How to crate train a puppy

Crate training, step by step

1. 1

   Pick the right size

   Your puppy should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down stretched out. A crate with a divider can grow with them.

2. 2

   Make it comfortable

   Add a washable pad or blanket and put the crate where the family spends time, not in a far-off room.

3. 3

   Let them explore

   Leave the door open and toss a treat or two inside. Let your puppy go in and out on their own, with lots of praise.

4. 4

   Feed meals in the crate

   Put the food bowl just inside, then further back over a few days. Meals build a good feeling about the crate.

5. 5

   Close the door for short stretches

   Start with a minute or two while you sit nearby, then slowly add time. Open the door while your puppy is calm, not while they're crying.

6. 6

   Add a chew for longer stays

   A safe chew toy or a stuffed treat toy gives your puppy something to do while they settle.

7. 7

   Keep crate time reasonable

   Young puppies need potty breaks often. Never use the crate as punishment, and make sure they get plenty of play and time with you outside it.

Crates

1. 

   1. Aspen Pet

   Petmate All Purpose Kennels- Pet Porter

   Fashion Pet Porters in sizes 19", 23", 24" and 26" offer built-in compartment covers for added storage of treats or other pet needs.

   • 4 sizes
   • 4 colors

   $39.99 at Petmate · Scuba Blue/black / 19"Price checked 24 hours ago

   Buy at Petmate
2. 

   2. Petmate

   Petmate Fashion All Purpose Vari Kennel

   Petmate Fashion Vari Kennels are available in 19" and 24" sizes and feature a multi-purpose handle designed for both carrying and securing the kennel in a vehicle.

   • 2 sizes
   • 2 colors

   $39.99 at Petmate · Pearl Hushed Violet / 19"Price checked 24 hours ago

   Buy at Petmate
3. 

   3. Petmate

   Petmate Soft Sided Kennel Cab

   You and your pet will travel in style with a Petmate Soft Sided Kennel Cab.

   • Sizes Medium to Large

   $49.99 at Petmate · Black / MediumPrice checked 24 hours ago

   Buy at Petmate
4. 

   4. K9 Sport Sack

   K9 Kennel Pop-Up Dog Tent

   A travel kennel that pops open and folds down in seconds and packs into a backpack or suitcase, for the beach, campsites and hotel rooms.

   • Sizes Small to Large
   • 2 colors
   • Size guide on the product page

   $54.95 at K9 Sport Sack · Blue · SmallPrice checked 14 hours ago

   Buy at K9 Sport Sack
5. 

   5. Petmate

   Petmate Sky Kennel

   This heavy-duty travel kennel is compliant with the standards specified in the 51st edition (2025) of the IATA Live Animals Regulation for live animal transport, including door, side,…

   • 6 sizes

   $74.99 at Petmate · Light Gray / 21"Price checked 24 hours ago

   Buy at Petmate

Playpens and gates

1. 

   6. KingCamp

   ANCONA Dog Playpen

   A foldable playpen with a steel frame, mesh windows, front and back doors and a zip-open top, for the backyard, a campsite or a hotel room.

   • Sizes Small to Large
   • 3 colors
   • Free shipping over $99 at KingCamp

   $29.99 at KingCamp · Green · SmallPrice checked 15 hours ago

   Buy at KingCamp
2. 

   7. Petmate

   Petmate E-Z Load Two Door Dog & Cat Kennel

   Offer easy access to your pet with the Petmate 2-Door Top Load Kennel, made for pets from 5 to 15 pounds.

   • 2 sizes
   • 3 colors

   $54.99 at Petmate · Pearl White/ Coffee Grounds / 19"Price checked 24 hours ago

   Buy at Petmate

Crate pads and covers

1. 

   8. P.L.A.Y.

   Original Chill Pad

   A soft, zipper-free pet pad sized to fit most standard crates, also good in the car or by the fireplace.

   • Sizes XS to XL
   • 3 colors

   $21.00 at P.L.A.Y. · XS / CreamPrice checked 17 hours ago

   Buy at P.L.A.Y.
2. 

   9. Majestic Pet

   Majestic Pet Crate Mat

   A machine-washable mat with high-loft polyester batting, for crates, carriers, cars or the floor.

   • Sizes XS to XL
   • 27 colors
   • Size guide on the product page

   $35.99 at Majestic Pet · Apple Villa / XSPrice checked 2 hours ago

   Buy at Majestic Pet
3. 

   10. P.L.A.Y.

   Canyon Series Chill Pad

   A pet pad with a textured top and a cotton twill bottom, sized for crates, cars or the floor.

   • Sizes XS to XL
   • 5 colors

   $39.00 at P.L.A.Y. · XS / SunbeamPrice checked 18 hours ago

   Buy at P.L.A.Y.

Chews for crate time

1. 

   11. JW Pet

   JW Prickl-ee Pear Puppy Teether Chew Toy

   This chew toy for puppies satisfies their chewing instincts.

