Train Your Puppy Fast With This 7 Day Crate Plan
Ashna Khare | Jun 30, 2025, 09:00 IST
( Image credit : Freepik, Times Pets )
Training your puppy to love its crate does not have to be stressful or time consuming. This article shares a proven 7-day crate training schedule that helps your puppy adjust quickly. Learn simple daily steps, avoid common mistakes, and create a safe space your puppy will enjoy.
Bringing a new puppy into your home is exciting, but it also comes with challenges. One of the biggest tasks for any puppy owner is crate training. You want your puppy to see the crate as a safe and happy space, not as a punishment. The good news is that crate training does not have to take weeks or months. With the right approach, you can help your puppy feel comfortable in its crate in just 7 days.
Crate training is important because it gives your puppy a place to rest, feel secure, and stay out of trouble when you are not able to supervise. It also helps with housebreaking, reduces anxiety, and teaches your puppy how to settle quietly. In this guide, you will learn a simple and effective 7-day schedule that works. Follow these steps, stay patient, and soon your puppy will love its crate.
The first two days of crate training are about creating positive feelings toward the crate. Start by choosing the right crate for your puppy. It should be large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that it can use one side as a toilet. Place the crate in a room where your family spends time so your puppy does not feel lonely.
Keep the door open and let your puppy explore the crate at its own pace. Put a soft blanket or towel inside to make it cozy. You can also place a few treats, chew toys, or your puppy’s favorite toy inside to encourage it to go in. Never force your puppy inside. The goal is for your puppy to enter the crate willingly.
During these first two days, feed your puppy near the crate. Gradually move the food bowl closer to the crate’s entrance and then inside the crate. This helps your puppy connect the crate with something enjoyable. Praise your puppy in a gentle voice whenever it goes inside the crate, even for a short moment.
It is normal if your puppy goes in and out of the crate several times. The key is to build trust and comfort. These first steps lay the foundation for quick and stress-free crate training.
By now, your puppy should feel comfortable going in and out of the crate. The next step is to help your puppy get used to being inside with the door closed. Start by placing a treat or toy inside and allowing your puppy to walk in. Once your puppy is inside, gently close the door for a few seconds, then open it before your puppy starts to whine or bark.
Repeat this step several times a day. Slowly increase the time the door stays closed, always watching your puppy’s reaction. Stay nearby so your puppy can see and hear you. Talk to your puppy in a calm voice to reassure it.
During this stage, try to time crate sessions after your puppy has played or eaten. A tired puppy is more likely to relax in the crate. You can also give a safe chew toy to help your puppy stay calm.
If your puppy starts to whine, wait for a pause before opening the door. This teaches your puppy that being quiet is what opens the door, not crying or barking. Consistency is important at this stage.
Once your puppy is comfortable staying in the crate with the door closed while you are nearby, it is time to help it feel safe when you are out of sight. Start by crating your puppy for short periods while you step into another room. Begin with just a minute or two, then gradually increase the time.
Each time you leave and return, stay calm. Do not make a big fuss when you go or when you come back. This helps your puppy learn that your comings and goings are normal and nothing to worry about.
By this stage, your puppy should be able to stay quietly in the crate for 10 to 30 minutes. You can use crate time when you need to focus on tasks or leave the house for short periods. Make sure your puppy has had a chance to play, go potty, and burn off energy before longer crate times.
If your puppy starts to fuss when you leave, pause outside the room until it quiets down. Return only when your puppy is calm. This teaches your puppy that quiet behavior brings positive results.
On day 7, your puppy should see the crate as a safe, cozy spot. Now you can use the crate for regular naps during the day and for sleeping at night. Before bedtime, make sure your puppy has gone potty and had some gentle play to tire it out. Place the crate in your bedroom or a nearby spot at night so your puppy does not feel lonely.
At first, your puppy may need one or two potty breaks during the night. Set an alarm to let your puppy out rather than waiting for it to cry. This prevents your puppy from learning that whining is the way to get out of the crate.
In the morning, take your puppy straight outside to potty before playtime. Be calm when you let your puppy out of the crate. This helps your puppy stay relaxed and prevents it from becoming too excited about leaving the crate.
By following this plan, most puppies will adjust to their crate by the end of the first week. Some puppies may need a little more time, and that is okay. The key is to stay patient and positive.
