How To Soothe Puppy In A Crate – 7 Solutions

There’s no doubt that puppies are the most loved pets. From how they’re treated to how much time they’re allowed, puppies are constantly given the best attention and care.

They’re allowed to play around, explore their surroundings and run free with their parents’ constant supervision.But puppies are still puppies and like all of us. They have limits—for example, the time they’re allowed in a crate. Like many other things in life, puppies learn from their parents, who teach them acceptable behavior regarding crate time. That is why it’s important for you as the puppy parent to crate train your puppy early so that he or she gets used to it early on.

Sleeping puppies may whine or cry when crated, but crate training puppies is an essential part of puppy training. For some puppies, crate training can be tricky, but with the right crate size, crate training equipment, and crate training tips, puppies can become crate-savvy little dogs in no time.

Here’s a handy guide on how to soothe puppy in a crate with 7 effective solutions that’ll help them feel comfortable in the crate and make potty training easier. Here’s everything you need to know about crate-training puppies.

Why Should I Crate My Dog?

Crating your puppy is a great way to housetrain puppies. Crate training helps reduce the number of accidents in the home and teaches your puppy basic obedience skills. Which makes for a well-behaved puppy. Puppies crate-trained are less likely to be aggressive toward other animals and humans, making them great family pets.

Another benefit of crate training is that it reduces the time spent in the kennel, which can help improve the dog’s mental and physical health and increase happiness and enjoyment.

Many different types of crates are available on the market. So find the one that best suits your needs and your pup’s temperament. Crating should start when your puppy is 5-7 weeks old and continue until he is 12-14 months old when he’s mature enough to understand and respond to basic commands.

Once you’ve established the crate training routine, it’ll become part of your dog’s normal behavior and should not be seen as punishment or restriction of movement. Instead, it should use as a tool to help your dog develop good habits and become potty trained.

7 Effective Solutions To Soothe Puppy In A Crate

It’s important to soothe a puppy in a crate gradually and gently. This will help the puppy feel safe and secure and avoid anxiety or crying. Some effective solutions for this are waking the puppy gradually by singing or playing music.

Bathing the puppy before putting him in the crate, giving the puppy a small amount of food and water before putting him in the crate. Putting the puppy in the crate on his back so he can’t see or reach anything dangerous and covering the crate with a soft cloth or blanket creates a comfortable environment for the puppy. And placing a litter box close to the crate for the puppy to use when he needs to go.

1. Pick The Right Size Crate

Puppies are delicate creatures that need special care and attention. When caring for a puppy, picking the right size crate is important. Generally, puppies need dog crates about three times the size of the puppy’s crate to allow enough space to move around comfortably inside the crate.

However, puppies need smaller crates – typically around 30 percent of their adult size – for short-term crate training. The crate should be big enough for the puppy to sit up and turn around but not so large that it’s too confining. Additionally, puppies require small baskets or toys to play with in their crate to keep them occupied.

When choosing the right crate size, it is important to ensure that the crate can comfortably accommodate the puppy’s size and weight while providing enough room to sit up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A small crate is OK if the puppy is only in the crate for short periods.

2. Consider The Location

The best place to crate your puppy is in a quiet, safe location where the puppy can have plenty of space to move around. You should place the crate close to where the puppy will stay while you are at work or school. You should place the crate in an area that allows the dog enough room to stand up and lie comfortably. Additionally, provide toys and treats to keep the puppy entertained and stimulated. This will help reduce crying and whining when the dog is in its crate.

3. Get Your Puppy Comfortable

There are various ways to soothe a puppy in a crate, depending on the puppy and the crate settings. Before you begin training him or her to use the crate, start by gradually introducing the puppy to it, spending a few hours each day in it while at work or school.

Ensure the crate is comfortable for your puppy, including providing a blanket, toy, and food bowl. You can start training when your puppy is comfortable with being in the crate and using it as an extension of his or her bedding area.

If your puppy cries excessively when he’s created – especially if he’s crying out for you – it might be helpful to try a different type of crate. A whining puppy may need the training to get used to being in the crate and/or will require more frequent potty breaks outside of the crate.

