Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog's age, temperament and past experiences. It's important to keep two things in mind while crate training: The crate should always be associated with something pleasant and training should take place in a series of small steps. Don't go too fast.
Crate training isn't "imprisoning" your dog. It gives them their own space and can calm anxiety. Create positive associations with the crate through the use of treats and games. Be patient — crate training can take six months of consistent training.
Some puppies take to their crates after only days; others require weeks or months of sustained nighttime crate training before the benefits pay off. Ultimately, crate training is one of many ways you can strengthen your relationship with a new dog.
While training can be easier for younger dogs, if you go about it correctly, you can train dogs at all ages to feel comfortable in their crate.
So, you recently adopted a senior dog and want him to have a safe place to hang out on his own — or maybe you want to crate train your older dog because you just never got around to it. Luckily, you're not too late: Dogs can be crate trained at any age.
The most ideal scenario is that your pup cries for a bit, but settles in under 30 minutes and falls asleep. Then you as the owner decide when to get your pup out — it's okay to wake them after a while and take them out of their crate.
“Some puppies can sleep for several hours at night right away!” If your puppy cries in the crate at night, your instinct will be to help him—and that's the right thing to do. Although sometimes people worry that getting him out of the crate might teach him to cry, that shouldn't deter you.
Try to ignore the whining. If your dog is just testing you, he'll probably stop whining soon. Yelling at him or pounding on the crate will only make things worse. If the whining continues after you've ignored him for several minutes, use the phrase he associates with going outside to eliminate.
Practice Consistent Crate Training
And you certainly don't want them viewing it as any form of punishment or associating it with feeling isolated. You don't only want to use a crate for your puppy at night. Introducing being crated during the day will accelerate your puppy's nighttime crate training as well.
Ignore the whining behavior.
One of the biggest mistakes that new pet parents make is giving their puppies attention or taking their puppies out of the crate once the whining begins. “Ignoring the whining is your best option,” says Dr. Coates.
Often times, puppies and adult dogs bark and whine when they are first introduced to crate training. Ignore the behavior. Wait until your dog stops barking or whining momentarily, then reward him by tossing a treat into his crate while keeping your presence low key and pleasant.
After your dog enters the crate, praise him, give him the treat and close the door. Sit quietly near the crate for five to 10 minutes and then go into another room for a few minutes. Return, sit quietly again for a short time, then let him out of the crate. Repeat this process several times a day.
The first instinct people have is to put some nice, soft, fluffy bedding in the crate to keep a puppy warm and comfortable. But this is a bad idea until your dog has truly proven they will not chew their bedding.
We would never recommend ignoring your puppy when they cry at night, especially in their first few nights.
Encourage your pet to relax during their alone time
Try to take your dog for a walk before you go out so that they have the opportunity to go to the toilet and exercise. Return half an hour before you plan to leave and make sure they're not hungry.
Make it cozy, comfortable, and inviting
Keeping the crate away from drafts and near (but not too near!) a radiator will help to keep your pup feeling toasty. Finally, size does matter! Make sure your puppy's crate is big enough for them to move around in but not so big that they feel anxious or intimidated.
We recommend at least having them in your bedroom with you in the beginning in either a dog bed or crate. Having your puppy in your bedroom with you will make them feel more reassured. Then, you can gradually move them to where you would like them to sleep permanently.
Crating can be a helpful way to manage separation anxiety, but it takes some time and patience to get your dog used to being in the crate.
Start by standing in front of your dog's crate and showing some valuable treats. Make sure your dog sees the treats and wants them. Say the cue word and throw the treats into the back of the crate. As soon as your dog walks into the crate to get the treats, praise it, and click your clicker if you're using one.
DO: Encourage your dog to use the crate throughout the day. Your dog's crate is not just a nighttime bedroom. It's also a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle, to relax, or to take a nap. It can even help you manage your dog's behavior.
In our experience, most puppies stop barking in the crate at night after the first 5-7 days. However, there have been outliers.