Congratulations you’re doing so well with the training, and now you’re ready for tips on how to crate train a puppy at night. If you just happened to come across this article but haven’t started crate training yet, this article “5 Easy Steps to Crate Training a New Puppy” is a great place to start.

Great, you’re back!

You’ve decided to keep the crate in the bedroom, at least for a little while until your puppy is sleeping through the night.

Reasons for your decision

It will help your puppy feel more secure in unfamiliar surroundings

You will be able to hear him if he barks/whines to go out. If not, he may pee or poop in the crate, which could set back your house training efforts.

Getting your puppy ready for a good night’s sleep

Tire him out! Plenty of exercise during the day and into the evening (just to be clear, I’m not talking about a marathon), and no naps too close to bedtime. A tired puppy, is a puppy who will sleep.

Take him out to pee/poop right before bed.

Don’t give food or water roughly 3 hours before bedtime. If your puppy has special needs, a medical condition, or you’re unsure if it’s okay consult your vet.

Whining/Barking in the crate

Ignore him! I mean it, ignore him!

You’ve done everything right. You’ve tired him out, taken him to pee/poop, and made his crate nice and comfy. You closed the door and, wait… what’s that you’re hearing?

Poor little thing! You just want to check on him quickly – don’t.

He is in a strange environment, away from his litter mates and the familiar. He’s bound to be afraid. If all he’s doing is looking for attention, don’t give it to him.

The second he sees you responding to his hails, even if you just poke your head through the door without saying a word, he has now learned that when he whines or barks you come. He’ll also learn to do it louder next time. You don’t want to go down that road, it will only lead to a dog that barks constantly.

If you skipped a step in your night time prep, and it’s likely he has to go out, try and wait for a bit of quiet before you open the crate door.

Handling middle of the night pee/poop breaks

Puppies just can’t hold it too long so if they don’t get taken out often enough, accidents are going to happen. Having said that, by following the middle of the night potty schedule below, you have a good chance of reducing and even preventing them from happening.

Here’s a great tip – To get yourself out the door quickly and without stumbling around, gather everything you’ll need in one place – sweater, jacket, shoes, flashlight, leash, poop bags…

It’s about getting the job done, and back to bed. Take him out, say “go pee” (or whatever cue you use), then in. That’s it.

Middle of the night potty schedule

One way to help minimise or perhaps even eliminate the barking to go out is to pre-empt his letting you know, by letting him know when it’s time.

To start with, set your alarm every 2-4 hours. If you’re not sure how long he can wait, err on the side of caution and go for shorter intervals. When this is working well for a few nights, extend the time in between alarms by 30 minutes.

Extend this every few days (as long as it’s working well, otherwise go back a bit), until he’s sleeping through the night.

How to crate train a puppy at night – conclusion

I admit it can be a bit of a pain for a short time, but now that you know how to crate train a puppy at night, you’re halfway towards success!!

The best place for a dog crate is…in a high traffic area, and a quiet one.

Really! Here’s why.

High traffic area

Whether you’re crate training a new puppy, or you’ve had a dog for awhile and believe a crate will benefit him, your pup is a member of your household and it’s nice to have him in/near the hub of the home. In my case it’s the kitchen or living room but that may differ for you. Whether you’re doing some training getting him used to the crate, or he just likes to hang out in it, putting it where the action is means he can see what’s going on and be included in the family. Even if you’re going out, he should still be able to be in a familiar room. 

Hiding the crate away in a basement or laundry room for instance, just isn’t fair is it!

Quiet corner

Having just told you what a great idea it is to keep a crate in a busy area so your dog is part of the family, I am now going to tell you how important it is to put it in a quiet corner. Let me explain before you start calling me a hypocrite!! I should add an LOL to that so you know I’m kidding!

Anyway…

As great as it is to have your dog included in everything, sometimes “everything” can get to be too much. Parties, guests, animated family meals, loud music, kids’ friends coming around can all lead to anxiety in your dog. That’s when alone time comes in. Having somewhere quiet for him to escape to is important, just think about how much you cherish quiet time. 