4. Give Them Plenty Of Exercise Before Crate Time

Puppies need time to adjust to their new home and new family. They are often shy and may need some exercise before crate time. Pupping up puppies requires lots of exercise and care. Giving them plenty of exercise before crate time will help them settle down quickly.

You can do this by walking, playing with them, or training their puppy training classes. If you train your puppy, give them plenty of playtime before crate time, so they are ready for the routine.

Additionally, puppies can relieve pent-up energy by barking or whining, making crate time more peaceful for you and the puppy. Moreover, puppies need toys and treat to keep their minds occupied while in the crate. It’s a good idea to provide them with these items beforehand, so they aren’t barking or whining when you put them in the crate.

5. Factor In Potty Breaks

Puppies need time to adjust to their new environment, and taking them outside for potty breaks is a good way to help them adjust. So it’s important to ensure the crate is big enough for the puppy to move around and lie comfortably.

Besides, puppies love toys and bedding, so providing these can help keep them busy and calm during their crate training. It’s also important to provide a feeding bowl for the puppy. This way, the dog can eat while being cared for in the crate and not be forced to leave if they don’t want to eat.

Additionally, puppies need enriching snuggle blankets, playpens, and dog beds to feel comfortable while crate training. Finally, puppies should be given time to learn how to adjust to their new surroundings. Instead of rushing the process and forcing puppies into the crate before they are ready, it’s best to be patient and work gradually with crate training.

6. Ignore Their Whining

Puppies often whine to communicate their needs. Ignoring a puppy’s whining will not make the situation better. Instead, it can increase the level of anxiety the puppy is experiencing. If you must ignore a puppy’s whining, provide them with plenty of toys and exercise to keep them busy and distracted from crying for attention.

You might also try training your puppy to wait for their turn before playtime or take them for long walks. This way, you can ensure they get their required exercise and socialization. However, puppies may become more agitated and try to escape the crate if they don’t receive the attention they need.

7. Use A Safe, Soft Toy

Soothing puppies in a crate can be challenging. Using a safe, soft toy can help reduce the chance of them becoming agitated. Some of the most effective solutions include using a plush toy, a sheepskin toy, or a Kong toy. It is important to avoid using hard objects or toys that could cause injuries, such as balls or frisbees.

Instead, it is best to use something safe and comfortable for the puppy to play with. Puppies need time to adjust to new surroundings and feel secure in their new home. They will feel comforted and loved when surrounded by comfort and safety, so it is important to provide them with safe and soothing toys.

Why Do Puppies Cry In Their Crate?

Crating your dog can be a good way to keep them safe and prevent them from injuring themselves or others. When you crate your dog, you’re teaching them two key things: first, that they should not wander off unaccompanied, and second, that they should not escape from the crate.

• Puppies cry in their crate to communicate needs such as hunger, thirst, and the need to go to the bathroom.
• Crying puppies will eventually stop if they can vent their frustrations safely and constructively.
• You can soothe crying puppies by providing them with toys, playing with them, or calling them names.
• Place the puppy in the crate when you are not home so that he or she does not become agitated and cry for no reason.
• If your puppy is still crying after following these steps, take him or her to see a veterinarian for further evaluation.
• Do not punish or scold your puppy for crying in its crate – this will only worsen the situation.

Instead, provide your puppy with the environment and training necessary to develop self-soothing skills and coping mechanisms. This will help your puppy learn how to deal with difficult situations on his or her own without resorting to crying.

Choosing The Right Type Of Crate

The type of crate you choose is essential when it comes to crate training. Various options are available, so it’s important to consider your puppy’s size, age, and environment. Generally speaking, puppies should be housed in a crate for the first few months to help them adapt to their new environment and develop the coping skills needed for later life. When choosing a crate, consider the following factors:

• The crate size should be large enough for your puppy to stand and turn comfortably but not too large that it becomes difficult to clean or dog-size.
• The material of the crate should be easy to clean and durable. Depending on your puppy’s age and size, You can make it from plastic, wire, or fabric.
• The door of the crate should open easily and securely. A latch system is ideal, but you can also opt for a handle or strap.
• Ensure your puppy has access to toys, food, and water while in the crate. This will help them feel comfortable and secure while training.
• Start crate training when your puppy is around eight weeks old. This will help it become accustomed to its crate and develop positive associations with the environment.

