Short answer
Crate training means teaching your dog, in small rewarded steps, that its crate is a comfortable place to rest: the PDSA describes "Reward-based training at your dog's pace"1, and the RSPCA says "Crates must never be used as a punishment"2. Build up slowly, and if your dog shows any signs of distress, go back to the previous stage1.
In this guide
- How long can a dog stay in a crate?The PDSA says dog crates should never be used "for longer than three hours at a time (less if your dog isn't used to it)".
- Should my dog sleep in a crate?Not necessarily: Dogs Trust says "Playpens can be more appropriate than crates for use at night as they offer more space for movement", and the PDSA says crates should never be used "for longer than three hours at a time".
- Your puppy's first nights: crate or bed?Either can work, and Dogs Trust gives two ways to settle a puppy: start with its bed in your bedroom and move it further away every few nights, or have a sleepover near your puppy and gradually move your temporary bed away.
- Should you cover a dog crate?You can: the PDSA says "A blanket over the top and sides (leave the front open) can make the crate cosier by helping to block out noise and draughts".
What crate training is, and isn't
A crate should be somewhere your dog chooses to go: a den to rest in, not a place it is sent. The UK's leading animal welfare organisations all make the same point.
- The RSPCA says: "Crates must never be used as a punishment"2.
- The Royal Kennel Club says: "Never use the crate as a sin-bin"3.
- The PDSA says: "Dog crates should never be used as punishment or for longer than three hours at a time (less if your dog isn't used to it)."1
Your dog's pace, not a timetable
The PDSA describes crate training as "Reward-based training at your dog's pace"1. Every step below can take a few minutes or a few weeks, depending on your dog.
Before you start: setting up the crate
- The right size. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch out. See what size crate does my dog need?
- The right place. The PDSA says: "Place the crate in a quiet, draught-free spot, out of direct sunlight."1
- Water. The RSPCA says: "Make sure they have access to water."2
- No collar. The Royal Kennel Club says: "Always remove the puppy's collar when in the crate in case it gets caught up on it."3
- Door secured open. The PDSA says: "When not actively training, secure the crate door open."1 Dogs Trust says: "Fix the door securely open so there's no risk of your dog accidentally being shut inside while they're learning about it."4
- Wire or fabric? The PDSA says fabric crates are not suitable for puppies or dogs that chew1. See wire or fabric crate?
Crate training step by step
These steps put together the RSPCA's, PDSA's and Dogs Trust's advice. Only move on when your dog is relaxed at the current step.
- Let your dog explore. With the door secured open4, let your dog go in and out as it likes, with rewards for going in.
- Feed meals in the crate. The RSPCA suggests feeding your dog's meals in the crate2.
- Close the door for a moment. The PDSA says to "gently close the door (but don't lock it) for a few seconds"1, then open it again.
- Build up after meals. The RSPCA says: "With each successive feeding, leave the door closed a few minutes longer, until they are staying in the crate for ten minutes or so after eating."2
- Build up time with you out of sight. The RSPCA describes building up the time your dog spends in the crate with you out of sight, "until you get to half an hour"2.
- Keep it rewarding. Keep using rewards, and keep the door secured open whenever you're not training1.
Signs of distress: go back a step
The RSPCA says that signs of distress such as "panting, excessive barking, cowering or aggression" mean "you may have increased the length of time too quickly"2.
The PDSA says: "If your dog shows any signs of distress, like whining or scratching, go back to the previous stage."1
Dogs Trust says that if at any stage your dog shows signs such as "scrabbling to get out, then go back to a stage where they feel comfortable"4.
Getting help
If your dog stays distressed in or around the crate, or seems anxious when left, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.
How long can a dog stay in a crate?
UK organisations word this differently, so we quote them rather than give a number of our own:
- The PDSA says: "Dog crates should never be used as punishment or for longer than three hours at a time (less if your dog isn't used to it)."1
- The Royal Kennel Club says: "do not leave your puppy in the crate for more than a couple of hours during the daytime"3.
More detail
Read how long can a dog stay in a crate? for both side by side.
Nights
Dogs Trust says: "Playpens can be more appropriate than crates for use at night as they offer more space for movement."4
For whether your dog should sleep in a crate, read should my dog sleep in a crate?. For a new puppy, read your puppy's first nights: crate or bed?
Covering the crate
The PDSA says: "A blanket over the top and sides (leave the front open) can make the crate cosier by helping to block out noise and draughts."1
The RSPCA says: "Placing a cover over part of the crate can help nervous dogs."2
Read should you cover a dog crate? for how to do it safely.
Puppies
The Royal Kennel Club says: "do not leave your puppy in the crate for more than a couple of hours during the daytime"3.
The Royal Kennel Club says: "Always remove the puppy's collar when in the crate in case it gets caught up on it."3
Puppies grow fast, so check the crate still lets your puppy stand, turn around, lie down and stretch out. Many owners use a divider: see how crate dividers work for a growing puppy, and our guide to sizing your puppy through the first year.
Older and rescue dogs
The same steps work for an adult dog, but a dog that isn't used to a crate needs more time. The PDSA says crate time should be "less if your dog isn't used to it"1. Go at your dog's pace1, and if your dog seems frightened of the crate, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.
