Reviewed by Natural Farm Pet Team · Updated January 2026
TL;DR: What is the best way to crate train a dog?
The best way to crate train a dog is through gradual, positive association. Never use the crate as punishment. Start by leaving the door open and feeding them their meals inside it. Next, introduce high-value rewards (like a long-lasting chew) that they only get when they go inside the crate. Slowly increase the time the door is closed while you remain in the room, before progressing to leaving the house for short periods.
Crate training dogs is a wonderful idea for reasons that many new owners may find surprising. A dog's natural instinct is to find a quiet, safe, and comfortable "den" when everything around them becomes overwhelming. A crate should act as their refuge, never as a doggy jail.
Continue reading to learn the exact step-by-step method you need to successfully crate train your dog without the endless whining and stress.
📖 In This Article:
The Benefits of Crate Training
When a dog is crate trained properly, it greatly benefits not only your pup but you as well. By using a crate, you create a dedicated "home" where they know they'll always be safe and undisturbed.
Things to Know Before You Start
It's important to choose a crate that works with your dog's individual size. The crate should only be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If it is too large, a puppy might use one corner as a bathroom and the other to sleep.
⚠️ Critical Rule: Dogs should not stay in a crate all day. If your dog is crated all day while you work and all night while you sleep, they will not get enough physical exercise or mental interaction. This leads to severe depression and anxiety, not a calm, well-adjusted dog.
How to Crate Train a Dog: Step-by-Step Guide
Crate training can take days or even weeks. Patience is the absolute key to success.
The Ultimate Crate Training Hack: High-Value Chews
🔑 The Rule: The best treats in the house are only eaten inside the crate. This single rule transforms the crate from "the place the door shuts" to "the place where the best stuff happens."
By offering a long-lasting, highly aromatic chew like a Beef Gullet Stick or a Premium Bully Stick, your dog will gladly run into their kennel. The intense focus required to gnaw on the chew naturally distracts them from the fact that the door is closed, preventing whining and anxiety.
*Always monitor your dog during the initial phases of introducing a new chew in the crate to ensure they chew safely without gulping.
General Tips for Success
For dog parents who train with patience
You're building a safe space, not a prison. That distinction matters more than most people realize.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does crate training take?
It depends on the dog's age, temperament, and past experiences. Some puppies take to the crate within a few days. Rescue dogs or dogs with negative crate associations may take 2-4 weeks or longer. The key is to never rush the process. If your dog is showing stress signals (panting, drooling, trying to escape), you've moved too fast and need to go back a step.
How long can a dog stay in a crate?
Adult dogs should not be crated for more than 6-8 hours at a time. Puppies need to go out much more frequently: a general rule is their age in months plus one equals the maximum hours (so a 3-month-old puppy can hold it for about 4 hours). If you work long hours, arrange for a midday walk or consider doggy daycare to break up the time.
My dog hates the crate. What am I doing wrong?
The most common mistakes are going too fast, using the crate as punishment, or making the crate the only place they get locked up with nothing to do. Go back to basics: leave the door open, feed meals inside, and make the crate the exclusive location for their highest-value chew. Never force them in, and never use the crate when you're angry. The goal is that they choose to go inside.
Should I cover the crate at night?
Many dogs feel more secure with a breathable blanket draped over the crate because it mimics a den-like environment. It blocks visual stimulation that might keep them alert and helps them settle faster. Make sure there's still airflow on at least one side. Some dogs prefer an uncovered crate, so observe your dog's behavior and adjust accordingly.
What size crate should I get?
The crate should be just large enough for your dog to stand up without hitting their head, turn around comfortably, and lie down stretched out. If it's too big, puppies may use one end as a bathroom. Many crates come with dividers that let you adjust the space as your puppy grows, which saves you from buying multiple crates.
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