Creating a Safe Space for Your Puppy with Crate Training
Bringing a new puppy home is fun, exciting, and sometimes a little chaotic. From chewed shoes and furniture to the zoomies at midnight, it can be tricky to find calm in the storm. That’s where crate training comes in.
There’s a common misconception that being in the crate is a form of punishment, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. A crate should become your pup’s very own cosy den. A place for them to relax, rest, reset and regulate.
Why Use a Crate?
Dogs are naturally den animals. In the wild, they’d look for a small, enclosed space to sleep in, to help them feel protected. A crate taps into this instinct, helping your puppy feel secure in a world that’s still pretty new to them.
It’s also a great puppy care tool for:
- Toilet training: Puppies are less likely soil their sleeping area, so crates help establish good habits.
- Avoiding mischief & danger: From a chewed shoe to more serious situations, you should keep curious pups out of trouble at night or when you’re not present to supervise them.
- Building independence: Crate training can help puppies learn to settle alone, helping prevent separation anxiety as they grow up.
Making the Crate a Happy Place
Making the crate feel like a happy place is a key part of successful crate training. To do this, start by choosing the right size. The crate should be big enough for them to stand up, turn, and lie down in, but not so big that they’ll get tempted to soil at one end and nap at the other. Make sure it feels cosy, line it with soft bedding, add in some safe toys that they can enjoy.
It is important to get your puppy comfortable with the crate before closing them in it. Never force them into the crate. Tempt your puppy in with exciting items such as toys and treats. Keep repeating this process with the door open until they are happy to cross the threshold without thought or hesitation.
Ease in Gently
Another key to crate training is to make it ‘short and sweet’. Feed your puppy in the crate, toss treats inside, close the door for just a moment while they’re enthusiastically nibbling a treat, and then open it again.
By building up gradually and staying nearby at first, you can ensure you don’t do too much too soon.
Tip: You can put the crate near your bed at night, at first, so that your pup doesn’t feel alone. Over time, you can move it further away or to a different room entirely.
Things to Avoid
- Never use the crate as punishment.
- Don’t leave your puppy in the crate for too long.
- If they start chewing bedding, try crate mats.
Final Tips
Consistency is key when it comes to puppy care and crate training. When used correctly, with patience, crate training can help puppies feel safe, build confidence, and regulate their emotions. If all goes well, you’ll soon find your pup choosing their crate all on their own.
