Crate Training Puppies: Daytime Sleep Solution?

Crate training is a highly debated topic among dog owners. While some believe it is the best way to train a puppy, others disagree. The main argument for crate training is that it helps with potty training as dogs do not like to soil their sleeping areas. It also helps prepare them for travel, veterinary visits, and grooming. However, it is important to note that crates can be misused, and dogs should not be left in crates for extended periods. Puppies under six months of age should not stay in a crate for more than three to four hours at a time. Crate training should be done gradually, and the crate should be associated with positive experiences and rewards.

Crate training benefits

Crate training is an effective tool for managing, transporting, and training your puppy. It offers several benefits that aid in their development and well-being. Here are some key advantages of crate training:

Provides a Safe and Comfortable Space:

A crate becomes a puppy's den, a special place they can call their own. It satisfies their natural instincts to seek out a comfortable and quiet haven when the environment becomes overwhelming. The crate provides a sense of security and helps them feel safe, especially when they need a break or want to sleep.

Facilitates House Training:

Crate training makes potty training easier because dogs generally avoid soiling their sleeping areas. They will be inclined to hold their bladder and bowels, reducing accidents in the house. This helps establish good toilet habits and makes the overall training process smoother.

Prepares Them for Various Situations:

Crate training can ready your puppy for different events and circumstances. For example, they will be more comfortable during travel, veterinary visits, grooming sessions, or when guests come over. It helps them adjust to new environments and experiences, making it a valuable tool for socialisation.

Prevents Destructive Behaviours:

By providing a designated space, crate training helps prevent undesirable behaviours such as chewing on furniture or other inappropriate items. It safeguards your belongings and keeps your puppy safe from potentially harmful objects when they are unsupervised.

Encourages Independence and Self-Soothing:

Crate training teaches puppies to spend time alone and self-soothe. It fosters independence and helps them develop the ability to relax and entertain themselves without constant human interaction. This promotes a healthy sense of autonomy and reduces the risk of separation anxiety.

Crate training alternatives

Crate training is an effective way to manage, transport, and train your puppy. However, there are several alternatives to crate training for puppies that are uncomfortable with confined spaces. Here are some options:

Exercise Pen

An exercise pen provides more space for your puppy to move around, eat, sleep, and play. It also allows you to provide food, water, bedding, and toys, as well as a potty surface, all within the pen. This option requires training your puppy to get comfortable with being confined in the exercise pen, especially if they will be in it for long periods. It's important to still provide your puppy with daily exercise and active playtime outside of the pen to ensure they stay socialised and mentally stimulated.

Tether your puppy to yourself

Using a waist leash or other hands-free system, you can keep your puppy tethered to yourself. This is especially useful during potty training as it allows you to catch accidents before they happen. It also helps your puppy learn good manners by turning everyday activities into training opportunities. For example, you can train your puppy to lay quietly at your feet while you eat or sit before greeting a family member.

Trailing lead

If you prefer not to have your puppy physically attached to you, you can opt for a trailing lead. This gives you quick control to redirect your puppy if they get into trouble. However, trailing leads come with some risks. Puppies can get tangled around furniture or knock things over. If you choose this option, use a nylon training lead without a handle, and have your puppy wear a harness instead of a neck collar to prevent injury. Ensure you closely supervise your puppy to avoid any accidents.

Pet sitter or doggy daycare

If you have a busy schedule, consider hiring a pet sitter or sending your puppy to doggy daycare. This option provides supervision for your puppy while also socialising them with new people and other dogs. While it can be expensive, it offers peace of mind that your puppy is well cared for. Be sure to check the credentials of the sitter or daycare facility and visit them in person to ensure it's a good fit for your puppy.

Supervise your puppy at all times

This option is the most challenging to execute successfully. It typically requires multiple family members to take turns supervising the puppy. It is crucial during potty training to prevent accidents in the house, which can prolong the training process. You'll also need to puppy-proof your house by tucking away cords, covering trash cans, and picking up loose objects to ensure your puppy's safety.

Crate training timescales

Crate training a puppy can take anywhere from days to weeks, or even six months, depending on the dog's age, temperament, and past experiences. It is important to be patient and not rush the process. Here is a general step-by-step guide to crate training your puppy:

Step 1: Introduce your puppy to the crate

Place the crate in an area where your family spends a lot of time, such as the family room. Put a soft blanket or bed inside and leave the door open to allow your puppy to explore. Encourage them to enter the crate by tossing treats nearby and gradually moving them inside. Continue this process until your puppy walks calmly into the crate.

Step 2: Feed your puppy meals in the crate

After your puppy is comfortable entering the crate, start feeding them their regular meals near it. Place the food dish inside the crate, gradually moving it further back each time until your puppy is standing comfortably inside to eat. Once they are eating meals in the crate without fear or anxiety, you can close the door while they eat, gradually increasing the time they spend inside.

