Crate training is one of the most valuable skills you can teach your dog. When done correctly, a crate becomes your dog's safe haven—a cozy den where they feel secure and relaxed. But when done wrong, it can create anxiety and make the crate feel like a punishment.
I've helped hundreds of dog owners in Greeley and Northern Colorado successfully crate train their dogs, and I'm going to share the exact process I use. Whether you have an 8-week-old puppy or an adult dog who's never seen a crate, this guide will work for you.
Why Crate Training Matters
Before we get into the how, let's talk about why crate training is so important:
- House training: Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, making the crate your best potty training tool
- Safety: Keeps your dog safe when you can't supervise them directly
- Travel: Makes car rides and vet visits much less stressful
- Emergency preparedness: If you ever need to evacuate or board your dog, crate training is essential
- Prevents destructive behavior: A crated dog can't chew your couch or get into the trash
- Provides a calm space: Dogs need a quiet retreat, especially in busy households
The goal isn't to lock your dog away—it's to give them a space they genuinely love and choose to use on their own.
Choosing the Right Crate
The crate you choose matters. Here's what to look for:
Size
Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. But bigger isn't always better—a crate that's too large can encourage accidents since your dog may use one end as a bathroom. For puppies, get a crate with a divider so you can adjust the size as they grow.
Type
- Wire crates: Great ventilation, easy to clean, and most dogs can see out which helps them feel less isolated
- Plastic crates: More den-like, good for anxious dogs, and required for airline travel
- Soft-sided crates: Lightweight and portable, but only for dogs who are already crate trained (not for chewers)
For most families I work with in Northern Colorado, I recommend starting with a wire crate. You can drape a blanket over it to create a more den-like feel if needed.
The Step-by-Step Crate Training Process
This process typically takes 1-2 weeks for puppies and 2-4 weeks for adult dogs. Don't rush it—taking your time now prevents problems later.
Step 1: Create Positive Associations (Days 1-3)
Your first goal is to make your dog think the crate is the best thing ever.
- Place the crate in a common area where your family spends time
- Leave the door open and toss treats inside throughout the day
- Let your dog explore at their own pace—never force them in
- Feed meals near the crate, then just inside the door, then at the back
- Place a comfortable bed or blanket inside
- Drop special treats in randomly so your dog "discovers" them
At this stage, don't close the door at all. You're simply teaching your dog that good things happen in and around the crate.
Step 2: Start Closing the Door (Days 4-7)
Once your dog is willingly entering the crate for treats:
- Toss a treat to the back of the crate
- When your dog goes in, close the door for just 2-3 seconds
- Open the door and let them out (don't make a big deal of it)
- Gradually increase the time: 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute
- Give treats through the crate door while it's closed
- Stay right next to the crate during this phase
If your dog whines or paws at the door, you've moved too fast. Go back to a shorter duration.
"We adopted a 2-year-old rescue who had never been crate trained. Following Alli's method, within 10 days she was happily napping in her crate with the door open. By week 3, she'd go in on her own whenever she wanted quiet time." - David T., Greeley
Step 3: Increase Duration and Distance (Week 2)
Now you'll work on longer crate times and moving away from the crate:
- Give your dog a stuffed Kong or chew toy in the crate
- Close the door and sit nearby, reading or watching TV
- Gradually increase time to 10, 20, then 30 minutes
- Start moving around the room while your dog is crated
- Step out of sight briefly, then return
- Leave the room for 1 minute, then 5 minutes, then 10 minutes
Keep departures and returns low-key. No big goodbyes or excited hellos—this can create anxiety.
