Crate Training 101: The Happy Place Method

Many new owners view crates as "mean." Dogs view crates as "Safe." In the wild, canines are den animals. They seek out small, dark, enclosed spaces to rest safely.

Step 1: Making It Magical

Never shove the dog in.

1. The Open Door Policy: Leave the crate door open. Toss high-value treats (cheese, chicken) inside.
2. Dinner Time: Feed their meals inside the crate with the door open.
   • Association: Crate = Food.

Step 2: Closing the Door

Once they run in happily for food:

1. Close the door while they eat.
2. Open it before they finish.
3. Gradually increase the time the door is closed after they finish eating (10 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes).

Step 3: The "Whine" Rule

If they whine:

• The Golden Rule: Never open the door while they are whining.
• Why?: If you do, you teach them: "Whining gets me out."
• Solution: Wait for 3 seconds of silence. Then open.

Night Crate Training

For puppies, put the crate next to your bed for the first few weeks.

• They need to hear you breathing to feel safe.
• If they cry at 3 AM, take them out to pee (on a leash, boring, no play), then put them right back in.

Crate Limits

• Puppies: Age in months + 1 = Hours they can hold it. (e.g., 2 month puppy = 3 hours max).
• Adults: Never crate for more than 8-9 hours (workday).

Read Next: Potty Training Schedule