Basic Books.
(R7) VCA Animal Hospitals. Crate Training Your Puppy.
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/crate-training-your-puppy
 
Photo By Norma Jeanne Laurette