What about your bedroom?

I can’t say whether that falls under the category of high traffic area or quiet corner so I’m giving it its own paragraph.

If you have a puppy it’s a good idea to start him off sleeping in the bedroom with you. He’s been taken from his litter mates, and/or adopted from a shelter or foster home, and brought into this strange place. That can be overwhelming, if not downright scary! Allowing him to be close to his family, at least for the first few days, will enable him to feel safe and secure.

Your puppy doesn’t know anything about a schedule yet, so your sleeping pattern may encourage him to sleep.

If he’s fussing or crying you’ll hear him. You’d probably rather not so you can get a good night’s sleep but it is important. If he’s letting you know he has to go out but you don’t hear him, he’ll be forced to pee or poop in his crate, and that could hinder your training efforts.

If you don’t plan on letting your puppy sleep in your room long term, after a few days (or weeks, depending on how things are going), start moving the crate to where it will finally live. Each night move it a few inches, until you get to the spot you’d like him to eventually sleep.

When choosing the location…

• Be sure it’s not draughty
• Do not put it close to a radiator or fireplace
• Keep it away from direct sunlight
• Avoid areas of extreme cold or heat

Second crate or lots of moving?

If you like the idea of having a crate in more than one location, the question now is – do you move one between the two or more areas, or buy more than one?

I don’t know your situation, so I can’t answer this question for you. I can, however, give you a few things to think about that may help.

1) Is your crate portable enough to move back and forth?

2) How long do you plan on letting him sleep in your bedroom? If it’s not for long, you may be able to get away with just one.

3) Are you willing/able to invest the money in a second crate?

4) If you do decide on purchasing another, think about what other uses it can have – i.e. airline approved for flying with your dog, safety during car travel, overnight stays…

Where is the best place to put a dog crate – conclusion

So much to consider before deciding where a crate goes, I do hope this has helped you.

Have you figured out where the best place for a dog crate is in your home? What makes it the perfect spot? Once it’s all set up please send a picture and I’d be happy to post it.

**Ready to schedule a training session with me? Great let’s get started!! Simply fill in the contact form with your time zone and what you need help with, and I’ll be in touch to set up an appointment.**   

A commonly asked training question from clients revolves around whether to use a crate or not, so here are 11 reasons why you should crate train a dog.

I know the word “should” is in the title but I don’t mean to presume to tell you this is the only way to train your dog…because it isn’t! I’m taking this opportunity to talk about the positives, particularly because I know a lot of people seem to be instantly put off by the thought of “locking their puppy in a cage” – deeming it unfair and cruel. I do understand how it may appear to be the case, but there are a lot of misconceptions about crate training that I hope to dispel right here.

When used properly there are many benefits, but when abused it is cruel.

11 reasons why you should crate train a dog

Limiting access

Imagine how a small puppy might feel when he’s brought home and has an entire house to explore!! You may be saying you live in a small apartment but even that can prove to be overwhelming. Setting up a crate to limit his access, at least in the beginning, will be a source of comfort. Because dogs are den animals, access to a small space helps make them feel safe. 

Housetraining

Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their den which is why a crate is an excellent way to housetrain your pup, teaching him bowel and bladder control.

A port in a storm

I don’t mean that literally…although I sort of do!! For dogs with a fear of thunder, fireworks or other really loud noises, a crate can be a sanctuary. Putting a crate cover over it can make it feel even more secure. 

A place of his own

I don’t know about you but I definitely need alone time, and so do our dogs! When trained to use a crate it can easily become a favourite place to rest and get away from it all. 

A stand in when you can’t supervise

Until a puppy is trained he needs to be supervised so he doesn’t pee or poop in the house, chew everything in site and just generally not wreak havoc. For those times when you are unable to keep an eye on him, the crate is the next best thing, but for short periods of time not hours on end. 

