First Night Puppy Crate Training: 10 Tips for a Successful First Night

Puppy crate training can be a successful way to help your new puppy feel safe and secure. Follow these tips for a successful first night!

Table of Contents

Choose the right crate

Puppy Crate Training 101:

Choose the right crate for your pup. There are several types of crates available on the market, so it’s important to find one that is specifically designed for puppies. A wire crate is a good option because it’s easy to clean and provides plenty of ventilation. If your dog is small, a soft-sided crate may be a better option because it’s not as sturdy and can be more easily moved.
Prepare your puppy for his new crate by teaching him how to sit, stay, and come when called. Start by putting him in the crate with some toys or treats and let him explore for a while. Once he’s familiar with the crate, you can begin training him by placing him inside and removing the items gradually until he’s sitting or staying inside on his own.
Wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated before starting crate training. Some vaccines contain ingredients that can cause nervousness in dogs, so waiting until your pup is fully vaccinated will help to avoid any potential problems. Also, make sure to start Crate Training Your Puppy as soon as you bring home your new pup so that he has a foundation on which to build future obedience skills.
Crate train during supervised periods only – never leave your pup unattended in his crate for extended periods of time.

Get your puppy used to the crate

If you have just brought home your new puppy, chances are you will be using a crate for training. Here are some tips to ensure a successful first night with your new pooch in the crate.

Choose the right crate – Make sure the crate is large enough for your puppy to move around and sleep in comfortably, but not so large that he can’t stand up and turn around. Crates should also have a secure door that can be locked from the inside.
Get your puppy used to the crate – Start by putting him in the crate for short periods of time when you are away from home, such as when you are taking him for a walk. Gradually increase the time he spends in the crate, gradually decreasing his time outside of it. When he is comfortable in the crate, start using it as his sleeping quarters.
Crate train your puppy early – The earlier you start training your puppy to use a crate, the easier it will be. If possible, start training him while he is still young so that he understands what is expected of him and becomes more accustomed to being inside a confined space.
Reward good behavior – When your pup behaves well during his first night in the crate, give him positive reinforcement such as praise, treats or a pet. This will help encourage good behavior in the future.

Put your puppy in the crate at bedtime

Puppies need time to adjust to their new surroundings, and the crate can be a helpful tool in this process. Here are 10 tips for crate training your puppy:

Start by introducing the crate gradually. Put your puppy in the crate for a short period of time before bedtime, just to get him used to the idea.
Make sure the crate is large enough for your pup to stand up and turn around in.
Use a designated spot in the crate for pottying and feeding time. This will help keep your pup calm and uninhibited while you are away from his cage.
Praise your pup regularly when he behaves calmly in his crate. This will encourage him to use the crate as a safe place.
Keep treats and toys nearby when your puppy is in his crate, in case he becomes bored or restless.
Be consistent with your rules for Crate Training – no whining, screaming or arguing allowed!
If your pup has accidents in his crate, try cleaning it out every night before bedtime and letting him sleep in a fresh area each time. This will help him associate good behavior with sleeping inside the cage.

Take your puppy out for a potty break before bedtime

When you get your new puppy, one of the best things you can do for him is to take him out for a potty break before bedtime. This will help make sure that he goes to the bathroom during the night and does not wake up in a mess.

Start with short potty breaks. If your puppy has not gone to the bathroom during the day, don’t expect him to go during his first night in his crate. Start by taking him out for just a few minutes every few hours.
Use a timer. If your puppy gets scared or anxious when he has to go potty, use a timer to help him understand that it’s okay. Set the timer for three minutes and take him out when it goes off.
Reward good behavior. When your puppy goes potty outside, give him a treat or praise him lavishly. Once he understands that going potty means he will get something good, he will be more likely to go on his own in his crate at night as well.
Set up a “potty area.” If your pup isn’t using the crate as his regular potty area, create a small area in another room where he can go to the bathroom without having to go through your bedroom. This will help avoid accidents in your bedding and furniture.
Be patient.

