As a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, I’m often asked about crate training—whether it’s necessary, how to do it, and most importantly, how to make it a positive experience for your puppy or dog. When used correctly, a crate can be a safe and comforting space. (We have a 30min tutorial for you). When used incorrectly, however, it can create stress, frustration, or even worsen behavioural issues.
What Is Crate Training For?
Crate training isn’t about shutting your dog away; it’s about providing them with a secure, quiet place where they can relax. Many dogs come to see their crate as a “den”—a safe retreat when they need some downtime. This can be especially useful for:
-
Puppy training: helping with toilet training, putting them to sleep (and getting stuff done meantime!) and preventing destructive behaviour when unsupervised.
-
Travel: making car journeys safer and less stressful.
-
Recovery: offering a calm space during rest after surgery (very likely you’ll neuter or spay your dog) or illness.
How to Introduce the Crate Positively
The key to successful crate training is patience and positive associations, exactly how we teach on our course “Crate training secrets: from scratch to advanced skills”. Here are some essentials:
-
Start gradually: leave the crate open and allow your dog to explore it in their own time.
-
Make it inviting: add comfortable bedding, safe chew toys, or a blanket that smells of you.
-
Use rewards: feed meals or give treats in the crate so your dog builds happy connections.
-
Keep the door open at first: only close it for very short periods once your dog is relaxed inside.
-
Never use the crate as punishment: it should always feel safe, not like a “time-out.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some owners mistakenly use the crate as a long-term confinement tool. Dogs should never spend extended hours in a crate without breaks, exercise, and companionship. Over-reliance can contribute to anxiety, frustration, or behavioural issues.
For puppies, remember their bladders are still developing—so expecting them to hold on for hours is both unfair and counterproductive.
Crate Training and Separation Anxiety
Because I specialise in separation anxiety, I want to stress that crate training is not a “fix” for dogs who panic when left alone. In fact, confinement can make these dogs feel more distressed. If your dog struggles with being left, seek professional help rather than relying on a crate to solve the issue.
Allowing to Cry Out Ins’t a Strategy
The “cry it out” method—where a puppy is left to cry or whine in the hope they will eventually settle—should not be used as a training strategy. While it may sometimes appear to “work,” in reality the puppy is not learning to feel safe or comfortable alone; instead, they are simply giving up because their needs are not being met. This approach can damage trust, increase anxiety, and even risk long-term issues such as separation-related behaviours. A more effective and compassionate strategy is to teach your puppy gradually, using positive reinforcement, so they build confidence and genuinely feel secure when resting in their crate or being left for short periods.
Final Thoughts
When introduced positively and used responsibly, crate training can be an invaluable tool. It offers your dog a safe, cosy place to rest while giving you peace of mind. But it’s important to remember that every dog is an individual. As a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, I recommend crate training only when it suits the dog’s needs, and always with kindness, patience, and positive reinforcement.
> If you’d like a step by step crate training for the best cost benefit, check out this 30min lesson.
> If you’d like tailored advice on crate training and separation training or need support with your puppy’s behaviour, get in touch or book here —I’d be happy to help.
