Crate Training Made Easy: Solutions to Common Issues

Crate training is not required for any dog, but it can be incredibly useful to desensitize, especially for emergencies. In vet's offices, dogs are crated before and after procedures, and if you ever ended up in an ambulance, your dog would likely be crated then too.

Crates are not necessary for regular every day life, and are not recommended for times over an hour (instead use a puppy/dog proof room or large ex pen).

But they can be very helpful in emergencies and to prepare for emergencies in the future.

There are hundreds of crate training videos available, but many don't address the common issues you may face while attempting to use them.

I have helped hundreds of dog owners learn to crate their dogs positively for short periods of time purely for safety and preparation for emergencies.

Here is a list of common struggles they've faced, and how we've resolved them together:

My dog is crying in the crate.

This is a sign that you moved too fast.

Dogs cry because they are nervous or unsure (and sometimes if they have to potty).

Make sure that any time you are practicing with the crate or even something like an ex pen, your puppy has pottied, eaten, played, and exercised to ensure a relaxed and sleepy puppy.

Puppy sessions should be no more than five minutes and structured in tiny steps.

My Puppy Preschool course lays all of this out in easy steps.

My dog/puppy isn't falling asleep.

If the dog is relaxed in the crate, I don't worry too much about sleeping until I get to the longer crate times of 10 minutes and above.

If your dog is panting, pacing, vocalizing, or unsettled, reach out to a qualified dog behavior consultant. Your dog may need more support and a slower, customized procedure.

I am a separation anxiety specialist (CSAT) and am happy to work with you to solve your dog's anxiety. You can reach me by email at [email protected]

My dog is pottying in the crate.

1. Make sure to allow them time to potty before working on crate training.
2. If your dog is a young puppy, you may be crating for too long. Remember that puppies cannot hold their bladders very easily as they are young, so crating should only be for short periods of time after pottying.
3. If your dog is not a young puppy, make sure that they are showing relaxed body language inside the crate, since this can be a sign of confinement or separation anxiety.

My dog bites the crate.

Is your puppy between the ages of 4-8 months old?

Your puppy may just be teething! Be sure to meet all their needs before training (play, chewing, pottying, drinking, and eating) and provide safe teething toys and chews when not training for crate time.

Is your dog older and no longer teething?

This is a sign that your dog is anxious or stressed. Reach out to a qualified behavior consultant for help with this in order to prevent worsening the stress.

Either way, make sure their needs are met and take steps back until they are successful.

Do I crate my dog for the first night they are home?

I don't recommend it! 

I prefer to keep my puppies in bed with me the first few nights so that we can sleep, but in the past, I have also crated my puppy next to my bed and lifted by a table. This way, when the puppy cries, I can stick my fingers in to soothe them back to sleep.

If you have an adult or larger dog, I would recommend baby gating off a dog-safe room or using a larger pen to help them feel more comfortable - especially if they have no crate experience or bad history with them.

Should I crate in the car?

I prefer to crate my dogs in the car, but only with a crash tested crate.

If you don't have access or funds to a crash tested crate, a crash tested harness and tie down with a seatbelt can be a bit less pricey.

My favorite is found here (I do receive a small commission if you purchase with this link, but I have used these harnesses myself and love them!): https://amzn.to/3t7dmyz

Can I put toys, blankets, or beds inside the crate?

This really depends on your dog.

If you know for sure that your dog is not a blanket or bed eater, go right ahead with the bed and blanket.

I don't like toys in the crate because most toys should be supervised for safety.

If you don't know whether your dog or puppy will eat beds or blankets, leave them out.

Instead, opt for a dog safe crate pad (my favorite are the indestructible primo pads) or nothing at all. It might seem uncomfortable, but my dogs actually seem to prefer it!

Make sure your dog does not have a harness, collar, or anything attached to their body while crating for safety.