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.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a large bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Variety Pack
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Fewer calories for less active dogs, who prefer smaller kibble
Fewer calories for less active dogs
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free dry dog food is gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Chicken & Rice Stew with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Cyanosis in dogs can be a serious condition, with symptoms like blue skin needing emergency treatment. Learn what to do if your dog shows signs like this.
Learn what a dog's prey drive is, how it relates to dog aggression, and how this drive can impact his ability to be trained.
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.
Learn why cars can be a very dangerous place to leave your dog, including how quickly temperatures can get too hot or cold & alternatives to leaving them.
Find out what causes cancer in dogs and the treatment options you have if your dog is diagnosed. Discover your options here.
If you're considering training your dog to help you hunt, follow these safety tips to make sure he stays out of danger.
Unfortunately death is a part of life, so be prepared to make arrangements for your dog's body if he dies at home.
Not sure which pain medicine you can give your dog? Learn which painkillers, such as aspirin or name brand pain meds, are safe for your dog.
Here are three steps to take if you find that your dog is vomiting blood.
Wondering whether walking your dog in winter weather is a good idea? Discover some safety tips to keep your pup safe in the colder winter conditions.
While vaccinations can help guard your dog or puppy against a range of health problems, there are some common dog health problems that can't. Learn more.
If your dog is behaving strangely and you suspect something is wrong, learn some common behaviors they may be exhibiting to show they're not feeling well.
What should you look for when deciding on a dog day care? Learn tips for what to look for in a day care and how to prepare your pup for his first day.
Learn tips for identifying an aggressive dog, causes of aggression, and training methods to alleviate aggression toward an owner, other people & other dogs
Learn how to spoil your dog without compromising his health. Discover how to reward him for good behavior and not overdue it.
Understand the common irritants that cause various dog skin conditions, whether they be due to parasites, infections, food, or the environment.
Dog hot spots are a common skin disorder in pups. Learn how these hot spots can turn into an acral lick granuloma and how to manage it if it does.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool