
Crate training is a great way to housetrain your puppy, and it's not as time-consuming as you might think. Typically, crate training can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the puppy's age and breed.
Most puppies can learn to hold their bladder and bowels for about 1-2 hours per month of age. This means a 3-month-old puppy can hold it for about 3 hours, while a 6-month-old puppy can hold it for about 6 hours.
Crate training is also a great way to prevent destructive behavior, as puppies often chew and dig when they get bored or anxious. Crate training can help prevent this by giving your puppy a safe space to relax and calm down.
It's essential to remember that crate training is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and every puppy is different. What works for one puppy may not work for another, so be patient and adjust your training plan accordingly.
Explore further: One Dog Training
Understanding Crate Training
Crate training can happen as quickly as in an hour or take up to two weeks, depending on your dog's temperament.
Dogs that are more submissive tend to learn crate training faster than dominant or older dogs.
Establishing that you're in charge and setting clear boundaries is key to successful crate training.
If you give in to your dog's barking, they'll learn to bark more, making the training process longer.
Unless there's been a traumatic experience involving a crate, crate training should come naturally to dogs and shouldn't be too difficult to learn.
The Training Process
Crate training is a training process that takes time and patience. You should expect it to take two months or more, especially for older and rescue dogs.
Some dogs take to their crates right away, but others can take weeks to successfully crate train. Factors like your dog's age, temperament, and past experiences with a crate or kennel can affect the time it takes.
Repeating the process is key. Repeat crate training sessions in short intervals, keeping them positive and gradually increasing the time spent in the crate. Only let your dog out when they're calm.
A crate simulates a den, and your dog will learn to be at peace there. Establishing control and consistency is crucial, so your dog knows what's expected of them.
The amount of time it takes to crate train a dog depends on their temperament. Dominant dogs or older dogs may take longer than more submissive dogs. If you establish a routine and respond to your dog's needs, they'll learn to accept the crate.
Most dogs will need a couple of days to adjust to each step of the crate training process. This can range from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on your dog's individual needs.
Tips for Successful Training
Crate training can be a long process, but with patience and the right approach, it's definitely possible. Some dogs take to it right away, while others may need months to become comfortable with their crate.
Never force or punish your dog to get them to interact with the crate, as this can create anxiety and make the process much harder. Instead, focus on making the crate a positive experience.
The right crate size is crucial to minimize accidents. Your dog should be able to stand and turn around comfortably in their crate. Using a crate that's too big can lead to accidents, so make sure to choose the right size for your pup.
It's essential to remember that crate training is a gradual process. Take it in baby steps, and don't overwhelm your dog. If you're unsure about how long your dog can hold their bladder, find a dog walker or sitter to help.
Here are some key things to keep in mind as you start crate training:
- Never shove or push your dog into the crate.
- Pick a crate that is the right size for your pup.
- Do not punish your dog for pottying in their crate.
- Know how long your pup can hold their bladder.
- Be patient, as it can take months for some dogs to become comfortable with their crate.
By following these tips and being patient, you can help your dog feel comfortable and secure in their crate. Remember, every dog is different, and crate training may take longer for some than others.
Training at Home
Training at home is a crucial step in crate training your dog. This process can take anywhere from 7 days to 2 weeks, depending on your dog's comfort level and temperament.
Start by introducing your dog to the crate while you're home, using treats and praise to make the experience positive. Use cue words like "crate" or "kennel" to help your dog associate the crate with a good thing.
Gradually increase the time your dog spends in the crate, starting with short periods of 5 minutes and adding 5 minutes at a time until you reach 30 minutes or an hour. This will help your dog get comfortable with the crate and learn to go in it on their own.
Create Your Dog At Home
Start by having your dog comfortable being in a crate during mealtimes. This is a great way to establish a routine and create a sense of security for your dog.
Once your dog is comfortable in the crate, start increasing the time they spend in it while you're home. Think short periods, like 5-minute stints.
Gradually add 5 minutes at a time until you work up to 30 minutes or an hour in the crate. This step should take anywhere from 7 days to 2 weeks.
