The goal of week one is not a silent puppy. It is a puppy who walks into the crate voluntarily for a meal. Everything else follows from that single association, and rushing it is the reason most owners give up by day ten.
Week one: the crate is a restaurant
Feed every meal inside the crate with the door open. Do not close it. Toss treats in throughout the day so the crate becomes the most rewarding piece of furniture in the house.
Week two: short closed sessions
Close the door for the length of a meal, then open it before your puppy finishes. Build to ten minutes of quiet with you in the room, then ten minutes with you out of sight.
Editor’s note
Everything recommended here was purchased at retail and used for at least 30 days. If a pick is later downgraded, we say so at the top of the article.
Our pick
MidWest iCrate Double Door
The default starter crate for good reason: a divider panel grows with the puppy and it folds flat for travel.
- Divider included
- Folds flat
- Very affordable
- Thin wire on strong chewers
- Tray can rattle
Frequently asked questions
Should I let my puppy cry it out in the crate?
No. Crying in the first weeks is usually a bladder signal or genuine distress. Take the puppy out calmly, offer a potty break, and shorten the next session.
How long can a puppy stay crated?
A rough guide is one hour per month of age, up to a maximum of four hours for adults during the day.
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