How To Introduce Your Puppy To The Crate

Start by introducing your puppy to the crate gradually. Place your puppy in the crate for short periods, and gradually increase the time spent in the crate. Use treats to entice your puppy into the crate. Take your puppy on long walks before putting him in the crate. This will help him become accustomed to being inside the crate.

You can use a baby gate to separate the crate from other parts of the house, making it feel more secure and safe. When using a baby gate, ensure it is large enough for your puppy to easily enter and exit but not so large that he cannot easily move around inside the crate. Also, play music or have soft-spoken conversations in the background while your puppy is in the crate, which will help him feel comfortable and calm.

When puppies are young, they must provide frequent opportunities to explore and play in their environment. This will help them develop positive associations with being inside a crate. It’s also beneficial to praise puppies when they enter and exit their crates calmly, as this will encourage them to continue doing so.

Activities For Puppies In Crates

If you’re going to crate train your puppy, here are some tips you can follow to help the process go as smoothly as possible.

• Start by crating your puppy for short periods when you are around. This will help him get used to being in a crate at all times.
• If possible, crate your puppy for short periods during the day and let him out whenever he wants to play or nap. This will help him become comfortable with being in a crate.
• Ensure your puppy has access to plenty of safe playtime and daily walks. This will help him understand that his crate is a place of comfort, not punishment.
• Provide your puppy with positive reinforcement when he behaves well. This could include gentle touch or praise, tasty treats, or toys. Keep the positive and negative reinforcement ratio balanced, and be consistent with the training.

How Long To Keep Your Puppy In The Crate

Crate training is a gradual process that should be introduced gradually over time. When you are ready to let your puppy out of the crate, do so slowly and calmly using positive reinforcement. This will let your puppy know it is OK to come out of the crate on its terms.

When you are training your puppy to use a crate, it’s important to provide them with plenty of toys, fresh water, and a comfortable bed to sleep on while in the crate.

Additionally, you should never punish your puppy for refusing to enter or stay in the crate – this will only worsen the situation. Instead, use gentle Provocations when training your puppy to use a crate. Following these guidelines and using crate training as a positive training experience can help your puppy develop positive habits and behaviors around the crate.

Why Do Puppies Whine In Their Crates?

Puppies are social animals and must be regularly exposed to the world and other dogs and people to feel comfortable and safe. This is why you should start crate training as soon as your puppy is weaned and continue until the puppy is four months old.

A crate that’s the right size for your puppy and has a firm, the comfortable bottom will help puppies feel safe and secure. You can also use a crate with a divider if it helps your puppy feel more secure. Using a crate as part of your puppy’s training is important rather than leaving your puppy alone outside. If your puppy whines excessively in their crate, try one of the following remedies:

• Place them near the door of the crate, so they can see other people and activities outside of the crate
• Put them in a different room with toys or other activities that they enjoy
• Give them their favorite food or toy while they are in the crate
• If all else fails, consult a professional dog trainer or veterinarian.

If you follow these tips, your puppy will be able to feel safe and secure in their crate without whining excessively.

Conclusion

The crate training process can ease your puppy’s transition into the crate. Besides, it’s a good way to teach puppies that their crate is a safe place where they can feel more secure. By taking things one step at a time, you’ll be successful.

Remember that puppies are young and naturally feel anxious about separating from their littermates. Help them cope by providing crate security and ensuring they get enough playtime and exercise. There are no hard and fast rules to crate training puppies. However, consistency is the key. Keep training sessions short and reward your puppy for good behavior.

Once your puppy becomes comfortable in the crate, you can start introducing them to the place without creating them first. You’ll notice that whining subsides over time as puppies get used to being crate-free and feel more secure in their environment. Knowing how to soothe a crying puppy in a crate can help you adopt the best approach for your family’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions