Crate Training FAQs: Advice from Award-Winning Professional Dog Trainer and Founder of Your Dog Coach, Matt

What is crate training?

Crate training is the process of teaching your dog to see their crate as a safe, comfortable and positive space. When introduced correctly, a crate becomes a place where dogs can rest, settle and switch off as part of their daily routine.

Why do trainers recommend crate training?

Professional trainers often recommend crate training because it helps establish routine, supports toilet training and teaches dogs how to settle independently. When used correctly, a crate becomes another tool that helps set dogs up for success in everyday life.

Is crate training good for dogs?

When introduced correctly, crate training can be a valuable tool for both dogs and owners. A crate gives your dog a consistent place to rest, helps create routine and can make it easier to manage everyday situations such as bedtime, visitors or travel. The goal isn't to keep your dog confined. It's to teach them how to relax and settle when needed.

Are crates cruel?

A crate should never be used as punishment. When introduced properly, most dogs learn to see it as a comfortable place to rest. The key is making sure your dog's physical, mental and social needs are being met outside the crate as well.

At what age can I start crate training my puppy?

Most puppies can begin crate training from the day they come home. Starting early helps build positive habits and makes it easier to establish routines around sleep, toileting and settling.

Can older dogs learn to love a crate?

Absolutely. While puppies often adapt more quickly, many adult dogs learn to enjoy having a crate as their own dedicated resting space. The process is simply about building positive associations and progressing at the dog's pace.

How do I choose the right crate size?

Your dog should be able to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down in their natural sleeping position. The right size depends on your dog's height, length and sleeping style.

Is it better to size up when choosing a crate?

For adult dogs, having extra space is often fine. For puppies that are still toilet training, a crate that is too large can make training more difficult, which is why we recommend a smaller crate at first or using a divider.

Where should I put my dog's crate?

For many puppies, having the crate in your bedroom during the first few weeks can make the transition to a new home easier. It allows you to hear when they need a toilet break overnight and can help reduce unnecessary distress while they're adjusting. As your puppy becomes more confident and reliable with toileting, we recommend gradually moving the crate to its long-term location within the home to help build independence.

How do I introduce the crate to my dog?

Take your time and focus on creating positive associations. Let your dog investigate the crate, feed meals inside and reward them for choosing to enter. Avoid rushing the process or using the crate as punishment. The goal is to teach your dog that the crate is a safe, predictable place where they can switch off and relax.

How long can a puppy stay in a crate?

There isn't one answer that suits every puppy. Age, toilet training progress and individual temperament all play a role. Puppies need regular opportunities to toilet, exercise and interact with their family. A crate should support your routine, not replace it.

Can a crate help with toilet training?

Yes. Puppies are naturally less likely to toilet where they sleep, which is why crates are commonly used as part of a toilet training plan. The crate helps owners establish consistency and predictability around toilet breaks.

How do I get my puppy to like their crate?

Start by making the crate a positive place to be. Feed meals in the crate, offer treats and enrichment items inside, and allow your puppy to explore it at their own pace. The more positive experiences your puppy has around the crate, the more likely they are to choose it themselves.

What should I put in my puppy's crate?

Most puppies benefit from comfortable bedding and safe enrichment items suited to their age and chewing habits. The goal is to create a space where your puppy can rest comfortably and develop positive associations.

How do I make crate training part of my dog's daily routine?

Crate training shouldn't be limited to bedtime. The most successful crate training happens when the crate becomes a normal part of your dog's day. Encourage your dog to spend short periods in the crate after walks, during rest times, while you're working from home or when the household is busy. The goal is for your dog to see the crate as a place to relax and switch off, not just somewhere they go at night.

Do adult dogs still use crates?

Many do. While crates are often introduced during puppyhood, they frequently become a familiar resting space that dogs continue to use throughout adulthood.

Why does my dog choose to sleep in their crate?

Dogs thrive on routine and predictability. Once positive associations have been built, many dogs choose their crate because it has become a familiar place where they can rest undisturbed.

Should I leave the crate door open?

When your dog is supervised and comfortable with their crate, many owners choose to leave the door open so their dog can come and go freely.

Can a crate help an anxious dog?

A crate won't fix anxiety on its own, but it can be a useful part of a broader training plan. Many dogs benefit from having a predictable place where they can rest away from activity and distractions. The focus should always be on helping the dog feel comfortable and confident, not simply managing the behaviour.

My dog cries in their crate. What should I do?

Crying can happen for a range of reasons, including uncertainty, frustration, needing the toilet or a lack of positive crate associations. Understanding the cause is the first step. Where possible, avoid immediately releasing your dog while they are actively whining, as this can teach them that vocalising is how they get out of the crate. Instead, wait for a brief moment of calm before opening the door and continue building positive experiences around the crate. 

Should I cover my dog's crate?

Some dogs settle better with more visual privacy, while others prefer to see their surroundings. Pay attention to your dog's behaviour and adjust accordingly.

Why do vets recommend crate rest after surgery?

Following surgery or injury, one of the biggest challenges can be preventing dogs from doing too much too soon. Crates help manage movement and support recovery by creating a safe space where dogs can rest while they heal.

What conditions commonly require crate rest?

Crate rest is often recommended following orthopaedic surgery, cruciate ligament repair, IVDD treatment, injury recovery and certain illnesses where activity needs to be restricted.

Should each dog have their own crate?

We recommend that each dog has access to their own resting space. This can help support healthy boundaries and reduce competition for resources.

Can crates help when introducing a second dog?

Yes. Crates can provide structure, management and separate resting spaces while dogs adjust to sharing a home. They can be particularly helpful during introductions and when managing different energy levels.

With 13 years' dog training experience and 8 years as a qualified service dog handler, Matt from Your Dog Coach has the skills and passion required to manage the behavioural issues other trainers have failed to fix.

Matt has trained dogs of all different shapes and sizes, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, and possesses the ability to fix problems other trainers have failed to rectify.

In his professional life, Matt has brought up several puppies to become successful service dogs. He also has a passion for residential dog training, and for helping your furry family member to become well mannered, calm, obedient and non-aggressive, with the ability to listen on command. Matt has been involved in numerous high-risk situations, tactically using his assigned service dog to resolve a situation. He believes that “one size (or method) doesn’t fix all”, and has a range of tools, tips, and tricks at his disposal to solve the most challenging pooch problem.