Crate Training Matters.

Jaime Ward
Jun 22
2 min read

A cozy crate setup at By Design Poodles—puppies resting comfortably with soft bedding and chew-safe toys, learning that crates are a calm and secure space to relax.

🐶 Why Crate Training Matters

Crate training is beneficial for:

Safety (protects your pup and your home when unsupervised)
Structure (helps establish routines and supports potty training)
Comfort (dogs are naturally denning animals—they feel secure in small, enclosed spaces)

Over time, most puppies will voluntarily go to their crate because they view it as their personal space.

📍 Where Should the Crate Go?

Start by placing the crate in the main room of your home—where you spend the most time. This helps your puppy feel included and reduces anxiety. You can move it later once the crate becomes familiar.

At night, your puppy should sleep in their crate. To support house training, we don’t recommend placing water in the crate—especially overnight. Water leads to full bladders, and your goal is to keep the crate dry and comfortable.

🧺 What to Put in the Crate

Start simple. We suggest:

A towel or thin blanket in the tray (easy to wash)
A chew-safe item during crate intervals (bully sticks, deer antlers)

Avoid:

Plush toys (they can be shredded and ingested)
Rawhides (these pose a serious choking hazard)

Once your puppy is consistently keeping the crate dry, you can upgrade to a soft crate bed or pad.

🔁 Crate Practice During the Day

Give your puppy regular crate intervals during the day—even when you’re home. This helps them see the crate as a normal part of daily life.

Use the cue “Crate,” followed by a treat and praise. Repetition makes this a positive and easy command to learn.

🎉 Pro Tip: Save special chews for crate time only—this makes the crate feel like a treat, not a time-out.

🧳 Wire Crate vs. Plastic Crate – Which Is Better?

Both work! Here are some key differences:

🟩 Plastic Crates:

Great for travel
More enclosed = often feels cozier
Contains accidents better
Harder to clean
Not ideal for small spaces

🟦 Wire Crates:

Easy to clean and collapsible
Good air circulation
Often come with dividers for growing puppies
Mess can fall through sides = more sweeping

We’ve used both in our home and they each have their perks. It really comes down to personal preferenceand your space.

😢 What If My Puppy Whines or Cries?

This is very normal in the beginning. If your puppy cries in the crate:

Try covering it with a thin towel or blanket to make it feel more den-like.
Keep things calm and consistent.
Avoid letting them out while crying—wait for a moment of quiet before rewarding them with attention.

With time and consistency, your puppy will learn that the crate is a safe, restful space—not something to be feared.

🐾 Final Thoughts

Crates are one of the best training tools you can use when raising a puppy. They offer safety, peace of mind, and structure—but like anything, it takes training, patience, and consistency.