How to Crate Train Your Puppy (Without Losing Your Mind)
- 4 Views
- 20startup23
- March 26, 2025
- Training & Behavior
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Crate training sounds fancy, but let’s be real—learning how to crate train your puppy is just code for teaching them not to pee on your shoes and giving them their own cozy little den. Whether you’re working full-time or just need five minutes without being chewed on, this guide breaks down the crate training process into four bite-sized, stress-free steps.
If you’ve been up at 3 a.m. Googling “crate training puppy while working” or “puppy kennel training tips,” friend—you’re in exactly the right place.
Let’s turn your chaos gremlin into a crate-loving fluffball, shall we?
Choose the Right Crate (Their New Puppy Pad!)
Why You’ll Love It: Picking the perfect crate sets your pup up for success. Too small = cramped. Too big = pee palace. Get one that grows with them!
✅ Our Favorite Crate Pick on Amazon: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Starter Kit – All-in-One Puppy Crate Set
💡 Puppy Hacks DIY: Add a washable crate liner + a warm snuggle puppy toy to mimic littermates.
How to Pick the Right Crate:
- Choose a size where your pup can stand, turn, and lie down.
- Wire crates with divider panels = game changers.
- Top-entry crates are great for smaller breeds.
Imagine This: You unbox the crate, add a fuzzy bed, toss in a chew toy, and suddenly your wild gremlin pup voluntarily walks in. Peace at last.
Make It Their Happy Place (Not a Puppy Jail)
Why You’ll Love It: This step is all about good vibes. Crate = cozy den, not punishment zone.
🧸 Amazon Must-Haves:
How to Do It:
- Start slow. Leave the crate door open during playtime.
- Toss in treats or feed meals inside the crate.
- Use a command like “Go to bed” every time they enter.
🎉 Bonus Tip: Never force them in. Bribery with peanut butter is fair game.
Imagine This: Your puppy dashes into their crate at bedtime—tail wagging, tongue lolling. You? Sipping tea with zero guilt and a binge-worthy show queued up.
Set a Routine (Crate Training Puppy While Working = Possible!)
Why You’ll Love It: Dogs thrive on routine. Your sanity will too.
📅 New Puppy Checklist Training Tip: Add crate time into your puppy’s daily schedule right after potty breaks and meals.
🕒 Amazon Favorites for a Schedule Win:
Puppy Training Plan:
- Wake up: potty → play → crate.
- After meals: potty → crate rest.
- Before bedtime: potty → crate overnight.
Imagine This: You go to work guilt-free knowing your pup’s got structure, chew toys, and not your sneakers.
Celebrate Progress (Not Perfection!)
Why You’ll Love It: Accidents? Barking? It’s normal! You’re not failing—you’re training a new puppy who’s learning their ABCs.
🧼 Puppy Containment Ideas + Clean-Up Gear:
How to Care for Setbacks:
- Stay consistent.
- Reward crate time with praise or treats.
- Avoid letting them out while barking.
✨ Pro Hack: Keep nighttime potty trips boring—no eye contact, no chit-chat.
Imagine This: Your pup sleeps through the night, no accidents, no crying. And you? Dreaming of the next step—off-leash trust!
You Did It! 🎉 Crate Training = Unlocked
You’ve nailed the basics of crate training, and your puppy’s well on their way to being a confident, calm furball. Add this to your Puppy Training Plan, and soon you’ll be that person at the dog park bragging, “Oh yeah, we crate trained in like… four days.”
And if it wasn’t four days? It’s still a win, friend.
Want more Potty Training Tips for Puppies, DIY Puppy Hacks, and all things cute chaos? Keep browsing the blog or check out our New Puppy Essentials List on Amazon.