A place to recover

It may seem impossible to imagine now, but at some point your dog may need a quiet place to recuperate after surgery or injury. Remaining still and calm is a critical part of recovery, and a crate is the perfect place to do just that. Getting him used to one early on, will make that so much easier.

A travel buddy

If you’re traveling and will be staying in a hotel, crating your puppy, even if you’re just going downstairs for breakfast, is the safest option. If someone comes in to clean and doesn’t notice your “do not disturb” sign, there’s a risk your puppy could escape. The hotel might also be happier, knowing he can’t cause damage.

Car safety

I’m sure we’ve all driven with our pups on our lap, or even loose on the back seat and thankfully we’ve all arrived safely at out destinations. It’s better to start thinking in terms of “better safe than sorry” and that means putting him in a crate while in the car. It increases the chance of him surviving an accident, and he won’t be the cause of one.

Day tripping

Of course you should include your pup on a family day out, but when it’s time to eat or he’s ready for some downtime, the crate is a perfect way to keep him safe. Be sure to put it in the shade!

What a ruckus!

Whether it’s a few guests over for dinner, or your daughter’s 6th birthday with every kid invited, noise okay chaos may make your pup over excited, anxious, confused… Not only that but with the constant door opening there’s a chance your puppy can escape without anyone noticing. A crate will not only provide him with a spot away from the chaos, but it will also keep him safe in the crowd.

Keep your pup part of the family

Don’t be the person who locks the puppy in another room, the basement or even outside. He will develop behaviour problems as a result. Your puppy is part of the family and should be treated as such, so a crate in a well trafficked area of your home will do just that.

11 reasons why you should crate train a dog – conclusion

I hope this post listing reasons why you should crate train a dog has been helpful, and informative.

After reading this article, does it seem like it’s something you and your pup could benefit from? Leave your impressions in the comment section below.

**Ready to schedule a virtual training session with me? Great let’s get started!! Simply fill in the contact form with your time zone and what you need help with, and I’ll be in touch to set up an appointment.**   

Before you figure out how to choose a dog crate, you’ll need to determine what you want the crate for. Is it house training? Air travel? Car safety? A safe space when visiting friends or family? Moving day? A retreat when things get too hectic at home?

Things to think about before you buy

What are you using it for?

• Crate training
• Airline travel
• Car safety
• A den/for quiet time

Where will you keep it?

• Set up in one spot for everyday use
• Mostly in storage
• Out of the way but easily accessible

Ease of cleaning

Does it come apart so cleaning is a breeze, or do you have to basically crawl inside just to wipe it down?

Home decor

Must it blend into your décor?

How will all this help me decide?

It absolutely will because, for example, if you’ll only be using it once in a great while, something that folds up nice and flat for storage would be an important feature. On the other hand if you need something for flights, the crate you choose will have to conform to the specifications set out by the individual airline. If it will be set up in one location for constant use, making sure it is big enough and easily accessible for your dog are priorities.

Materials to choose from

Crates are made from a variety of materials –

• • Wire
  • Plastic
  • Fabric/soft sided
  • Stylish (wood/rattan/wicker)

Pros and cons of each 

Wire

Pros

• • • Best ventilation
    • Available with 1 or 2 doors that swing outward or slide up – more flexibility for use in small spaces or corners
    • Easy to see your dog
    • Your dog can see what’s going on
    • Option of covering the crate if your puppy is too distracted
    • Divider panels mean you can buy one size and adjust it as your puppy grows
    • Removable floor tray for easy cleaning
    • Most fold flat for transport or storage
    • Carrying handle for portability
    • Sturdy and pretty chew proof

Cons

• • • For some dogs the open view can be stressful but, as mentioned, the crate can be covered
    • May not offer enough protection against the cold. Again, a cover thrown over should help, as well as putting a pillow on the bottom and a blanket
    • Some dogs are talented and can pee or poop through the wire onto your floor
    • Can be heavy
    • Can be noisy when your dog moves around
    • Some escape artists can, well, escape!

