Crate training a puppy in just 3 days takes dedication, patience and consistency. The key is to make the crate a positive place for your puppy so they learn to love their crate and see it as their safe space. With the right approach, you can crate train even young puppies quickly and effectively.
Why crate train a puppy?
Crate training provides many benefits for both you and your puppy. These include:
- Gives your puppy a safe space to relax and sleep
- Helps with house training as puppies won’t soil their crate
- Prevents destructive chewing and barking when you can’t supervise
- Teaches puppy independence being alone
- Gives you peace of mind knowing puppy is secure
- Makes travel and visits to the vet easier
- Sets up good lifelong habits for your dog
Getting started with crate training
Before you begin crate training, make sure you have the right crate for your puppy’s size. It should be just big enough for them to stand up, turn around and lie down. Any bigger and they may use one end as a toilet. Place the crate somewhere like your kitchen or living room so your puppy still feels part of the action.
Now you need to make the crate comfortable and inviting. Place a blanket and some toys inside so it feels like a cozy den. Top tips include:
- Add an item of clothing with your smell
- Use a snuggle pet with a heartbeat
- Give chew toys to keep them busy
- Place it on a non-slip mat for comfort
Feeding your puppy some meals inside their crate will also help them associate it with nice things. Just leave the door open at first so they don’t feel trapped.
Crate training schedule
When crate training a young puppy, you want to start small with short periods in the crate slowly building up. Here is a sample schedule to follow for the first 3 days:
| Day | Crate Time |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 5-10 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day |
| Day 2 | 10-15 minutes, 3-5 times a day |
| Day 3 | 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times a day |
Your puppy should happily spend 30 minutes in their crate by day 3 following this routine. Of course, every puppy is different so adjust as needed if they get anxious.
Making the crate positive
The key to quick crate training success is encouraging your puppy to choose to go in their crate voluntarily. Here are some tips for making it a positive experience:
- Give treats and praise when they go inside
- Feed your puppy in the crate with the door open
- Place fun toys and chews inside to motivate them
- Avoid forcing them in against their will
- Use an encouraging tone and classical conditioning
- Keep initial crate times short to avoid stress
With patience and positivity, you can teach your puppy to love their crate in no time. Always go at their pace and don’t rush.
Nighttime crate training
The first night in the crate is often the hardest for puppies as it’s lonely and unfamiliar. To help them settle:
- Tire them out first so they are sleepy
- Keep the crate near your bed overnight
- Talk soothingly and put your fingers through the bars
- Reward quiet moments with treats
- Set an alarm every 2 hours to let them toilet
Expect some crying the first night but try to remain calm and reassuring. The second night is usually much easier once they get used to their new space.
Troubleshooting common issues
Crate training doesn’t always go smoothly, but there are solutions for the most common puppy problems:
- Whining – Wait for quiet moments before letting them out and reward silence
- Barking – Cover the crate to reduce stimulation and distract with a toy
- Accidents – Take them out more frequently and clean with an enzymatic cleaner
- Escaping – Secure doors and make sure the crate isn’t too big
- Chewing crate – Give safe chew toys to redirect the behavior
Staying calm but firm will help your puppy learn faster. Always make sure their needs are met including regular toilet breaks.
Crate training a puppy while at work
Crate training while you’re at work takes a little more time but is possible. Tips include:
- Start on weekends before you return to work
- Tire them out first so they nap more
- Give them a food puzzle toy to keep busy
- Use pet cameras to check in while away
- Get a dog walker or ask a neighbour for a midday visit
- Keep the crate area dog proof and safe
Build up alone time gradually so they get used to being in the crate for longer. Most puppies can manage the work day after consistent training.
Signs your puppy is crate trained
How do you know when your puppy is happy and comfortable in their crate? Signs include:
- Entering voluntarily
- Relaxing and sleeping inside
- Not crying or barking when put inside
- No accidents or chewing in the crate
- Eating their meals in the crate
- Staying calm for extended periods
A crate trained puppy sees their crate as a safe haven. Keep reinforcing training and make it a happy place for your pup.
Maintaining crate training
Crate training is an ongoing process. To maintain good habits:
- Be consistent with training schedule
- Continue giving rewards for going inside
- Feed your dog in the crate regularly
- Practice commands like “kennel up” or “crate”
- Ensure your puppy still fits their crate
- Keep it comfortable with bedding and toys
With consistency, your puppy will be happy to sleep and relax in their crate any time. This gives them a secure place of their own.
Conclusion
Crate training a puppy in just 3 days is achievable with patience, positivity and rewards. By making it an enjoyable space for your pup and starting with short sessions, they will quickly learn to love their crate. This gives your puppy a safe haven and provides you with peace of mind. Be consistent with training and your puppy will be crate trained in no time.