Crate training your puppy does not have to be a long or stressful process. With a clear 7-day plan and lots of patience, you can help your puppy learn to love its crate. Remember that the crate should always feel like a safe, happy place. Never use it for punishment.
Pay attention to your puppy’s signals and go at a pace that keeps your puppy feeling comfortable and secure. With kindness, consistency, and this simple schedule, you will set your puppy up for success. Soon, the crate will become your puppy’s favourite resting spot, giving both of you peace of mind.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Crate training is important because it gives your puppy a place to rest, feel secure, and stay out of trouble when you are not able to supervise. It also helps with housebreaking, reduces anxiety, and teaches your puppy how to settle quietly. In this guide, you will learn a simple and effective 7-day schedule that works. Follow these steps, stay patient, and soon your puppy will love its crate.
Day 1 to 2 – Making the Crate a Happy Place
Day 1 to 2 – Making the Crate a Happy Place
( Image credit : AP )
Keep the door open and let your puppy explore the crate at its own pace. Put a soft blanket or towel inside to make it cozy. You can also place a few treats, chew toys, or your puppy’s favorite toy inside to encourage it to go in. Never force your puppy inside. The goal is for your puppy to enter the crate willingly.
During these first two days, feed your puppy near the crate. Gradually move the food bowl closer to the crate’s entrance and then inside the crate. This helps your puppy connect the crate with something enjoyable. Praise your puppy in a gentle voice whenever it goes inside the crate, even for a short moment.
It is normal if your puppy goes in and out of the crate several times. The key is to build trust and comfort. These first steps lay the foundation for quick and stress-free crate training.
Day 3 to 4 – Short Periods With the Door Closed
Short Periods With the Door Closed
( Image credit : Freepik )
Repeat this step several times a day. Slowly increase the time the door stays closed, always watching your puppy’s reaction. Stay nearby so your puppy can see and hear you. Talk to your puppy in a calm voice to reassure it.
During this stage, try to time crate sessions after your puppy has played or eaten. A tired puppy is more likely to relax in the crate. You can also give a safe chew toy to help your puppy stay calm.
If your puppy starts to whine, wait for a pause before opening the door. This teaches your puppy that being quiet is what opens the door, not crying or barking. Consistency is important at this stage.
Day 5 to 6 – Increasing Crate Time and Leaving the Room
Increasing Crate Time and Leaving the Room
( Image credit : Freepik )
Each time you leave and return, stay calm. Do not make a big fuss when you go or when you come back. This helps your puppy learn that your comings and goings are normal and nothing to worry about.
By this stage, your puppy should be able to stay quietly in the crate for 10 to 30 minutes. You can use crate time when you need to focus on tasks or leave the house for short periods. Make sure your puppy has had a chance to play, go potty, and burn off energy before longer crate times.
If your puppy starts to fuss when you leave, pause outside the room until it quiets down. Return only when your puppy is calm. This teaches your puppy that quiet behavior brings positive results.
Day 7 – Using the Crate for Naps and Overnight Sleep
Using the Crate for Naps and Overnight Sleep
( Image credit : Freepik )
At first, your puppy may need one or two potty breaks during the night. Set an alarm to let your puppy out rather than waiting for it to cry. This prevents your puppy from learning that whining is the way to get out of the crate.
In the morning, take your puppy straight outside to potty before playtime. Be calm when you let your puppy out of the crate. This helps your puppy stay relaxed and prevents it from becoming too excited about leaving the crate.
By following this plan, most puppies will adjust to their crate by the end of the first week. Some puppies may need a little more time, and that is okay. The key is to stay patient and positive.
Crate training your puppy does not have to be a long or stressful process. With a clear 7-day plan and lots of patience, you can help your puppy learn to love its crate. Remember that the crate should always feel like a safe, happy place. Never use it for punishment.
Pay attention to your puppy’s signals and go at a pace that keeps your puppy feeling comfortable and secure. With kindness, consistency, and this simple schedule, you will set your puppy up for success. Soon, the crate will become your puppy’s favourite resting spot, giving both of you peace of mind.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does it take to crate train a puppy?Most puppies adjust well in about 7 days with a clear plan.
- Should I leave my puppy in the crate overnight?Yes, the crate is a safe place for overnight sleep.
- Can crate training help with potty training?Yes, crate training supports good potty habits.
- What size crate should I use for my puppy?The crate should be big enough to stand, turn, and lie down.