What to put in the crate
- Water. The RSPCA says: "Make sure they have access to water."2
- Comfortable bedding. We suggest a bed or mat that lies flat across the crate floor, so your dog can stretch out. Take it out if your dog chews it.
- A cover, if it helps. The PDSA says: "A blanket over the top and sides (leave the front open) can make the crate cosier by helping to block out noise and draughts."1
- Nothing round the neck. The Royal Kennel Club says: "Always remove the puppy's collar when in the crate in case it gets caught up on it."3
The crate and the rest of the household
A crate only works as a calm place if everyone treats it that way. We suggest agreeing some house rules: nobody uses the crate as a punishment2,3, nobody shuts the door during training except the person training, and children leave the dog alone while it is resting in its crate.
Keep the door secured open whenever you are not actively training1, so nobody shuts your dog in by accident4.
Signs it's going well
These are our own suggestions for what progress looks like, not a timetable. Your dog may:
- go into the crate on its own, without being asked;
- eat its meals in the crate calmly;
- lie down and settle when the door is briefly closed;
- stay relaxed for longer as you build up time, without the signs of distress the RSPCA describes2.
Not going well?
Go back a stage1. If your dog stays distressed in or around the crate, or seems anxious when left, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.
Troubleshooting
Common problems, and what the RSPCA, PDSA and Dogs Trust say to do.
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Won't go in | Go back to the door secured open4, rewards for going in, and meals in the crate2. Go at your dog's pace1. |
| Whines or scratches when the door closes | "go back to the previous stage"1 |
| Scrabbles to get out | "go back to a stage where they feel comfortable"4 |
| Pants, barks a lot, cowers or shows aggression | The RSPCA says "you may have increased the length of time too quickly"2. Go back a step. |
| Nervous, or frightened by noise | A cover over part of the crate "can help nervous dogs"2; covering is "particularly helpful during fireworks"4. |
| Chews a fabric crate | The PDSA says fabric crates are "Not suitable for puppies or dogs who like to chew things"1. Use a wire crate. |
| Still distressed after going back a step | Speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist. |
Crate or playpen?
A crate isn't the only option. Dogs Trust says: "Playpens can be more appropriate than crates for use at night as they offer more space for movement."4 A playpen gives your dog a safe area with more room to move, and a crate with its door secured open can sit inside it as a den.
| Crate | Playpen | |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Enough to stand, turn, lie down and stretch out | "more space for movement"4 |
| At night | Time limits apply1,3 | "can be more appropriate than crates for use at night"4 |
| Door | Secured open when not training1,4 | No door to shut your dog in |
Crate training and the car
If your dog will travel in a crate, the same patient, rewarded steps apply. For puppies, the RSPCA says: "don't travel with your puppy in their adult-sized crate - they'll be better protected in a smaller space."2 For choosing a travel crate and what the Highway Code says, read wire or fabric crate, and which for the car?
Crate training checklist
- The crate is the right size, in a quiet, draught-free spot out of direct sunlight1.
- Water is available2.
- Collar off in the crate3.
- Door secured open when you're not training1,4.
- Rewards for going in, and meals in the crate2.
- Small steps, at your dog's pace1.
- Back a step at any sign of distress1,4.
- Never as a punishment2,3.
- Time limits as the PDSA and Royal Kennel Club describe1,3.
Common mistakes
- Using the crate as a punishment or time-out2,3.
- Shutting the door before your dog is happy going in and out on its own.
- Building up time too quickly. The RSPCA says distress signs may mean exactly that2.
- Leaving the door free to swing shut while your dog is learning4.
- Leaving the collar on3.
- Putting the crate in a draughty, noisy or sunny spot1.
- Ignoring signs of distress instead of going back a step1.
Breed crate guides
Every breed needs a slightly different crate. These guides cover UK size guidance for the breed, sizes in each brand in inches and cm, and how to measure.
- Labrador Retriever crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
- Cockapoo crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
- Border Collie crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
- French Bulldog crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
- German Shepherd Dog crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
Find your dog's crate size All breeds
Questions
How do I start crate training?
How long does crate training take?
There's no set time. The PDSA describes reward-based training at your dog's pace1.
Should I close the crate door straight away?
No. The PDSA says to start by gently closing the door, without locking it, for a few seconds1, once your dog is comfortable going in.
What if my dog cries in the crate?
The PDSA says that if your dog shows signs of distress, like whining or scratching, go back to the previous stage1. If distress continues, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.
Can I use the crate as a time-out?
Should my dog have water in its crate?
The RSPCA says: "Make sure they have access to water."2
Read next
- How long can a dog stay in a crate?The PDSA says dog crates should never be used "for longer than three hours at a time (less if your dog isn't used to it)".
- Should my dog sleep in a crate?Not necessarily: Dogs Trust says "Playpens can be more appropriate than crates for use at night as they offer more space for movement", and the PDSA says crates should never be used "for longer than three hours at a time".
- Your puppy's first nights: crate or bed?Either can work, and Dogs Trust gives two ways to settle a puppy: start with its bed in your bedroom and move it further away every few nights, or have a sleepover near your puppy and gradually move your temporary bed away.
- Should you cover a dog crate?You can: the PDSA says "A blanket over the top and sides (leave the front open) can make the crate cosier by helping to block out noise and draughts".