Crate training a puppy or adult dog: a kind 14-day plan

Before you start: the right crate, where to put it and household rules

The guide starts with equipment and crate placement checklists and household crate rules, so everyone treats the crate as a quiet den – never as punishment.

Week 1: building a love for the crate

Day 1 a treasure hunt with the door wide open · Day 2 meals in the crate · Day 3 a cue for going in ("bed" or "crate") and a release word · Day 4 lying down inside with a chew · Day 5 closing the door for a few seconds · Day 6 door closed for 1–5 minutes while you sit nearby · Day 7 look back and adjust. Each day has one focus and 2–3 short tasks.

Week 2: resting, settling and real life

Days 8–14 continue with short daily steps: longer calm rests, settling with you nearby, then bringing crate rest into everyday life. Move at your dog's pace and repeat a day if needed.

Is your puppy overtired? Signs to look for

Many puppies and young dogs aren't good at switching off. More biting and mouthing, zooming around, barking at small things, whining, or getting "wilder" as the evening goes on can be signs your dog needs more rest. The daily rest-schedule template helps you alternate activity and rest. If you're unsure how much rest your dog needs, ask your vet or a certified trainer.

My dog whines in the crate: what to do

You may have moved too fast. Go back to shorter closed-door periods while you sit close by, make sure your dog has had a toilet break and enough exercise first, and open the door when your dog is quiet. Don't wait out long periods of crying; make the next step easier instead. If your dog panics, tries to escape or gets hurt, stop and contact a certified trainer or behaviourist.

Vet-recommended crate rest

If your vet has prescribed crate rest, the guide includes a notes page for their instructions. Always follow your vet for prescribed rest; the plan is general guidance only.

Printable trackers

A 14-day tracker, daily rest-schedule template, weekly rest overview and milestone checklist help you see progress without guessing.

FAQ

How do I start crate training a puppy?

Keep the door open and make the crate the place where nice things appear: toss treats inside, feed meals there and give a chew. Only start closing the door for a few seconds once your puppy chooses to go in and lie down. Move at your dog's pace and go back a step if they hesitate.

Can I crate train an adult dog?

Yes. The plan works the same way for puppies and grown-up dogs: short daily steps, the door open at first, and plenty of rewards. Some dogs need to repeat days, which is fine.

My puppy whines in the crate. What should I do?

Go back to shorter closed-door periods with you close by, check that toilet and exercise needs are met, and open the door when your dog is quiet. If your dog panics, stop crate training and contact a certified trainer or behaviourist.

Can I leave my dog in the crate all day?

No. Dogs need company, exercise, sniffing and toilet breaks. The crate is a place to rest, not a place to wait out the day.

What's included?

A printable A4 PDF (8 pages in English) with a 14-day plan (one focus and 2–3 tasks a day), equipment and crate placement checklists, household crate rules, signs of overtiredness, troubleshooting, plus a 14-day tracker, daily rest-schedule template, weekly rest overview, milestone checklist and vet crate-rest notes. Downloaded right after purchase. Built on positive reinforcement; general guidance only, always follow your vet's instructions for prescribed rest.