Crate Training: Do’s, Don’ts, and Common Mistakes

Crate training can sound a little weird at first, you may say “You want me to put my dog in a cage?!” But trust me and all the dog experts out there. When done right, a crate becomes your dog’s safe little den. A comfy place to relax, sleep, and chill out. That said, it is not just about tossing them in and shutting the door. There is definitely a right way, and a few wrong ways, to do it.

So let’s break down the do’s, the don’ts, and the classic mistakes people make with crate training.

DO: Make the Crate a Happy Place

Your dog should associate their crate with good vibes. Toss in a cozy blanket, a favorite toy, or even a treat-filled Kong.

Leave the door open at first and let them explore it on their own time. You can even feed their meals in there for extra positive association.

Think of it as building a mini doggie Airbnb—comfy, welcoming, and treat-stocked.

DON’T: Use the Crate as Punishment

This is a big one. If your dog gets tossed into the crate every time they do something wrong, they’re going to hate it, and probably resist it hard.

The crate should never be the doggy version of time-out. It’s their space, not a jail cell.

DO: Start Slow and Stay Consistent

Crate training doesn’t happen in a day. Start with short sessions—like 5-10 minutes at a time—and build up slowly. Leave the room for a bit, come back, and let them out before they freak out. If you’re consistent, calm, and patient, they’ll get the hang of it.

DON’T: Leave Them in There Too Long

Dogs aren’t meant to be crated for hours on end with no breaks.

As a rule of thumb:

• Puppies can usually hold it for 1 hour per month of age (so a 3-month-old? About 3 hours).

• Adult dogs? 4–6 hours max, unless it’s overnight.

If they’re stuck too long, they may start to hate the crate—or worse, have accidents in it, which totally defeats the purpose.

DO: Crate at Night (If You Want)

Nighttime crate training can help with house training and help your dog settle into a routine. Just keep the crate close to your bed at first, so they don’t feel totally isolated.

Over time, you can move it to where you want it to be long-term.

!!! Common Mistake: Rushing It

One of the biggest crate training fails? Closing the door too soon. If your dog’s not comfortable yet and you start locking the door for long stretches, you’ll set things back big time.

Go at their pace, not yours. Some dogs love the crate right away, some need a few days or weeks.

Bonus Tip: Every Dog is Different

Some pups take to the crate like it’s a VIP lounge. Others need some convincing. Don’t compare your dog to your neighbor’s or that YouTube video you watched.

Work with your dog’s personality, and be patient.

Final Thoughts

Crate training isn’t about confinement, but about comfort, boundaries, and helping your dog feel safe. Done right, a crate becomes a tool, not a trap. Just remember to keep it positive, go slow, and don’t overuse it. Most importantly, listen to your dog. If they’re stressed or struggling, take a step back and adjust. Crate training is a process. But it is one that pays off in the long run.