Supplies Needed for Crate Training a Dog

If you want your dog’s crate to become their happy place, you’ve got to make sure it’s just right for them. Here’s what you’ll need:

The Right Crate

Once you start to look at crates you will find there are lots of options. Choosing the right crate for your pup isn’t difficult once you consider a couple of things:

• Type
• Size

First up is the type of crate, which can fall into two categories: either hard plastic airline-style crates or wire crates. Most pups can learn to be comfortable in either type, but wire crates have more versatility when it comes to door placement and customizing the size of the interior with a divider.

Next, you’ll need to pick the correct size—one of the most important considerations when figuring out how to crate train a dog. Your dog crate should be large enough so that your dog can stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably, but not much bigger. Although it’s tempting to purchase an oversized crate to give your pup more room, doing so can derail the potty-training process by giving your pup the space to go to the bathroom at one end while staying dry on the other.

Pet parents of puppies, especially large breed puppies, can anticipate their dog’s growth by purchasing the largest-sized crate their dog will need when they’re fully grown and using an adjustable crate divider to keep the available space inside the right size. Some dog crates come with a divider and are available in sizes up to XL, so your crate can grow right along with your puppy.

Other Crate Training Supplies

There’s more to crate training than just a crate. Here’s what else you’ll need:

• Bedding: You’ll need bedding to keep your dog comfortable, but if you’re crate training a puppy or an older dog who still needs housetraining, avoid extra-plush dog beds. The extra cushioning might absorb urine and make it difficult to tell if your dog has had an accident inside. Some puppies may be tempted to chew up or destroy overstuffed bedding when left in the crate, too. A simple crate mat is a good choice for pups still acclimating to the crate.
• Treats: Tasty snacks are an important part of the crate introduction process (and any other type of training you want to do with your pup). Small savory treats, help reinforce the idea that good things happen inside the crate.
• Toys: For dogs with tons of energy, like puppies, helping them chill out in the crate can be a challenge. That’s where busy toys come into the picture. Giving your pup something to do when left alone inside can help keep them focused and happy until they drift off to sleep. Treat-stuffable toys are tough enough to stand up to most dogs’ powerful teeth and can be filled according to your pup’s level of toy unpacking expertise. (Some pups can get frustrated if the treat toy is too jam-packed.) Always test the durability of any toy before leaving your dog alone with it to make sure they can’t bite pieces of it off that could be a choking hazard.

Where Should I Keep My Dog’s Crate?

The perfect spot for a dog crate is a location that’s quiet enough for your pup to rest but not so far off that they’re isolated from the household (so the garage or the basement are out). A corner of the living room, dining room, or another area where the family regularly gathers is an ideal location.

Crate location is particularly important at night, especially for young puppies who often need to go out for a potty trip at least once before morning. You’ll want to put the crate close enough to your bed that you can hear them ask to go out—and somewhere easy for you to get to, so you don’t have to fumble around in the middle of the night. If keeping the crate in your bedroom isn’t an option, consider using a dog monitor near the crate so you can hear when your puppy needs a potty trip.

It can be helpful to purchase two crates, especially for pet parents with larger dogs who require oversized crates that aren’t easy to move around. Keep one in the common area where your pup will hang out during the day, and one where they sleep at night.