Crate Training Your Puppy: A Simple, Structured Approach

One of the most common questions I get asked is how to approach crate training properly—especially in those first few weeks with a new puppy.

So here’s exactly how I introduced crate training with Brigadier, and how you can apply the same calm, structured approach at home.

Starting From Day One

When Brigadier came home at 8 weeks old, he was introduced to the crate immediately—right from the first night.

At this stage, the key thing to understand is:

• Puppies cannot hold their bladder for long

• You must set them up to succeed, not fail

Overnight, I made sure there was no more than a 3–4 hour gap between toilet breaks to prevent accidents in the crate.

Brigadier enjoys some out-of-crate time savouring a chicken drumstick in the garden.

The Daily Crate Training Routine for your Puppy (First Few Weeks)

A consistent routine is what makes crate training work. Here’s how the day was structured:

Morning (6:00am start)

• Straight outside for a wee and poo

• Calm praise for getting it right

• Short play and interaction

• Breakfast

• Another toilet break

• Back into the crate around 7:30am

Mid-Morning (9:30am)

• Out for toilet

• Play and light interaction

• Back into the crate after 1–2 hours

Lunchtime (12:00–12:30pm)

• Out for toilet

• Lunch

• Short play or light training

• Back into the crate (after toileting)

Afternoon

• Mid-afternoon: out for toilet + play (around an hour)

• Back into the crate for a late afternoon sleep

Evening

• Around 5:00pm: toilet, dinner, and play

• Back into crate until around 8:00pm

• Out again for toilet

Night Routine

• Final toilet break: around 10:00pm

• Overnight alarm: around 2:00am for a quick toilet trip

• Then back into the crate until morning

Why Sleep Matters

A lot of people miss this:

Puppies need 16–18 hours of sleep per day.

Crate training isn’t just about management—it’s about:

• Supporting physical development

• Preventing overstimulation

• Encouraging a calm, balanced dog

If your puppy is getting the “zoomies” in the evening, that’s often a sign they’re overtired, not full of energy. That’s your cue to help them settle—often by using the crate.

Progressing After the First Two Weeks

As your puppy develops:

• Gradually phase out the overnight toilet break

• Slowly increase time out of the crate if appropriate

• Maintain structure—don’t rush freedom

With Brigadier:

• He continued having morning and afternoon crate time

• The crate remained a place for rest, not punishment

Brigadier and Byron comfortably settle inside their dog box, creating a positive space for travel and rest.

Transitioning by about 5 Months old - this is where we got to

At 5 months old:

• He is crated twice a day and when we go out

• Final toilet break: around 9:30pm

• Sleeps through until 6:00am

Long term Crating?

This is entirely down to preference. I transition away from a crate at about 6 months old, while maintaining a good association with things like the dog box in the car. But a lot of people will continue to use crates for there dogs overnight or when they are out and this is completely fine too!

Key Takeaways

• Start crate training immediately and consistently

• Build your routine around toilet → play → sleep

• Prevent mistakes rather than correcting them

• Respect your puppy’s need for sleep and downtime

• Progress gradually—don’t rush it

Final Thought

Crate training, done properly, creates:

• A calm dog

• Better sleep (for both of you)

• Clear structure and boundaries

It’s not about restriction—it’s about giving your puppy the right environment to grow, learn, and settle properly.

If you want help applying this to your own puppy, this is exactly what we guide you through in our puppy training courses.