Timetable for Crate Training Your Dog

A crate is a useful, though sometimes controversial, housetraining tool. If used correctly, the crate appeals to a dog's instincts to seek out a den-like environment. Because dogs avoid soiling their dens, crate training teaches the dog not to eliminate until you take him to his designated toileting area. The crate is also a safe place to leave your dog for short periods of time when you cannot supervise him.

  1. Crate Training Tips

    • Make the crate a pleasant, welcoming environment for your dog. If possible, keep the crate in a quiet, dimly lit room, or cover it with a blanket to keep it dark inside. Line it with a pad or soft blankets and place favorite toys inside.
      Coax the dog inside with a treat; never force your dog to go into the crate. Do not use the crate as punishment, and do not leave the dog in the crate for extended periods. Create only positive associations with the crate, and soon your dog will come to view it as his own safe haven or den.
      Select the appropriate crate size for your dog, and use the crate divider to confine him to a small area of the crate during the housetraining process. If he has extra room in his crate, he may eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.

    Duration of Crate Stays

    • According to the Humane Society's website, "a puppy can control his bladder one hour for every month of age." Even if your puppy loves his crate, do not leave him in without a bathroom break for more than a couple of hours at a time. Puppies under six months should not go more than three or four hours without a break, and older puppies and adult dogs should not be crated for more than six hours without a bathroom break.

    Stage One

    • Most puppies take to crate training readily; however, dogs of all ages can learn to love a crate over time. In the beginning, let your dog explore the crate on his own. Open the crate door and place treats or toys inside. If the dog enters voluntarily, praise or reward him. Leave the door open during this stage, even when the dog is inside. This stage should last about three to four days.

    Stage Two

    • When the dog goes inside the crate, shut the crate door but stay in the room with him. Leave him in the crate for about five minutes at first, then increase this time by five-minute increments until he stays in the crate calmly for 30 to 45 minutes. This stage should last about three to four days.
      Whining is normal. Do not give in to the whining. Only let the dog out of the crate when the designated time period is over. If you are still in the housetraining stage, take the dog directly to his designated toileting area when you remove him from his crate.

    Stage Three

    • Leave the room for short periods of time while the dog is in his crate. Increase by five minutes each time. Continue to take the dog directly to his toileting area as soon as you open the crate, and praise and reward him for eliminating in the proper location.
      If your schedule does not allow you to let the dog out of the crate for regular bathroom breaks during the day, consider hiring a dog sitter or dog walker.

    Stage Four

    • Once your dog is fully housetrained and you trust him not to destroy the house in your absence, you can leave him out of the crate while you are gone for a few hours. There is no set age or time period after which this will occur, as it varies from dog to dog.
      Some people prefer to have their dog sleep in the crate their whole lives, and in fact some dogs may prefer this. At this point, base your crating decisions on your and your dog's personal preferences. Remember that even a housetrained adult dog should not be left in the crate for more than six hours at a time.