Puppy Crate Training

If you've recently brought home a new puppy, chances are you've already experienced the heart-wrenching sound of them crying in their crate. It's one of the hardest parts of those early days — you want to comfort them, but you also know that crate training is important for their safety and your sanity!

I've been through this with both Dolly and Reggie and heard countless stories from customers over the years, so I wanted to put together a proper guide on why puppies cry in their crates and, more importantly, what you can actually do to help them settle.

Let's dive in.

Why Does My Puppy Cry in the Crate? 

First things first — it's completely normal for puppies to cry when they're first introduced to a crate. Think about it from their perspective: they've just been taken away from their mum and littermates, everything is new and ove

rwhelming, and now they're being asked to sleep alone in a confined space. It's a lot!

Crying is their way of communicating that they're uncertain, anxious, or just plain uncomfortable with the situation. They're not being naughty or trying to manipulate you (even though it can feel that way at 3am!). They're simply adjusting to a brand new world.

The good news? With patience, consistency, and the right approach, most puppies learn to love their crate. It becomes their safe space — somewhere they can retreat to when they need a nap or just want some peace and quiet.

How Can You Help Your Puppy Settle in Their Crate?

Build Positive Associations

The absolute key to successful crate training is making sure your puppy associates the crate with good things, not punishment or isolation.

Feed them their meals in the crate (with the door open at first), toss treats in for them to find, and make it a place where lovely things happen. Never use the crate as a punishment — if they think it's where they go when they're "in trouble," they'll never settle happily.

The goal is for them to think, "Oh brilliant, I'm going in my crate!" rather than, "Oh no, not the crate again."

Go Slow and Be Gradual

Don't expect your puppy to go from zero to sleeping peacefully through the night in their crate on day one. It takes time!

Start by leaving the crate door open and letting them explore it at their own pace. Once they're comfortable going in and out, start closing the door for just a few seconds while you're right there with them. Gradually increase the time, always staying nearby at first.

Then you can start leaving the room for short periods. Build it up slowly — a minute, then two, then five. The more gradual you are, the less traumatic the whole experience will be.

Make It Inviting

A bare crate is not exactly appealing, is it? Make it cosy!

Add a soft blanket or bed, and if your breeder sent you home with a blanket that smells like mum, even better. That familiar scent can be incredibly comforting for a puppy who's missing their family.

Some puppies also like having a safe toy or two in there with them (just make sure they're appropriate and won't be a choking hazard).

Keep It in a Calm Environment

Where you place the crate matters. Puppies settle much better in a calm, quiet space rather than in the middle of a busy household.

At night, many people find it helpful to have the crate in their bedroom so the puppy can hear and smell them. It's reassuring without being too stimulating. During the day, a quiet corner away from the hustle and bustle works well.

Don't Let Them Out as Soon as They Cry

This is the tough one, and honestly, it's where most people struggle (myself included!).

If you immediately let your puppy out every time they cry, you're accidentally teaching them that crying = freedom. They'll quickly learn that making a fuss gets them what they want, and the crying will only get worse.

Instead, wait for a moment of quiet — even if it's just a second or two — and then let them out. That way, you're rewarding the calm behaviour, not the crying.

How Long Will This Last?

The million-pound question!

Every puppy is different, but most will start to settle within a week or two if you're consistent with your approach. Some take a bit longer, especially if they're particularly anxious or have had a more difficult start in life.

The key is to stick with it. It's easy to feel like it's never going to get better when you're exhausted and just want some sleep, but I promise it does improve. Dolly settled immediately, meanwhile, Reggie cried for about a week, and then suddenly one night he just… didn't. It was like a switch had flipped.

Should You Let Them Cry It Out?

This is a bit of a contentious topic, and honestly, I think it depends on the situation.

There's a big difference between a puppy who's having a bit of a whinge because they'd rather be out playing, and a puppy who's genuinely terrified and in distress.

If your puppy is complaining — you know, that

 slightly indignant "I don't want to be in here!" kind of cry — then yes, it's okay to let them grizzle for a bit. They need to learn that the crate is safe and that you're not going to rescue them every time they make a noise.

But if your puppy is absolutely hysterical — screaming, panting, scratching frantically at the door — that's a different story. That's a puppy in panic mode, and forcing them to "cry it out" in that state can create really negative associations with the crate that are hard to undo.

In those cases, you need to go back a step. Make the crate more appealing, go slower with your training, and give them more time to adjust.

What Can You Do to Help Them Settle? 

Here are some practical things that can make a real difference: 

Stuffed Kong with Treats

A frozen Kong stuffed with something delicious (like peanut butter, banana, or their regular food) can keep them busy and create positive associations with the crate. It gives them something to focus on other than the fact that they're confined.

Try a Blanket Over the Crate

Some puppies settle better when the crate is covered, as it makes it feel more like a cosy den rather than a cage. Just make sure there's still plenty of ventilation!

Soft Toys

A cuddly toy can be comforting, especially if it's one they've had since they were with their mum. Just make sure it's safe and not something they're going to shred and swallow.

 

 

White Noise

A bit of background noise — like a fan, a radio on low, or a white noise machine — can help mask household sounds that might startle them and make them feel less alone.

Physical and Mental Exercise

A tired puppy is a settled puppy! Make sure they've had a good play session and a chance to use their brain (training, sniffing games, puzzle toys) before you ask them to settle in the crate. If they're full of energy, they're going to find it much harder to relax.

Sometimes It's Not Just Anxiety

If your puppy is crying excessively or seems really uncomfortable, it's worth considering whether something else might be going on.

Discomfort, Tummy Issues, or Teething

Puppies can cry because they're physically uncomfortable — maybe they've got an upset tummy, they're too hot or cold, or their teeth are hurting. Check that they're not in any obvious distress and that the crate environment is comfortable.

Teething can be particularly rough, and a sore mouth can make it hard for them to settle. Offering appropriate teething toys can really help.

Try Natural Calming Aids

If your puppy is genuinely anxious, there are some natural calming aids that can take the edge off without sedating them.

Things like calming sprays, pheromone diffusers, or natural supplements designed for puppies can be really helpful during those first few weeks. We stock a range of these in the shop, so if you're struggling, pop in and have a chat — we can recommend something that might suit your pup.

Final Thoughts

Crate training can feel like a bit of a battle in those early days, but I promise it's worth sticking with. A well-crate-trained dog has a safe space they can retreat to, they're easier to transport, and honestly, it makes life so much easier when you need them to settle for a bit.

Be patient, be consistent, and remember that your puppy isn't crying to be difficult — they're just learning to navigate a big, new world.

If you're ever struggling or need advice on crate training, calming aids, or anything else puppy-related, just give us a ring or pop into the shop. We're always happy to help!

With woofs & wags,
Laura x