   $7.99 at PetmatePrice checked 24 hours ago

   Buy at Petmate
2. 

   12. Woof

   Woof HonestChew Ultra Tough Plant Based Dog Chew Toy

   A firm, plant-based dog chew toy offered in two shapes and three sizes.

   • Sizes Small to Large
   • Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet

   $9.99 at Only Natural Pet · Antler / SmallPrice checked 19 hours ago

   Buy at Only Natural Pet
3. 

   13. Tuffy

   Silly Squeaker Beer Can, Smella Arpaw

   A squeaky rubber parody beer can dog toy.

   $10.99 at Doodle Doo BakeryPrice checked 15 hours ago

   Buy at Doodle Doo Bakery
4. 

   14. KONG

   KONG Classic Dog Toy

   Natural rubber chew toy that can be stuffed with treats.

   • Sizes Medium to Large
   • Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet

   $11.96 at Only Natural Pet · MediumPrice checked 7 hours ago

   Buy at Only Natural Pet
5. 

   15. Spunky Pup

   Double Wall Hydrant

   A rubber fire hydrant chew toy with a double wall, made in the USA.

   • Sizes Small to Large

   $11.99 at Doodle Doo Bakery · SmallPrice checked 11 hours ago

   Buy at Doodle Doo Bakery
6. 

   16. JW Pet

   JW Treat N Squeak Ball Treat Dispensing Dog Toy

   JW Treat N Squeak Treat Dispensing Dog Toy is an interactive treat-dispensing durable open natural rubber treat toy, half squeaky Hol-ee rubber ball.

   $11.99 at PetmatePrice checked 24 hours ago

   Buy at Petmate

Training treats

1. 

   17. Nutrisource

   Nutrisource Little Bites Soft & Chewy Dog Treats

   Small, soft and chewy dog treats in chicken, rabbit, duck or salmon recipes.

   • 4 flavors
   • Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet

   $6.59 at Only Natural Pet · Chicken 6 ozPrice checked 19 hours ago

   Buy at Only Natural Pet
2. 

   18. Raw Paws Pet Food

   Grain-Free Training Treats for Dogs - Peanut Butter Recipe

   Grain-Free Training Treats for Dogs - Peanut Butter Recipe from Raw Paws Pet Food, in 6 oz.

   • Ships free from Raw Paws Pet Food

   $9.99 at Raw Paws Pet FoodPrice checked 23 hours ago

   Buy at Raw Paws Pet Food
3. 

   19. Gnarly Bites

   Amp'd Up Training Treats

   Small training treats made with real chicken and venison.

   $13.00 at Gnarly PetsPrice checked 11 hours ago

   Buy at Gnarly Pets
4. 

   20. PawCo

   Magic Bar Plant-Based Snack Bars

   Soft, chewy peanut butter snack bars with pumpkin and chicory root, easy to chew at any age.

   • 2 sizes
   • 6 flavors
   • Free shipping over $40 at PawCo

   $15.49 at PawCo · Original · 8-packPrice checked 22 hours ago

   Buy at PawCo
5. 

   21. Raw Paws Pet Food

   Grain-Free Soft Sausage Treats for Dogs & Cats - Beef Recipe

   Grain-Free Soft Sausage Treats for Dogs & Cats - Beef Recipe from Raw Paws Pet Food, in 6 oz.

   • Ships free from Raw Paws Pet Food

   $15.99 at Raw Paws Pet FoodPrice checked 23 hours ago

   Buy at Raw Paws Pet Food
6. 

   22. Raw Paws Pet Food

   Grain-Free Soft Sausage Treats for Dogs & Cats - Chicken Recipe

   Grain-Free Soft Sausage Treats for Dogs & Cats - Chicken Recipe from Raw Paws Pet Food, in 6 oz.

   • Ships free from Raw Paws Pet Food

   $15.99 at Raw Paws Pet FoodPrice checked 23 hours ago

   Buy at Raw Paws Pet Food

Compare them side by side

If your puppy cries in the crate

Some fussing at first is normal. Wait for a moment of quiet before you open the door, so they learn calm gets them out. If they may need the bathroom, take them straight outside and back to the crate without play.

Wire, plastic or soft?

Wire crates fold flat and often come with a divider for growing puppies. Plastic kennels feel more den-like and work for car rides. Soft crates are light and handy for travel, but they're best for dogs who are already crate trained and won't chew their way out.

Questions

How long does crate training take?

It varies. Many puppies are comfortable within a few weeks of short, positive sessions; go at your puppy's pace.

Should a puppy sleep in a crate at night?

Many owners crate at night with the crate near their bed, so the puppy feels close and you can hear when they need to go out.

What should I put in a puppy's crate?

A washable pad or blanket and a safe chew toy. Take out anything your puppy starts to chew apart.

More guides

• New puppy checklist: what to buy
• How to potty train a puppy
• Dog jerky, chews and training treats