My experience with a wire crate

When my dog Jack became paralysed and was recovering from spinal surgery he needed complete rest, so we got him a metal crate. We added a nice comfy bed and blanket for him and he loved it. It was (still is!!) in the living room so he was still part of the family and could see what was going on. He no longer needs it for recovery purposes, but he does love to use it in the evening. I don’t find it noisy when he moves around, he has never peed out of it and there’s no way he could possibly open the two latches. Does that mean this will be your experience? Of course not but I like to share stories from my own life when I can.

Plastic

Although typically used for air travel, they can also be used for crate training

Pros

• • • Light and less awkward to move and carry than metal ones
    • Top can be removed and the bottom used as a dog bed
    • Insulated against cold
    • Top turned upside down fits in the bottom so doesn’t take up a lot of storage space
    • Harder for dogs to see out so there’s less distractions and less stress
    • If you buy an airline approved crate, you can travel with it as well
    • Harder for Houdini to escape from
    • Wire doors are available to prevent chewing
    • Some colour options if that matters
    • Indentation around edge of floor allows pee to drain away from where your dog lies (theoretically)
    • Easy to take apart for cleaning
    • If you’re planning on replacing them as your puppy grows, reasonably priced ones are available, especially if they don’t have to be airline approved

Cons

• • • Not many openings to see through, can be stressful
    • Harder to get the smell out of plastic
    • Lack of air circulation can cause your puppy to overheat
    • Not the prettiest looking thing – if that matters
    • Some have thin plastic doors, dangerous if puppies use them for chew toys
    • If you have a large crate, it can be awkward making it smaller to fit him meaning he’ll have enough room to pee or poop in the back, and a clean section in the front. You will likely end up buying a few over the course of his lifetime.

When I use plastic

I have never used this type of crate as a training tool, nor would I because I believe a wire crate is best for that purpose. I use plastic for transporting cats to the vet and for air travel with dogs and cats. I make sure the doors are metal for safety during transport.

Fabric/Soft Sided

For people who don’t like the idea of keeping their dog “locked in a prison” (even though we know that’s not the case!) – a soft sided crate may be easier to live with.

Pros

• • • Light and easy to carry
    • Doesn’t take up storage space
    • Can be used for camping or travelling
    • Lots of styles, colours and fabrics for the fashion conscious

Cons

• • • Easily damaged
    • Not particularly long lasting
    • Some dogs can unzip the door
    • Not secure since dogs (especially puppies) can easily chew through or rip the fabric
    • Difficult to clean

Stylish

These include wood, rattan, wicker… and are an alternative for those who prefer a nicer looking unit.

Pros

• • • Shouldn’t be difficult to find one that blends into your décor
    • Top can be used as a table, so no extra space needed
    • Fine for use as a dog bed or hidey hole

Cons

• • • Not suitable for destructive dogs who can easily damage the material
    • Not recommended for house training because material stains, and odours are very difficult to get out
    • Can be expensive compared to other options

My recommendation for training

If you are looking for a crate for housetraining purposes, a wire crate is the way to go, for all the “pro” reasons mentioned above.

How to choose a dog crate – conclusion

You’ve read the pros and cons, considered the various factors, thought of your needs and the needs of your puppy. After all that I do hope I have helped you figure out how to choose a dog crate.

**Ready to schedule a training session with me? Great let’s get started!! Simply fill in the contact form with your time zone and what you need help with, and I’ll be in touch to set up an appointment.**   

*There are affiliate links in this post, which means if you purchase anything I may make a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.*

A crate is such a great tool for so many reasons, so let’s take a look at these 5 easy steps to crate training a new puppy.

**One quick note – although I use the word “puppy” in the title, these same steps can be used to train a dog of any age!**

How long will it take for my puppy to love his crate?

I’m going to say “it takes as long as it takes” even though I realise you want a specific measure of time. Every dog is different – some will walk right in curl up and go to sleep, while others will take days or longer.

