How to Crate Train Your Dog (At Home & On the Go)

Key Takeaways

• Why crate training? It gives your dog a safe retreat — at home and on the go.
• Training steps: Let your dog explore, lure them in with treats, add a command, close the door, and gradually extend the time inside.
• Choosing the right crate: Pick the right size and material, make sure it has good ventilation, and make it cozy.
• Crate placement: Find a quiet corner, and always leave the door open so your dog can come and go freely.

Want a calm, relaxed dog in any situation? Crate training makes that possible — for both of you.

Why Crate Training Is So Important

Crate training teaches your dog to see the crate as their personal retreat. Inside, they feel safe and can truly relax.

Use it at home or on the road — either way, it makes life easier for both of you.

At home, the crate gives your dog a place to escape loud guests, rowdy kids, or just too much going on.

On the road, it becomes a portable safe haven. No matter where you are, your dog always has their own familiar spot.

During car rides or flights, your dog needs to be secured. If they already love their crate, travel becomes way less stressful.

There are perks for you too. A crate helps you practice leaving your dog alone. When your dog feels comfortable inside, they'll stay relaxed — at home, in a hotel room, or in the car.

When your dog gets wound up, the crate helps them settle. The same goes for recovery time. Some injuries and surgical wounds only heal properly when your dog stays still.

Got a dog that doesn't get along with others? A crate lets them share a room with unfamiliar dogs without direct contact.

You can also use the crate to safely remove your dog from tricky situations — like when they're chewing up furniture or guests are getting too handsy.

During introductions with new dogs, the crate adds an extra layer of security.

Never send your dog to the crate as punishment. The crate should always mean good things.

Take it slow. Be patient. Do that, and the crate becomes one of your most valuable everyday tools.

Choosing the Right Crate

Picking the right crate comes down to a few key factors. First up: size. Your dog should be able to lie down comfortably, turn around, and stand up without hitting their head.

A crate that's too small feels cramped and stressful. One that's too big won't feel cozy or secure.

Next, think about the type. Wire crates are tough and long-lasting but don't offer much privacy. Plastic crates are lighter and better for travel. Soft-sided crates are comfortable but less durable.

Each has its strengths — pick the one that fits your dog's lifestyle.

Ventilation matters too. Make sure the crate has enough openings for solid airflow.

Toss in a soft blanket or cushion to make it inviting. A favorite toy or familiar-smelling blanket goes a long way toward making the crate feel like home.

Bottom line: choose based on your dog's individual needs and comfort.

Which Crate for Which Purpose?

Airlines require specific hard plastic crates for flying. Check with your airline before booking to find out exactly which crate you need.

For car travel, hard plastic or aluminum crates work best. They're sturdy, safe, and easy to clean.

For small dogs, soft-sided carriers are a great option. They're lightweight and easy for one person to manage.

Need a portable den? Wire crates and soft-sided crates both do the job. Soft-sided crates are lighter and easier to pack.

Both types give your dog plenty of space and set up quickly at home or in a hotel room. Wire crates have one big advantage: they're virtually indestructible, even if your dog gets excited.

You can also train your dog to sleep in the crate. It becomes a comfortable, quiet spot that provides structure and security — a fixed sleeping place your dog can count on.

Once your dog is used to it, they'll head to the crate on their own when they need rest. Just make sure the door stays open so they can come and go freely.

Never force your dog to sleep in the crate. It should always feel like a reward, not a restriction.

The Right Location for the Crate

Where you put the crate depends on your dog and your home's layout. Many owners choose the living room since that's where the family hangs out most. Your dog gets to relax in the crate while still being close to you.

The living room usually has enough space, too. Pick a quiet corner away from heavy foot traffic. Avoid spots that get too hot, too cold, or sit in direct sunlight.

If your dog prefers more peace and quiet, try the bedroom or another low-traffic room. Some dogs sleep better in calmer spaces.

Placing the crate near the front door can also help if you're working on alone-time training.

Experiment and find the spot that works best for both of you.

How to Get Your Dog Used to the Crate

You'll introduce the crate step by step. Be patient and pair every session with positive reinforcement — praise, treats, and good vibes. The goal is simple: your dog learns to love the crate as their safe space. Follow this guide to get your adult dog or puppy comfortable with the crate:

Step 1: Let Your Dog Explore the Crate

Set the open crate in a room and leave it there for a few days. Drop treats in front of it and praise your dog whenever they sniff around or check it out.

Step 2: Encourage Your Dog to Enter the Crate

Now lure your dog inside. Place a treat just inside the entrance. As your dog gets more confident, move the treat further toward the back. Every time they step in, give them praise. You want entering the crate to feel like hitting the jackpot.

Step 3: Link a Command to Entering the Crate

Pick a cue word — "crate" works great — and say it right before your dog steps inside. Want an exit command too? Say "out" the moment your dog leaves. Once they get the idea, say the cue before placing the treat. Then try the cue alone, with no treat visible. Reward them only after they go in on command.

