#Crate Training Tips

Crate training Popcorn started with a focused training session just like this one. Training using positive reinforcement, paired with building a positive association through naps and meals in the crate, and gradual desensitization means Popcorn has been sleeping through the night in the crate since his third night home (I’d say his second night, but he technically got up in the middle of the night to go potty). This method uses shaping to build comfort step-by-step—starting with voluntary entry to give puppy agency, then reinforcing calm while the door was closed to condition emotional regulation. Each short, successful rep activates reward pathways in the brain, making the crate feel safe and predictable. Over time, repeated exposure paired with positive outcomes reduce anxiety and build the neural associations needed for long-term calm behavior. Make sure to pair crate training with a high value treat if puppy isn’t as eager about the crate. Any freeze dried liver will do, but we prefer the liver from @northwestnaturals.pdx — it cuts into small pieces easier! #cratetraining #puppytips #puppytraining #newpuppy

HOW WE CRATE TRAINED OUR PUPPY ⬇️ 🐶 For more puppy training tips @archieswooorld 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘺. + Crate training is not easy! Let your puppy explore the crate, keep the door open, throw treats and toys in the crate, let your dog willingly go in and out of the crate. Picking up your puppy and forcing them inside, then closing the door is not a proper or positive introduction to the crate. 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 “𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴” + Make the crate fun! We used high value greats and threw them into the crate. When Archie went into the crate, we gave him a “jackpot” of treats, rewarded him heavily. Then when Archie grew more comfortable, we closed the door for a couple seconds and rewarded. If your puppy is more play-motivated, use a ball or toy and throw it into the crate and make this a game! Find something positive and incorporate it into crate training, like feeding meals! 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 + A big mistake I see puppy owners make when crate training is only crating their puppy when they are going to leave home. This becomes an issue because your puppy will associate going into the crate with being left alone. Crate your puppy while you’re home! Pop them into the crate while you’re watching TV, doing house chores, etc. Sometimes we would sit right next to the crate and throw treats inside, especially if he wasn’t crying. 𝘝𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 + Constantly switch up how long your puppy is crated. Crate them for 20 minutes, then 5, then an hour, etc. This will help prevent them from thinking that they’ll be in there for a long time. 𝘌𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘴 + All of Archie’s naps were in the crate when he was a puppy. He didn’t always love this, but we stuck to it. Now a year later, he willingly goes into his crate on his own to take a nap. 𝘉𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 + Crate training is an ongoing process, it doesn’t happen overnight, so be patient and consistent! #puppycratetraining #cratetraining #puppytrainingtips #newpuppyowner

Your puppy HATES their crate? You probably made this mistake… 😫 Most people do this: Day 1: Get puppy Day 1: Put puppy in crate Day 1: Leave and hope for the best Result? Puppy cries for HOURS! 😱 The problem? You didn’t teach them to LOVE the crate first! Here’s the right way: Day 1-3: Feed all meals in the crate (door open!) Day 4-5: Toss treats in the crate randomly throughout the day Day 6-7: Close door for 5 seconds while they eat, then open Day 8-10: Gradually increase door-closed time Day 11+: They now LOVE their crate! The result? Your puppy WANTS to go in their crate because it’s their happy place! 🏠 Want my free crate training guide? Comment “SLEEP” and I’ll send it to you! 🐶 #puppytraining #puppysleep #cratetraining

Are you looking for some tips to crate train your dog? Not just train but teach them to actually enjoy their crate? Check out these tips from @apexdogtraining Want to learn how to train your own puppy? Comment “INFO” to get 25% off The Online Puppy School. Follow us for more puppy training tips and tricks! 👉🏻 puppy.training.tips 👉🏻 puppy.training.tips 👉🏻 puppy.training.tips . . . #cratetraining #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogtrainingtips #dogsofinstagram #goldenretriever #puppy #puppytraining Source Instagram User: @apexdogtraining Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. All rights belong to their respective owners. If you believe that any content infringes upon your copyright, please contact us for removal.