Use cue words like "crate" or "kennel" when placing your dog inside the kennel, and lure them with treats for motivation.
Leaving Your Dog Alone
Leaving your dog alone can be a challenging part of crate training, but with patience and consistency, it can be achieved. The amount of time it takes will depend on your dog's temperament, with some dogs adapting quickly, like in an hour, while others may take two weeks.
Establishing a routine is key to helping your dog feel secure when you're away. Start by leaving your dog for short periods, such as 30 minutes to an hour, and gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable.
Remember that puppies can only hold their urine for 1 hour per month of life, up to 8 hours total, so be sure not to leave them in a crate for longer than their bladder can handle. If you need to leave your dog for an extended period, consider hiring a dog walker to take them out.
As you practice leaving your dog alone, start by closing the door and leaving the room or house for short lengths of time, gradually increasing the time until they're okay with you leaving for a few hours at a time.
Training Duration
Crate training can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months, depending on your dog's age, temperament, and past experiences. Some dogs can quickly adjust to being in a crate, while others may take longer to become comfortable.
Dogs that are younger and have no negative experiences with crates tend to pick up crate training more easily, often within a month. In contrast, older dogs or those with a history of trauma may take up to 4 months to become accustomed to being in a crate.
What Is a Good Training Schedule?

A good training schedule for crate training your dog typically involves a gradual process that can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.
Most dogs need a couple of days to accept the crate, and then another couple of days to become comfortable inside it with the door open.
As you train your dog, you'll want to repeat the process of introducing them to the crate, starting with the door open and gradually increasing the amount of time they spend inside.
Keep in mind that some dogs may take these steps within a few hours, while others may need a few weeks to become comfortable with the crate.
Remember to only let your dog out of the crate when they are calm, and to keep the training sessions positive and rewarding.
A unique perspective: Dog Door Training
How Long to Train My Dog?
Crate training can be a long process, but with patience and consistency, your dog will eventually learn to love their crate.
Some dogs take to crate training right away, while others can take weeks or even months to adjust. According to Chiacchere, crate training can happen as quickly as in an hour, or it can take up to two weeks before a dog stops barking.
The amount of time it takes to crate train a dog depends on their temperament, age, and past experiences. Dominant dogs or older dogs may require more time and patience.
Here are some general guidelines on what to expect:
- Some dogs will take as short as a month to get used to being in a crate if they associate it with a positive experience.
- Other dogs, especially older ones, can take up to 4 months to get used to it.
- Puppies are generally easier to crate train because they have no negative experiences being in a crate or enclosed space.
- Dogs who have had a negative experience with crate training will take longer to become used to being in a crate.
It's essential to remember that crate training is a process that requires time, patience, and consistency. Avoid using the crate as a punishment, and make sure your dog has a comfortable and safe space to relax.
To give you a better idea of the time frame, here's a rough estimate of what you can expect:
Keep in mind that every dog is different, and some may take longer than others to adjust.
Training Outcomes
Some dogs take to their crates right away and the process only takes a few days. Your dog's age plays a significant role in crate training time.
Dogs with a calm temperament tend to adjust to crate training faster than those with a high energy level. Past experiences with a crate or kennel can also impact the training time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nights will a puppy cry when crate training?
Puppies typically cry for around 3 nights, with crying time decreasing each night. By the fourth night, most pups are quiet and settled, but still need regular overnight check-ins.
How long should puppy be out of crate a day?
Puppies under six months need frequent crate breaks, typically every few hours, for potty breaks. The frequency of breaks may vary depending on the puppy's age and house training progress.
How many times a day should you work on crate training?
Typically, 2 daily sessions of 15 minutes each are sufficient for crate training. Consistency is key to helping your dog fall in love with their crate
Sources
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-training/how-long-will-it-take-to-crate-train-dog
- https://wagwalking.com/wellness/how-long-does-it-take-to-crate-train-a-dog
- https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-training/basic/crate-training-a-puppy
- https://www.thatpetplace.com/crate-training
- https://time.com/shopping/article/how-to-crate-train-a-dog/
Featured Images: pexels.com