How to Crate Train a Labradoodle Puppy

A crate isn't a cage. For a puppy, it's a den: a small, quiet place to rest and feel safe. Crate training also helps with potty training, travel and vet visits. Here's how I recommend doing it.

Pick the right crate

The crate should be big enough for your puppy to stand, turn around and lie down, but not much bigger. If it's too roomy, your puppy may use one end as a bathroom.

• Minis: a 24 to 30 inch crate usually works.
• Standards: plan for 42 inches as an adult, and use a divider while they're small.

Wire crates with dividers are the easiest option, because they grow with your dog.

Make it a happy place

Put the crate in a family area, like the living room, at first. Add a soft bed and the littermate-scent blanket that comes in your puppy's starter pack. Toss in a few treats and let your puppy walk in on their own. Never push or force them in.

Step-by-step introduction

1. Leave the door open and drop treats inside.
2. Feed meals in the crate with the door open.
3. Once your puppy is comfortable, close the door for a few seconds while they eat, then open it.
4. Slowly build up the time, from seconds to minutes.
5. Stay close at first, then start walking out of the room and returning.

Keep it positive. A chew toy or stuffed toy makes crate time something to look forward to.

Nighttime

Put the crate near your bed for the first few nights so your puppy can hear and smell you. Young puppies can't hold it all night, so expect a potty trip every few hours at first, and keep it boring: no play, just out and back in.

How long can a puppy stay in the crate?

A rough rule is one hour per month of age during the day, up to about four hours. At 8 weeks, that's about two hours. Overnight, puppies can go longer as they grow. Crates are for rest and safety, not for all-day storage. See my guide on alone time and separation anxiety too.

Crate training and potty training

Dogs don't like to soil where they sleep, so the crate speeds up house training. Take your puppy out right after they leave the crate, after meals, and after play. Praise them the moment they go. More tips are in our potty training guide.

Dealing with whining

• Check that your puppy doesn't need to go out.
• If they've just been out, wait for a quiet moment before opening the door. Letting them out mid-whine teaches them that whining works.
• Give a chew toy and make sure they've had enough exercise.

Common mistakes

• Using the crate as punishment
• Leaving the puppy in too long
• Skipping exercise before crate time
• Opening the door while the puppy is crying

Safety in Houston

Don't put the crate in direct sun or a hot garage, and keep it in air-conditioned space. Remove collars inside the crate, since they can snag.

Most puppies settle into a crate within a week or two. If you're stuck, call or text me at 281-923-9266 and I'll help you troubleshoot.