Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting adventure, but let’s be honest—it can also be a little overwhelming! One of the biggest challenges for many new puppy parents is crate training. How do you make your pup feel safe and comfortable in their new space without all the tears (from both of you)? The good news is, it doesn’t have to be a stressful process.
Over the years, we’ve helped countless families crate train their puppies, and have learned a few tried-and-true tips that can make all the difference. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for ways to improve, these tips are here to help set you and your pup up for success!
1. Crate Next To The Bed
I have always said that the first several nights in a new home can be scary for a puppy. In their short little lives they’ve never been alone. They’ve been surrounded by their mom and siblings. They’ve grown accustomed to the smells and sounds of the environment they were born into. That first night, when they wake up, they’re not going to recognize any of the new environment. When they wake up and start to cry, if you place the crate right next to your bed, you can reach down and comfort the puppy without having to get out of bed. If they don’t settle, you can easily take them outside to their potty area then right back to their crate in your room. This will help the puppy learn that you’re always available so theres no need to be scared. You’ll also be able to avoid any accidents in the crate in the middle of the night.
2. Use Bedding From Breeder or Familiar Scents
While we know we can not bring their old home all the way to your bedroom, we can always bring some familiar bedding that smells of their previous home. This can also decrease some of the stress of being in a new home.
3. Heartbeat Puppy
Using these sweet little stuffed animals can really help your puppy settle into their new crate. When sleeping next to their siblings, they’re snuggled in and able to hear and feel the heartbeat of the puppy next to them. These heartbeat toys are a great way to help your pup as they learn to sleep alone.
4. Pacifiers
Sometimes puppies need help falling asleep. Chewing is a very self soothing activity and can help soothe a pup as they fall asleep. We recommend stuffed kongs, west paw, barkworthy cow ears and nylabone toys. We don’t recommend bully sticks for puppies in their crates as there is a choking hazard when the bully stick gets really small. It’s always a good rule to supervise pups with bully sticks and to frequently check the condition of your pups chew toys to make sure they aren’t destroying or eating the toys. Checking the condition of the toys helps determine the type of chewer you have.
5. Music or Background Noise
We find that puppies settle in their new environment if there’s background music or sounds. Going from normal household noises to absolute silence at bedtime can be weird for new puppies and leave them feeling a little restless. Just turning on music or leaving a tv on while they’re first falling asleep can make it easier for them.
6. Serve Meals in Crate
Over the years, I have always fed my pups their meals in the kennels. *I do not recommend water in your pups crate. That will lead to spills and soiling in the crate.
- This allows you to gauge how much food they are eating
- Prevent food theft from other dogs (and sometimes cats) in your home.
- Reduce risk of resource guarding meals.
Keep in mind each puppy is different. These tips are a great way to get started acclimating your pup to their new home and crate.
If your pup is struggling with their crate, please reach out. We are available for in-home as well as remote training sessions.
Learn more about our services and view our current class schedule HERE.