Step 4: Practice Real-Life Scenarios (Week 3+)
Now you're ready to use the crate for everyday situations:
- Crate your dog while you shower or run quick errands
- Practice leaving the house for 30 minutes, then an hour
- Crate at night in your bedroom (or nearby) for sleep
- Vary your routine so your dog doesn't predict when crating happens
Crate Training Do's and Don'ts
Do:
- Make the crate comfortable with bedding and a safe chew toy
- Use the crate for naps and quiet time, not just when you leave
- Take your dog out immediately after crating for potty breaks
- Exercise your dog before extended crate time
- Keep the crate in a spot where your dog can still see and hear the family
Don't:
- Use the crate as punishment—ever
- Leave your dog crated too long (puppies: 1 hour per month of age, max 4 hours; adults: max 6-8 hours)
- Let your dog out when they're whining (wait for quiet first)
- Force your dog into the crate
- Leave collars or harnesses on in the crate—they can get caught
Handling Common Crate Training Problems
My Dog Whines or Barks in the Crate
First, make sure they don't need to potty. If they're just complaining, don't let them out until they're quiet—even if it's just for 3 seconds of silence. Letting them out while they're making noise teaches them that noise works.
My Dog Won't Go In the Crate
You're moving too fast. Go back to basics: door open, treats tossed in, no pressure. Try feeding all meals in the crate. Use higher-value treats like chicken or cheese.
My Dog Has Accidents in the Crate
The crate may be too big, or you're leaving them too long. Make sure to take them out immediately before and after crating. Clean any accidents with an enzyme cleaner to remove the scent.
My Dog Tries to Escape
This is often a sign of anxiety. Go back to step one and move more slowly. If the behavior is severe, consider consulting a professional trainer—this could be separation anxiety.
Crate Training for Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Puppies
Young puppies usually accept crates more easily because they haven't developed negative associations. However, they have tiny bladders. A good rule: puppies can hold it for about one hour per month of age, up to about 4 hours maximum. An 8-week-old puppy needs potty breaks every 2 hours, even at night initially.
Adult Dogs
Adult dogs may take longer to crate train, especially if they've had bad experiences. Be patient and move at their pace. The good news is they have better bladder control, so once trained, they can be crated for longer periods.
Rescue Dogs
Rescue dogs sometimes have crate trauma from shelters. Go extra slowly with these dogs. Sometimes using an exercise pen instead of a crate initially can help while you work on positive associations.
Special Tips for Northern Colorado Dog Owners
Our Colorado climate and lifestyle create some unique crate training considerations:
- Winter nights: Crate placement matters—keep it away from drafty areas but also away from heating vents that could make it too warm
- Altitude considerations: Dogs may drink more water at our elevation, requiring more frequent potty breaks during crate training
- Active lifestyle: Many Greeley and Fort Collins families are outdoorsy—a well-crated dog means you can leave them safely while you hit the trails or ski slopes
How Long Should Crate Training Take?
Every dog is different, but here's a general timeline:
- Puppies (8-12 weeks): 1-2 weeks for basic acceptance, 4-6 weeks for full reliability
- Adolescent dogs (6-18 months): 2-3 weeks for acceptance, 6-8 weeks for reliability
- Adult dogs (new to crating): 2-4 weeks for acceptance, 6-8 weeks for reliability
- Dogs with previous negative experiences: 4-8 weeks or longer, depending on severity
Rushing the process is the biggest mistake I see. A few extra weeks of patient training now prevents years of crate anxiety later.
When Your Dog Loves the Crate
You'll know crate training is complete when:
- Your dog goes into the crate voluntarily for naps
- They remain calm when you close the door
- They settle quickly after you leave
- They're relaxed (not desperate) when you return
- They can be crated without a stuffed Kong as distraction
Many of my clients report that their dogs eventually choose the crate as their favorite resting spot, even with the door wide open. That's the goal!
Need More Help?
Crate training can feel challenging, especially with a vocal puppy or an anxious adult dog. If you're struggling, you're not alone.
Our puppy training program includes comprehensive crate training guidance, and our private training sessions can address specific crate training challenges you're facing.
Contact us if you have questions about your dog's specific situation. We're here to help Greeley and Northern Colorado families raise happy, well-adjusted dogs—and that starts with a dog who loves their crate.
Happy crate training!