My best advice

• Don’t rush training because it can backfire, meaning you will sabotage any progress you’ve made.
• Take it slowly and pay attention to your dog’s comfort level.
• Don’t move on to the next step until your pup is totally comfortable.
• If he’s anxious during any stage, stop what you’re doing and go back to the point in the training when he was comfortable and start again from there.

Having said all this it’s also possible your dog is so easy going you’ll make it all the way to step four in no time!

Be prepared

Before you even go near the crate have some delicious treats handy. It’s a good idea to save his favourites for times when you really need his attention…like during training!! Not food motivated? No problem. A favourite toy or lots of praise work well too!

Going into the crate on cue

This is super important but not listed as a “step” because it can go with step one or two.

You don’t want to physically “put” your puppy into the crate or nudge him in, it’s best for him to walk in on his own, on your cue. How you ask? Simply choose a word or phrase –“crate” “in your crate” “crate time” and use it whenever he walks into the crate during training. You will get to the point where simply saying the cue will get him in there under his own steam!

Step One – Pleased to meet you!

The first step is all about helping your dog feel comfortable around the crate.

Sit on the floor near the crate, open the door and place a treat or toy just inside right at the front. You want your dog to be able to reach it without having to go in at all. When he eats the treat or plays with the toy praise him.

Each time you will move the treat/toy further until it’s at the back of the crate and he has to go all the way in to get it.

You do not have to get the treat all the way to the back in one session, and as a matter of fact you’ll be more successful when you take it slowly.

Step Two – Feeding meals in the crate

If you’re here that means your puppy is comfortable walking all the way to the back of the crate to grab a treat or a favourite toy. If you’re not completely convinced, stop right there and go back to step one. It’s not a race or a competition so slow it down.

Great, you’re back and ready for the next step which is feeding him some meals in the crate.

Leaving the door(s) open, put the bowl in the back and let him eat. It’s as simple as that!

Step Three – Time to close the door

Before you start this step I recommend you take your pup out for a nice long walk or a play a game of fetch in the backyard. It will help release some pent up energy so he’s more relaxed, and you know he won’t start whining because he has to pee or poop! If you want to distract him a bit how about a treat filled toy in the crate? He’ll be so busy he may not notice the door is closed!

Close the door just a bit then open it, close it a tiny bit more then open it and so on. You’re working towards the point where you can close the door and leave it closed for a few minutes, with you sitting nearby.

Step Four – Out of sight

Now that your dog is happily sitting in his crate with the door closed, you want to be able to walk away, and yes that means out of his sight. It’s important not to say anything, look at him or make a fuss when you close the door and leave and when you return.

The first time you do this you will be out of his sight for just one second before you go back and he can see you. The next time two seconds then go back into the room and so on. You will continue this until you can be out of his sight for 30 minutes.

The reason we start off with one second then two? You won’t be gone long enough for him to start whining or barking. Why is that important you ask? Because if he starts barking and you come back in, you are teaching him he gets what he wants when he barks, and that’s a road you don’t want to go down.

Step Five – Leaving the house

Congratulations and well done for reaching this point. It doesn’t matter how long it’s taken you, what does matter is he’s comfortable in his crate with the door closed and he can handle not seeing you for about a half hour.

Now it’s time to leave the house, but take him out for a long walk to tire him out before you do!

Remember not to say anything or make a fuss when you close the door and leave the room. Also start with being out for very short periods of time then staying away longer. Very young puppies shouldn’t be left alone in a crate longer than a couple of hours, and no dog, no matter how old, should ever be left more than 4 or 5 hours.

5 easy steps to crate training a new puppy – conclusion

I know how overwhelming this might seem to you, so much so you may be feeling you’ll never figure out how to crate train your puppy. Perfectly understandable but it’s like that with anything new. Take your time and read the steps as often as you need and you’ll be just fine.

Ready to schedule a virtual training session with me? Great let’s get started!! Simply fill in the contact form with your time zone and what you need help with, and I’ll be in touch to set up an appointment.