From Crate Hater to Crate Lover: How to Get Your Puppy to Like His Crate

The first website (Diggs) focuses on understanding why dogs may hate crates and provides practical approaches to help them overcome this aversion. Key points include identifying potential causes like anxiety, implementing gradual introduction techniques, creating comfortable spaces, using positive reinforcement, and avoiding punishment.

The second resource (wikiHow) provides detailed step-by-step instructions for crate training divided into gradual training over weeks or intensive training over a weekend. It emphasizes proper crate setup, positive associations and gradually increasing crate time while avoiding common mistakes.

Both resources emphasize similar core principles:

• Making the crate comfortable and inviting
• Using positive reinforcement with treats and toys
• Gradual introduction to prevent anxiety
• Never using the crate as punishment
• Understanding appropriate crate time limits based on age

I’ll now answer your query about helping a puppy like its crate, incorporating this comprehensive information.


So your puppy thinks his crate is basically puppy prison huh? Don’t worry – you’re not alone! Many new puppy parents struggle with crate training, but I’m here to tell you it’s totally possible to transform that “jail cell” into your pup’s favorite hangout spot.

When we first brought our Lab puppy home, he would howl like a tiny wolf whenever we put him in his crate Three weeks later? He voluntarily naps in there with the door wide open Magic? Nope, just some patience and the right techniques!

Why Your Puppy Might Hate His Crate

Before diving into the “how-to” part, let’s understand WHY your puppy might be giving you those sad eyes whenever crate time rolls around:

• It feels unnatural – Your puppy is used to snuggling with littermates, not being alone in a box
• Anxiety – Being separated from you can trigger separation anxiety
• Bad associations – If the crate has only been used as punishment or during stressful times
• Discomfort – The crate might be too small, too big, or just not cozy enough
• Loneliness – Dogs are pack animals who crave company
• Boredom – No stimulation = sad puppy

Making the Crate a Happy Place: The Basics

Location, Location, Location!

Where you put the crate matters A LOT. Think about it – would you want your bedroom in the scary basement or in the middle of family life?

Place the crate in a family area during the day where your puppy can see you but not in high-traffic spots that might be overwhelming. At night, many trainers recommend moving the crate to your bedroom so your puppy doesn’t feel abandoned.

Create Cozy Vibes

Turn that crate into a luxury puppy suite:

• Add soft bedding (unless your puppy is a bedding-chewer)
• Drape a breathable blanket over wire crates to create a den-like feeling
• Make sure there’s proper ventilation
• Ensure the crate size is just right – big enough to stand up, turn around and lie down, but not so big they can use one side as a bathroom

The Step-by-Step Crate Training Process

1. Set up the crate and leave the door OPEN
2. Talk excitedly about the crate – puppies pick up on your energy!
3. Toss high-value treats inside without expecting your puppy to go in
4. Praise any interaction with the crate, even just looking at it or sniffing it

Days 3-5: Creating Positive Associations

1. Place special treats inside the crate randomly throughout the day
2. Feed meals in the crate with the door open
3. Introduce a command like “kennel up” or “crate time” when you toss treats in
4. Start a consistent routine so your puppy knows what to expect

Days 6-10: Brief Door Closures

1. When your puppy enters voluntarily for treats, close the door briefly (like 3 seconds)
2. Immediately open it before any whining starts
3. Gradually increase the time the door stays closed (10 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.)
4. Stay visible during these early closed-door sessions

Days 11-14: Building Duration

1. Give your puppy a special chew toy (like a stuffed Kong) that ONLY appears in the crate
2. Close the door while he enjoys the special toy
3. Sit quietly nearby reading or watching TV for 5-15 minutes
4. Gradually increase time and begin moving around the room
5. Always end sessions before your puppy gets upset

The Weekend Crash Course Option

Don’t have weeks to spare? The weekend intensive method can work too! Here’s the condensed version:

Friday Evening

• Set up crate, introduce with treats
• Feed dinner in crate with door open

Saturday Morning

• 10 repetitions of treat tossing and retrieval
• Short break
• 10 more repetitions with “kennel up” command

Saturday Afternoon

• Begin closing door for 10-30 seconds
• Practice sitting near crate
• Gradually increase to 1-minute stays

Saturday Evening

• Practice leaving room briefly
• Return calmly (no big celebration)
• Repeat 10 times with longer absences

Sunday

• Provide special chew toy in crate
• Practice 30-minute sessions
• Give puppy good exercise between sessions
• Try 10-minute absence from house
• Build up to 1-hour crate time

The DON’Ts of Crate Training

No matter which method you choose, avoid these crate training killer mistakes:

❌ NEVER use the crate as punishment – This creates negative associations
❌ Don’t crate for too long – Puppies have small bladders and big social needs
❌ Don’t give in to whining – Unless it’s a genuine bathroom emergency
❌ Don’t make a big deal about exits and entrances
❌ Don’t force your puppy into the crate – Patience is key!

How Long Can Puppies Stay in Crates?

This is SUPER important! Many pet parents expect too much too soon. Here’s a rough guideline:

Nighttime can be longer once your puppy can hold their bladder, but always provide a potty break if needed!

Troubleshooting Common Crate Problems

Problem: Excessive Whining

Solution: Make sure you’re not reinforcing the behavior by letting your puppy out when he whines. If you’re sure it’s not a bathroom emergency, ignore it. BUT make sure you’re not asking too much too soon duration-wise.

Problem: Accidents in the Crate

Solution: Check your timing and crate size. A properly sized crate shouldn’t give space for eliminating away from sleeping area. Make sure you’re taking your puppy out frequently enough.

Problem: Destructive Behavior

Solution: Your puppy might be bored or anxious. Increase exercise before crate time and provide appropriate chew toys.

Problem: Complete Refusal

Solution: Go back to basics. Start with just feeding near the crate, then meals at the entrance, then partially inside. Be patient and don’t rush the process.

My Personal Crate Training Success Story

When we got our Golden Retriever puppy, she HATED the crate at first. I mean full-on drama queen performances worthy of an Oscar! What finally worked was ditching the metal crate for a more den-like plastic airline crate with a comfy bed inside.

The game-changer? I started sitting next to the crate reading a book while she was inside. No big fuss, just calm presence. After a few days, I could move further away, and eventually leave the room. Now she goes in voluntarily for naps!

Final Thoughts: Patience Pays Off!

Remember, crate training isn’t about confining your puppy – it’s about giving them a safe space that feels like THEIR special den. With patience, consistency, and positive associations, most puppies can learn to love their crates.

The effort you put in now will pay dividends for years to come. A crate-trained dog has a safe space during emergencies, can travel more easily, and has a lower risk of developing destructive behaviors or separation anxiety.

So hang in there, be patient, and before you know it, you’ll find your puppy choosing his crate for nap time all on his own!

Have you successfully crate-trained a reluctant puppy? Share your tips in the comments below!

To get your puppy to stop crying in their crate, make the crate a positive, cozy space with familiar-smelling items and a comfortable bed, keep it in your bedroom initially, and use crate games and treats to build a positive association. Ensure the puppy has met its basic needs, is well-exercised, and has had a calming pre-bedtime routine.

Yes, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, most puppies will get used to and even enjoy their crate, though the time it takes varies from a few days to several weeks or months depending on the individual puppy’s temperament and temperament.