Link in bio for our puppy starter guide! #The crate gives your puppy a familiar, cozy space to keep her safe when you can’t supervise her. Crate training also helps her get comfortable with smaller spaces she may need to be in later on, like during travel, vet visits, boarding, or emergencies. I’m not a dog training expert, but this is what helped my puppy become comfortable with her crate. The plan is to have her sleep in bed with me once she is fully potty trained a few months from now! Rooting for all my pawrents! Have a blessed day 💜 #puppy #dog #dogsofinstagram #foryou fyp

Do you crate train your dog? Why or why not? 🤔 I’m crate training this 10 week old Aussie because she is not getting enough sleep, which is causing her to be VERY bitey, jumpy, and overall fussy. It’s causing her dog dad to go a bit mad. We just want to teach Pua that settling down is good for her- and that starts with LOTS of treats. Reinforcing what I want from her. Follow @taylorcezanne for more! #howtotrainmypuppy #cratetraining #dogsofinstagram #beginnerdogtraining #puppylife #dogtrainingtips

Where Should You Put Your Puppy’s Crate? This is one of the most common questions we get when families are preparing to bring their puppy home — and the answer depends less on the house layout and more on your which location will yield the best follow through. There are two general approaches: Some families place the crate in a separate room behind a closed door. This can work well — if you are 110% committed to not responding to whining and sticking firmly to your routine. Puppies are incredibly persuasive, and returning to the crate during crying quickly teaches them that noise works. The other option is keeping the crate near you and making it part of your daily rhythm. We prefer this method. When the crate is nearby and used consistently, puppies accept it much faster. It becomes your right-hand helper — a safe place to “park” your puppy anytime you can’t provide close supervision. Here’s what many people don’t realize: Puppies need 8–9 hours of daytime crate rest in addition to nighttime sleep in order to get proper deep rest. When the crate is part of the daily routine — used consistently and without emotion — puppies settle faster, get better quality naps, potty training progresses more quickly, and destructive chewing decreases. The biggest mistake we see? Too much freedom. Not enough structure. Crate placement isn’t about convenience — it’s about choosing the setup that allows you to provide generous crate time with calm, consistent follow-through. And one very important reminder: It is not realistic to expect zero whining at first. Puppies typically need about four days to recognize a new pattern. If day two feels harder than day one, that does not mean your plan is failing. Routine and consistency are everything. Make your plan. Commit to it. Stick to it. Your follow through is what determines your puppy’s success. 🖤🐾 This is a hot topic and there’s just so much more to say about it. Want more help with crate training? Comment below and let’s talk about it. We’d love to share more tips! #puppytraining #newpuppy #puppiesofinstagram #puppies #dogtrainer

Since our Goldendoodle puppies have started heading off to their forever homes, we thought this would be the perfect time to share some crate training tips!! 🐶🏡 Comment CRATE and we’ll send you the link 🤎 ✨ 5 Tips & Tricks for Crate Training: 1️⃣ Choose the right crate. Your puppy should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. We always recommend sizing up so they can grow into it — most crates come with a divider panel to adjust the space as they grow. 2️⃣ Keep it in a common area. Place the crate near you while you’re doing dishes or watching TV. This helps your puppy learn that the crate isn’t a scary place — it’s just part of everyday life. 3️⃣ Make it DISNEYLAND! Add a cozy blanket, a favorite toy, and a training aid. Every time your puppy goes in, reward with a treat and lots of praise. The goal? Make the kennel the most fun place ever. 🎉 4️⃣ Keep it short & sweet. Start with short intervals — 5 minutes, then 10, then 20 — gradually building up their comfort level. 5️⃣ Keep it positive & be patient. Crate training takes consistency and grace. It’s not always easy… but YOU GOT THIS 💪