Step 4: Close the Door

Once your dog walks in willingly, start closing the door. Give them a toy or a treat to keep them busy inside. Keep it short at first — just a few seconds. Praise them big, then open the door.

Step 5: Extend the Duration Inside the Crate

Now gradually stretch the time. Stock the crate with long-lasting chews — dried meat, bully sticks, or a stuffed Kong all work great. Sit nearby while your dog hangs out inside. Stay calm. Read a book or take a nap yourself.

When you notice your dog getting drowsy, invite them into the crate. Sit close by. Repeat this a few times, and your dog will start connecting the crate with rest and relaxation.

Step 6: Move Away From the Crate

Is your dog lying calmly in the crate? Great — now start moving around the room. Walk back and forth, but stay where they can see you. If they stay relaxed, step out of the room briefly. If they get restless, sit back down next to the crate until they settle.

Build up the duration gradually.

Step 7: Phase Out Treats in the Crate

Once your dog rests calmly in the crate, you can leave without loading it up with treats first.

The treats were just a tool to build a positive association. Once your dog genuinely loves the crate, they don't need a reward every time. An occasional treat is fine, but it shouldn't be expected.

Want more? Check out the full crate training course with step-by-step video tutorials in our app.

6 Tips to Make Crate Training Work Better

These tips will make crate training smoother for everyone.

1. Set the mood. Your energy matters. Dogs pick up on stress, time pressure, and hectic energy. If you're wound up, your dog won't relax either. Keep sessions short, stay calm, and plan enough time so nobody feels rushed.

2. Pick a quiet corner. The crate is for rest, so place it somewhere calm. Avoid high-traffic areas where people are constantly walking past.

3. Respect the retreat. When your dog goes to the crate, let them be. Make sure family members and visitors do the same. The crate is your dog's space — no interruptions.

4. Make it cozy. Think of the crate as a den. Add your dog's favorite blanket. Make sure the door doesn't slam shut — that can be startling. If the crate rattles or makes noise, put a blanket underneath to muffle it.

5. Praise like crazy. Go big on the praise during crate training. The more positive the association, the more your dog will love their crate.

6. Try covering the crate. A blanket draped over the crate helps some dogs relax. It blocks visual stimulation — no more curious hands reaching in, no more distractions.

"Should I stay or should I go?" With a covered crate, your dog doesn't have to decide. They just rest.

How long can a dog stay in the crate?

Adult dogs shouldn't be crated for excessively long stretches. That said, a properly crate-trained dog can comfortably rest inside for several hours. A ten-hour flight? Not uncommon. We sleep eight hours a night — your dog can handle a similar stretch. The key is building up to it gradually through consistent training. Only then will your dog truly settle in and relax.

Should puppies sleep in a crate?

That's totally up to you — crate, dog bed, or your own bed are all valid options. We recommend the crate for puppies so everyone gets a solid night's sleep. Plus, you get to keep the bed to yourself (or share it with your partner, not a wriggly pup).

Practicing is straightforward. When your puppy gets sleepy, place them in the crate. When they wake up, be there to greet and praise them. Once they're fully awake, let them out.

At first, keep the crate right next to your bed so they don't feel alone. When your puppy sleeps peacefully inside, give them a gentle pet. The crate becomes their den — and dogs naturally love dens, not just for sleeping.

How do you get a dog or puppy to stay in the crate?

Through crate training! Build a positive association using treats, food, and toys. Go step by step and give your dog time:

Step 1: Let your dog explore the crate. Step 2: Lure them inside. Step 3: Add a verbal cue. Step 4: Close the door. Step 5: Extend the time inside. Step 6: Move away from the crate. Step 7: Phase out the treats.

How big does a crate need to be?

For air travel, airlines have specific size requirements — check with yours before you buy. For car travel and everyday use, go as spacious as you can.

Your dog should be able to sit without ducking their head. As a rule of thumb, the crate should be 4 to 6 inches longer and taller than your dog, and about twice as wide. Make sure the crate's weight rating matches your dog's weight too.

Is crate training cruel?

Not at all — it's actually the opposite. Your dog learns to see the crate as their personal retreat, so they go in willingly. When things get overwhelming or stressful, they head to the crate to decompress. You're giving your dog their own space where they feel comfortable and safe. Think of it as a den — your dog will too.

Dogs have lived in human-defined spaces their entire lives. As puppies, they're in a whelping box or playpen. Later, it's apartments, houses, or fenced yards. On walks, there's a leash. A crate is just another form of defined space — and one your dog can actually grow to love.

Conclusion

A crate can become your dog's safe, familiar place — at home and on the go. It's especially valuable for travel, vet visits, and transport.

Once your dog is comfortable with the crate, they'll feel more secure even in brand-new environments. It also helps with training by setting clear boundaries and providing a dedicated rest area.

Remember: never use the crate as punishment. Keep every association positive. Train gradually, stay patient, and the crate will become one of your most useful everyday tools.

So what are you waiting for? Give your dog a crate, build that positive connection, and watch daily life get easier for both of you. Crate training is simple to start and the payoff is huge.