Size and setup
The crate should let them stand, turn, and lie down — not roam. Add a washable bed and one safe chew. Place it in the room where the family actually lives.
Day 3
Make the crate a den
Short, happy crate sessions teach your puppy to hold it and rest. The crate is a bedroom, never a punishment.
Timed trips: Every 45 minutes when free; crate in short blocks
Today’s goals
- Feed a meal in the crate with the door open
- Build to 15–20 minute closed-door rests
- Always potty before and after crate time
- Optional: start a potty bell on the door
Schedule
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Morning | Potty, breakfast in crate, potty again. |
| Mid-morning | 10–15 minute nap in crate while you stay nearby. |
| Afternoon | Repeat short rests. Potty on every exit. |
| Evening | Calm crate with a chew, then last outdoor trip. |
Pair the crate with good things
Toss treats inside. Feed meals there. Close the door only when they are already chewing. Sit beside it so it feels social, not isolating.
Potty on every transition
Out of crate → outdoors. Into crate → outdoor trip first. This sandwich is what makes crate training a housetraining tool.
Tips
- If they cry at first, wait for a brief pause, then let them out to potty — not to play.
- Covering three sides of a wire crate can help it feel den-like.
- A potty bell: tap their paw on it before every outdoor trip. Consistency teaches the request.
Night
Crate overnight next to you. Ignore bored barking after a potty trip. Respond to genuine need by going straight outside.