Don’t give your puppy too much freedom in the crate

One of the most important things you can do for your new puppy is to crate train them. This will help to ensure that your puppy behaves and is safe while you’re away. Here are 10 tips for a successful first night of crate training:

Start slowly – When introducing your puppy to their crate, start off by putting them in for just a few minutes at a time. This way, if they show any signs of being scared or uncomfortable, you can quickly remove them and try again later on in the evening when they’re more relaxed.
Crate up – Make sure their crate is comfortable and well-lit, as puppies tend to be scared in dark environments.
Praise & reward – Once your puppy is settled in their crate, give them lots of positive reinforcement (praise and treats) for staying put. This will help to encourage them to use the crate regularly in the future.
Set rules – Once your puppy is used to being inside their crate, it’s important to set some rules so that everything runs smoothly. These could include limits on how long your pup can stay inside, how much noise they can make, and what toys they can play with inside the crate.
Time-out – If your puppy shows any signs of becoming disruptive or disobedient, take them out of the crate for a few minutes (or hours if necessary) as a punishment.

Make sure the crate is comfortable

Puppy Crate Training is one of the most important things you can do for your new puppy. It will help to ensure a smooth transition into your home, and it will also help to prevent countless problems down the road. However, crate training can be a daunting task if you don’t have the right equipment or information. In this article, we will discuss some tips for making sure your puppy’s crate is both comfortable and successful.

Make sure the crate is big enough for your puppy. A large crate will give your puppy enough room to move around and sleep, but it won’t be so large that he can’t stand up or turn around. If the crate is too small, your puppy may become anxious and destructive inside of it.
Make sure the crate is sturdy. A weak or flimsy crate will not provide your puppy with the protection he needs, and he may end up becoming injured in it. Choose a crate that is made from sturdy materials such as metal or plastic.
Choose a comfortable bed for your puppy inside of the crate. This bed should be large enough for him to lie down in comfortably, but small enough so that he can’t climb out of it. Many people choose to put a soft blanket inside of their puppies’ crates as well in order to make them feel more comfortable.
Install a litter box inside of the crate.

Keep the crate in a quiet place

This will help to keep him safe and secure as he transitions to your home.

Start small. If your puppy is young and hasn’t had much experience being inside a crate, start by putting him in for just a few minutes at a time. slowly increase the time he spends in the crate each day.

Use a positive reinforcement method. When your puppy is inside his crate, use positive reinforcement such as praise, treats, or toys to encourage him. This will help him associate being inside the crate with good things happening.

Crate-train at night. Puppies need their sleep, so it’s best to crate-train them at night when they’re most likely to be peaceful and asleep.

Use a lightweight crate that’s comfortable for your pup. A light weight Crate will make moving it easier and will also be more comfortable for your pup.

Make sure the door is sturdy and easy to open and close. Make sure the door can be locked so that your pup is safe if he gets out of his crate on his own during the day or night.

Ignore any crying from your puppy

One of the most important things you can do for your new puppy is to get them used to sleeping in a crate overnight. This will help ensure that your puppy is properly housetrained and eliminates the potential for accidents in your home. Here are 10 tips for crate training your puppy:

Get your puppy used to being inside a crate gradually – start by putting them in the crate for short periods of time each day, and gradually increase the time they spend in the crate until they’re spending the entire night in it.
Use a large, sturdy crate – a small, flimsy crate will not be able to hold up to the weight of a growing puppy and may cause injury.
Train your puppy to go into their crate on cue – once they’re used to going into their crate on cue, you can start teaching them how to settle down and relax when they’re inside. This can be done using treats or verbal praise when they’re calm and settling down, and Discipline/ Reactivity Training (D/R) techniques when they’re acting out or getting restless.
Make sure your puppy has plenty of toys and chew toys inside their crate – providing distractions while they’re inside will help them stay calm and relaxed.