When to Buy Puppy Crate

It is always important to consider the size of your dog when buying a crate. Puppies grow fast and will outgrow the size of a crate in no time. It is better to buy a crate that is big enough for your puppy now and buy another one when he grows up.

A good rule of thumb is to measure your dog from nose to tail, then add an extra 6 inches. This will give you a rough idea of the size of the crate that he should have.

When should I start putting my puppy in a crate?

Dogs should view their crate as their haven and own personal den – a place they will voluntarily go to get some rest. We find that crate training as soon as possible, from about 8 weeks or so, is the best option for most puppies and their owners.^[1]

Should I buy a crate for a puppy?

Crates keep curious puppies safely sequestered when you’re not able to supervise them. Dogs instinctively try to keep their sleeping areas clean. As such, the crate helps puppies learn to hold and strengthen their bladder and bowel muscles, making housebreaking less of a chore for you and your dog.^[2]

Should I put my 8 week old puppy in a crate at night?

Under no circumstances take the puppy to bed with you. This will form a very undesirable habit. – trust me…it’s difficult to avoid doing when your puppy is whining all night, but it’s very important to leave him in his crate. Give the puppy a stuffed dog toy to snuggle with.^[3]

Can you put an 8 week old puppy in a crate?

Your puppy can remain in his crate for the same number of hours as his age in months plus one. That means an eight-week-old puppy can stay in his crate for a maximum of two and a half to three hours at a time. Here are a few tips on how you can make crate training your new pup an easy, enjoyable process.^[4]

Will a puppy cry all night in a crate?

“Some puppies can sleep for several hours at night right away!” If your puppy cries in the crate at night, your instinct will be to help him—and that’s the right thing to do. Although sometimes people worry that getting him out of the crate might teach him to cry, that shouldn’t deter you.^[5]

Should I let puppy cry it out in crate?

If he does whine or cry in the crate, it’s imperative that you not let him out until he stops. Otherwise, he’ll learn that the way to get out of the crate is to whine, so he’ll keep doing it.^[6]

Is it cruel to crate a dog at night?

Is It Cruel to Crate a Dog at Night? It is not cruel and it does not make them aggressive, either. A crate provides your dog with a safe space for them to relax. Your dog can’t do anything wrong if they are in their crate, allowing both you and them to relax.^[7]

Is it okay to leave dog in crate while at work?

You can leave your dog in the crate for up to 2-4 hours during the daytime when they have reached two or three years old. Don’t just assume they can stay in the crate that long, you need to try it out and get a feel for what works for them.^[8]

Is it cruel to keep a dog in a crate?

Studies have shown that long-term confinement is detrimental to the physical and psychological well-being of animals. Animals caged for extended periods can develop many different disorders, including the following: Aggression.^[9]

Should I ignore my puppy crying at night?

Ignoring them at night won’t help them build confidence and may make them worse which isn’t what anyone wants. They need to be taught how to be independent slowly. We would never recommend ignoring your puppy when they cry at night, especially in their first few nights.^[10]

Can I leave my 8 week old puppy home alone?

Puppies between 8-10 weeks. You cannot leave them on their own for extended periods of time, especially since at this age they’re likely being introduced to your home for the first time. At this age, your fur baby needs lots of companionship and socialization and will get very distressed when left for periods of time.^[11]

Should I wake my puppy up to pee at night?

Yes, you should wake your puppy up to pee at night, even if he’s sleeping since this will heavily influence your potty training. What is this? Waking your sleeping puppy up might seem like a hassle but it’s definitely worth it to avoid potty accidents.^[12]