Crate training is necessary for safety, damage prevention, housetraining and travelling. When you can't keep your puppy with you, he should be confined to a safe area, such as a dog crate. The crate should be big enough for your puppy to comfortably stand up and turn around when he reaches adult size.

A good way to introduce your puppy to the crate is by playing a game that teaches him to go into the crate on command. At mealtime, grab a handful of his favorite Hill's puppy food and take your puppy to the crate area. With a bit of encouragement, toss a kibble into the crate. As your puppy runs in after the food, say "Go to your crate." Once your puppy has eaten the prize, he will run out to play again.

Repeat the exercise 15 to 20 more times per session. Gradually move farther from the crate before you toss the food. Eventually, you should be able to say "Go to your crate" as you sweep your hand toward the empty crate and your puppy will enter on command.

If possible, keep the crate in an area where the family spends a lot of time so your puppy has the opportunity to occasionally enter on his own. You can encourage exploration and time in the crate by placing Hill's® puppy treats or toys in the crate for your puppy to find.

You must be careful not to overdo crate confinement. Your puppy can be kept in his crate all night for sleeping and up to four hours during the day, but if you are away from home for a longer period, you will need to provide more room until your puppy can control his bowels or bladder.

For longer confinement periods, you can use a small, puppy-proofed room or an exercise pen with papers spread on the floor during the day, and then use the crate at night when your puppy sleeps. A crate is just too small an area to keep your puppy in all day and all night, too. If you are frequently gone all day, having a friend, family member or dog walker come to let your puppy outside to use the bathroom during the day can be very helpful.  

If your puppy cries or barks while confined, try to ignore him. Releasing your puppy or giving him any type of attention will reinforce the behavior.

You need to make your puppy stop barking before you let him out of the confinement area. You can try blowing on a whistle or making an unusual noise. This will cause your puppy to be quiet as he tries to decipher the sound. You can then quickly go into the room and release your puppy while he is quiet.

Most importantly, the confinement area should be a safe haven for your puppy, so never scold or handle your puppy roughly as you put him inside.

Hills Author Hills Author
Staff Author

One of our staff authors prepared this article for you

Related articles

Enlarged Spleen in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

An enlarged spleen in dogs can be potentially life-threatening, but the condition is treatable. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment options.

How to Celebrate Your Dog's Birthday in Style

Thinking about hosting a dog birthday party? Read on to discover how to celebrate your dog's birthday with festivities that'll be the talk of the dog park.

Urinary Problems & Bladder Stones in Dogs

Discover how urinary tract diseases like urolithiasis manifest in dogs, and what you can do to help prevent this disease in your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

Learn whether cheese is a snack that's safe for your dog, including specific types of cheese, ingredients to watch for and how much is ideal.

How to Safely Remove Burrs on Dogs

Burrs on dogs are a common problem for pet parents, especially if your dog is outside a lot. Learn how to remove burrs from your dog's fur safely.

Pets, Marijuana & THC: What You Need To Know

If your dog ate marijuana, don't panic. Learn how weed and THC can affect dogs, what the signs are, and when you should be concerned.

Assessing the Proper Nutrition Your Adult Dog Needs

Different dogs at different ages and life stages have different nutritional needs. Learn about the unique nutritional and health needs of your dog.

Key Tips to Keep Your Puppy Fit & Healthy

Keep your new puppy in great shape by following our healthy puppy tips, including information about exercise, nutrition, and eating habits.

How to Leash Train a Puppy

Get helpful tips and advice on how to properly leash train your new puppy to help make your walks together safer and more enjoyable.

Dogs and Fireworks: How to Help Your Frightened Pooch

Does your dog struggle with the loud noises from fireworks? Read information about canine noise anxiety, and get tips on how to help them cope.

Cleaning Your Dog's Paws: Tips for Success

Learn how to clean dog paws so you can keep them clear of muck and debris and promote paw health. Your pup's paws are made to explore.

Is Soda Bad for My Dog?

Learn why soda is a treat to avoid giving your dog, including issues with caffeine & artificial sweeteners, as well as the best alternative for your pup.

Washing Your Dog from Ear to Paw: Eight Supplies to Make It Easy

Use this dog washing supply checklist to help you get all the materials needed, making bathing your dog at home a fun and easy experience.

Dog Jumping: Why They Jump & How to Train Them Not To

Learn common reasons why dogs like to jump on you, interesting facts about breeds that jump the most & highest, and how to stop their jumping behavior.

How to Find the Best Puppy Food for Your Dog

Discover the best puppy food to keep your dog healthy during his formative months. Breed size, ingredients & feeding time are all important considerations.

Facial Paralysis in Dogs: Is Your Pup Looking Droopy?

Learn how to recognize the signs of facial paralysis in dogs, understand its causes and how the condition can be managed with the help of your vet.

Understanding & Treating Dehydration in Dogs

Dehydration in dogs can be a life threatening condition. Learn more about the causes, signs, treatments and how to prevent dehydration.

Bladder & Urinary Stones in Dogs: What They Are and How They're Treated

Learn about bladder stones in dogs, including common types of stones (struvite vs oxalate), symptoms your dog might show & treatment options from your vet.

Velcro Dogs: Managing Your Dog's Clinginess

Velcro Dogs: Managing Your Dog's Clinginess

Five Great Ways to Keep Your Puppy Healthy

Get helpful tips on how to keep your puppy healthy, including oral and ear care, puppy stress prevention, and more.