The Ultimate Guide to Dog Crate Training: 5 Essential Questions Answered

You don't have to guess - your crate questions ANSWERED!

Crate training is one of the most valuable skills you can teach your dog, providing structure, safety, and a place to call their own.

But there are a lot of questions when it comes to choosing the right crate, setting it up, and ensuring your dog feels comfortable inside.

In this guide, we’ll answer five key questions about crate training and include step-by-step training videos to help you get started!

Your Crate Training Questions Answered!

1. Why Should You Use a Crate?

Many people assume that crate training is just about house training, but there are several important reasons why it’s beneficial:

• A Personal Space for Your Dog – A crate gives your dog a place to retreat when they need quiet time, helping them feel safe and secure.

• Establishing a Routine – Using a crate helps create structure by setting consistent schedules for eating, resting, and sleeping.

• Safety – When left unsupervised, dogs can get into potentially dangerous situations. A crate prevents accidents and keeps them from chewing things they shouldn’t.

• Recovery After Illness or Surgery – If your dog ever needs to recover from an injury or surgery, a crate provides a safe place to rest and heal.

Crate training isn’t about restriction—it’s about providing security and consistency.

2. What Type of Crate Should I Get?

There are several types of crates to choose from, each with different benefits:

• Wire Metal Crates – One of the most common and affordable options. They provide ventilation and visibility, making them a great starting point for crate training.

• Fabric & Mesh Crates – Lightweight and portable, these are ideal for travel. However, they’re not the best choice for dogs who might chew or escape.

• Plastic Kennels – Designed for transport, these provide a more enclosed space, which some dogs find comforting.

• Heavy-Duty Metal Crates – The most secure option, especially for dogs prone to escape attempts. They’re built for durability and safety.

The best crate for your dog depends on their needs, temperament, and lifestyle.

3. What Size Crate Should I Get?

A properly sized crate ensures comfort and prevents accidents. Your dog should be able to:

• Stand up fully without their head touching the top.

• Turn around comfortably.

• Lie down and stretch out with ease.

For growing puppies, consider a wire crate with a divider. This allows you to start with a smaller space and expand it as your dog grows. Avoid giving them too much room early on, as they may use one side for sleeping and the other for bathroom accidents.

4. What Should I Put in My Dog’s Crate?

Setting up the crate properly can make it a more inviting space:

• Bedding – Start with a blanket. Once your dog proves they won’t chew it, you can introduce a bed.

• Chew-Resistant Toys – Durable chew toys or long-lasting bones can help occupy your dog while they’re inside the crate.

• Remove Choking Hazards – Avoid anything that could pose a choking risk if left unattended.

(BONUS QUESTION) Where Should You Keep the Crate?

• During the Day – Place the crate in a quiet, low-traffic area to encourage rest.

• At Night – Some dogs prefer being near their people, so keeping the crate in your bedroom can provide comfort. Over time, you can transition them to another location if needed.

5. How Long Should You Use the Crate?

Understanding how long your dog can stay in a crate depends on their age and bladder control:

• Young puppies (under 16 weeks) – Frequent potty breaks are necessary. Be proactive about taking them out often.

• 4 months and older – A general rule is 1 hour per month of age, up to 10 hours max.

• Ideal crate time – No more than 6-8 hours at a time to ensure your dog has plenty of opportunities for exercise and interaction.

Every dog is different, and some may need more breaks than others. Pay attention to their behavior and adjust accordingly.

Step-by-Step Crate Training Videos

The best way to teach crate training is through positive reinforcement. Below are four training videos demonstrating each phase of the process:

1. Introducing the Kennel

Goal: Make the crate a positive, choice-based experience.

2. Teaching Your Dog to Stay Inside

Goal: Encourage relaxation in the crate.

3. Closing the Door Without Stress

Goal: Help your dog feel comfortable with the door closed.

4. Teaching a Calm Release

Goal: Ensure your dog exits calmly when released.

Dog Crate Training Can Be Simple

Crate training is a valuable tool that, when done correctly, promotes structure, safety, and comfort for your dog. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn to see their crate as a safe and welcoming space.

Looking for your next step?

→ Book a free consult call — Let’s talk about your dog, what’s going on, and where you want to go. Whether it’s 1:1 training or finding the right resource, we’ll figure it out together.

→ Join me on Patreon — For just $5/month, you get access to hundreds of training and behavior videos, curated by a certified trainer who gets it.

About Mattison Skoog-Simpson

Mattison Skoog-Simpson is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) who helps overwhelmed dog guardians create calmer, more connected lives with their sensitive or complex dogs. She’s the founder of Freed by Training, a values-driven dog behavior practice rooted in science, compassion, and second chances.

Mattison’s approach is shaped by her own transformative journey, which began in a prison dog training program. Today, she’s known for helping people feel capable, supported, and confident as they navigate behavior challenges using humane, relationship-based methods.

Through her virtual programs, courses, podcasts, and writing, Mattison is on a mission to make ethical, sustainable training more accessible—and to prove that both dogs and their humans are capable of lasting change.

Learn more at freedbytraining.com or follow her on Instagram @freedbytraining.