Crate training takes time. But skipping this step? That’s what most people forget to do. If your puppy panics when the crate door shuts, it’s not about the crate—it’s about being left alone. Puppies need to learn that separation is safe. Here’s how to make crate time easier for your puppy: ✅ Start with tiny absences—literally 3-5 seconds. Shut the door, step away, and return before they panic. ✅ Ignore whining, but reward calmness—mark the moment they’re quiet, then let them out. ✅ Gradually increase time apart. Extend from seconds to minutes to longer stretches. ✅ Stay predictable. Rushing this process or waiting until they’re already upset makes it harder for them to trust the crate. Puppies don’t just “get over” crate anxiety. They learn through small successes. Take your time, and you’ll get a puppy who actually relaxes in their crate—no more screaming when the door shuts. Have you struggled with crate training? Let me know what’s been hardest for you! ⬇️ Follow @empoweredpuppyprogram for more must-know puppy training tips. Visit empoweredpuppyschool.com for our online puppy course tailored for Goldens, Labs, and more ✅The Adolescent Calm and Collected Reset Course is ready! Empoweredpuppyschool.com ✅Are you a breeder or trainer wanting to take your business further? Check out or Breeder/Trainer Online Course at empoweredpuppyschool.com FREE MINI COURSE: Should I get a puppy? Take the course to find out if you are ready! Empoweredpuppyschool.com #CrateTraining #PuppyTraining101 #DogTrainingTips #NewPuppy #PuppyLife #GoldenRetrieverPuppy #SeparationAnxiety #CalmPuppy #PuppyWhining #DogBehavior #PuppyLove #RaisingPuppies #DogTrainer #PuppyAdvice #PetTips #DogLovers #SmartDog #TrainYourPuppy #ResponsiblePetOwnership

How we Crate Trained our puppy☺️ We are not trained professionals but this is just how we did it. Some top tips: 1. Let your puppy get used to the crate by just walking in there, having a sniff, throwing treats inside etc. 2. Give lots of positive reinforcement when they go into the crate themselves. Reward with a treat. 3. You want the puppy to associate the crate with positive things, so give them their meals in there… enrichment activities such as kongs, lickmats etc. can be given in there too. 4. A crate cover can help to make it a little den and a safe space for them. 5. Enforced naps help SO much. Puppies need around 18-20 hours of sleep, and we found if Nellie didn’t get enough sleep, she would be more grumpy and bitey. So we would do max 1 hour wake periods, and then down for a nap for 1.5/2 hours. 6. Ignore them when they cry otherwise they’ll think that if they whine/bark/cry, they’ll be let out. If you are letting them out, wait for them to calm down and until they’re quiet. 7. If they don’t self soothe and cry for longer than 20/30 mins, then let them out when they’re quiet and try again in another 30 mins. 8. No drawn out goodbyes. Pop the pup into the crate and walk away, rather than longing out the goodbye. 9. Make sure they aren’t wearing their collar inside the crate. 10. NEVER use the crate as a punishment. ★★★ #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #goldenretrieversofinstagram #dog #puppy #dogs #goldenretrieverpuppy #golden #goldenretrievers #goldensofinstagram #goldens #puppiesofinstagram #retriever #puppylove #dogstagram #dogoftheday #instadog #doglovers #goldenretrieverlove #doglover #doglife #retrievers #love #goldenpuppy #puppies #goldenretrieverlovers #pet #goldenretrieverworld #cute #nelliethegolden

Crate Training Made Easy: In this video, learn how to crate train your dog using shaping and positive reinforcement techniques. This fun, gentle approach helps your dog build a positive association with the crate—perfect for puppies and adult dogs. This is Part 1 of our crate training series, so don’t forget to follow for more dog training tips! #dogsofdetroit #dogtrainingtip #puppytraining #dogtraining #cratetraining #kenneltraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining

my crate training non-negotiables 💖 while I think crate training can be a very great and helpful skill for safety and for managing multi-dog households, it’s important to remember putting a dog in a crate is very reasonably often a scary thing for them. they have no ability to move, all choice/agency over their life has been removed, and often times they’re stuck in a cage that hasn’t been mad very comfortable for them. their crate should be cozy, and it’s up to us to teach them how to hang out in their stress-free. it’s also important to acknowledge that some dogs simply just don’t like crates, and it’s not always totally necessary for them to be crated. (Harvey is never crated). #cratetraining #DogTraining #rescuedog #dogtrainer #dogtrainingtips