Crate training is one of the most effective ways to give your puppy a safe space and create structure from the start.
The first week sets the foundation for how your pup will view the crate, either as a place of comfort or as something to resist.
With steady steps and patience, you can help your puppy settle in smoothly.
Day 1: Introduction to the Crate
Place the crate in a quiet but lived-in part of the house, such as the living room.
Keep the door open and let your puppy wander in and out at will.
Lay down soft bedding and add a toy or two. Do not rush or push them inside.
The aim on the first day is simple: let your puppy explore and begin to see the crate as a normal part of home life.
Day 2: Feeding Inside the Crate
Offer meals just inside the crate door. If your puppy enters without worry, place the bowl further inside.
The smell of food makes the crate a positive place. Keep the door open during these meals so your pup feels no pressure.
By the end of the day, many puppies will step inside willingly to eat.
Day 3: Closing the Door Briefly
Once your puppy is comfortable eating in the crate, start shutting the door during meals.
Keep it closed only for a short while, just long enough for them to finish eating.
Open it before they get restless. Short, calm sessions are key.
This step builds trust and shows that the crate is not a trap.
Day 4: Short Rest Periods
Encourage your puppy to rest inside the crate after playtime.
They may nap there naturally if they are already tired.
Keep these early rest times short, around 10–15 minutes, and stay close by so they do not feel abandoned.
Quiet praise when they relax inside will help reinforce the habit.
Day 5: Extending Quiet Time
Begin increasing crate time by a few minutes each session.
Use a safe chew toy or blanket with your scent to help them feel more settled.
Try stepping out of the room for a short while.
This teaches them that being alone in the crate is normal and nothing to worry about.
Day 6: Night-time Use
Introduce the crate at night, placing it near your bed so your puppy feels secure and comfortable.
They may whine at first, but staying nearby helps calm them.
Take them out once or twice during the night for toilet breaks, then return them calmly to the crate.
With consistency, nighttime rest will become easier.
Day 7: Building Routine
By the end of the first week, your puppy should see the crate as a safe den.
Keep to a routine: crate time after meals, play, and toilet breaks.
Avoid using the crate as punishment. Instead, make it part of daily life.
Over time, your puppy will settle in quickly whenever placed inside.
Crate training is about patience and consistency. Each step in the first seven days lays the groundwork for a calmer, more secure dog in the long run.