Step 3: Practice with longer crating periods

Once your puppy is eating meals in the crate without issue, you can start confining them there for short periods while you are home. Call them over to the crate, give them a treat, and a voice cue such as "crate." After they enter, praise them, give them the treat, and close the door. Sit quietly near the crate for 5-10 minutes, then leave the room for a few minutes before returning and letting them out. Gradually increase the length of time you leave them in the crate and the time you are out of sight.

Step 4: Crate your puppy when you leave and at night

After your puppy can spend about 30 minutes in the crate without anxiety, you can start leaving them crated for short periods when you go out. Put them in the crate using a regular command and a treat, and vary the moment during your departure routine. Keep departures low-key and matter-of-fact. When you return, keep arrivals calm to avoid increasing their anxiety. For crating at night, it is recommended to initially put the crate in your bedroom or nearby, especially for puppies, so you can hear them if they need to go outside.

Step 5: Troubleshooting

If your puppy is scared to enter the crate, lure them in with treats or place toys and their food bowl just inside the door, gradually moving it further back as they get comfortable. If they whine or cry, try to ignore it, as giving in may reinforce the behaviour. However, if they continue after several minutes, they may need to go outside. If your puppy is experiencing abnormal panic when crated, consult a certified professional dog trainer.

Crating Timescales

The amount of time you can safely leave your puppy in the crate depends on their age. A common recommendation is one hour of crate time for each month of age, or however many hours are equal to their age in months plus one (e.g. a two-month-old puppy can tolerate three hours at most). Puppies under six months of age should not be crated for more than three to four hours at a time, as they cannot control their bladders or bowels for longer periods. No dog should be left in a crate for longer than 10 hours total, even with potty breaks.

Crate training troubleshooting

Crate training is an important process for all dog owners, but it can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you navigate common issues that may arise during crate training.

Refusal to Enter the Crate

If your puppy refuses to go into the crate, try luring them in with a trail of treats. Start by placing treats just inside the door and gradually move them further back as your puppy becomes more comfortable. You can also put their favourite toys, food bowl, or a stuffed Kong inside the crate to encourage them to enter.

Whining and Barking

It's important to ignore whining and barking while your puppy is in the crate, as giving in will teach them that it gets your attention. However, if your puppy is panicking (scratching, howling, or screaming nonstop), you should let them out. This will prevent the association between the crate and harm.

Creating a Comfortable Space

Make sure to furnish your puppy's crate with a comfortable bed or blanket, toys, and their favourite treats. This will help them feel more at home and create a positive association with the crate.

Placement of the Crate

Place the crate in a room where your family spends a lot of time, such as the living room. This will help your puppy feel less isolated and know that you are still around. At night, keep the crate in someone's bedroom so your puppy can hear you breathing.

Gradual Introduction

Don't rush the crate training process. Start by letting your puppy explore the crate at their own pace. Reward them with praise and treats when they go into the crate on their own. Once they are comfortable, start feeding them their meals inside the crate. Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate, always monitoring their anxiety levels.

Avoid Using the Crate as Punishment

The crate should never be used as a form of punishment. This will cause your puppy to fear the crate and may lead to increased anxiety and behavioural issues.

Remember, crate training takes time and patience. If you encounter significant behavioural problems, consider seeking advice from a Certified Professional Dog Trainer or a behaviourist in your area.

Crate training vs co-sleeping

Crate training is an excellent way to help your puppy settle into their new home. It offers a safe, den-like space where they can enjoy some quiet time, take a nap, or chew on their favourite toy. It is also a useful tool for housetraining, as dogs don't like to soil their sleeping areas, so they will naturally avoid eliminating in their crate. Crate training can also prepare dogs for travel, veterinary visits, grooming, and other events.

However, crates can be misused. Dogs should not spend most of their day in a crate. Puppies can only be crated and left alone for however many hours are equal to their age in months, plus one. For example, a two-month-old puppy can tolerate three hours in a crate at most. No dog or puppy should be in a crate for longer than ten hours total, even with potty breaks. Improper crate training may lead to fear or negative associations with the crate. Crates can also be large and bulky, and some dogs may find them less cosy than a dog bed.

Co-sleeping with your puppy can have its benefits. It may be comforting for both you and your dog and strengthen the bond between you. It can also provide physical and mental health benefits, such as soothing anxiety and keeping you warm at night.

However, there are some disadvantages to co-sleeping with your puppy. It can affect your quality of sleep since dogs have shorter sleep cycles and can disrupt your sleep patterns. There are also potential health concerns, such as allergies or the (rare) transmission of diseases between animals and humans. While there may be a link between co-sleeping and behavioural problems, these can also be separate issues.

Ultimately, the decision to crate train or co-sleep with your puppy is a matter of personal preference. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to consider the needs and comfort of both you and your puppy when making a decision.

Frequently asked questions