Crate Training at Night: Where the Crate Should Go & Why

Crate Training at Night: Where Should the Crate Go?

Night-time is where crate training either clicks… or becomes a nightly drama series. Location matters more than most people realise. The goal is a calm dog, decent sleep, and a routine that feels sustainable.

Best location for most dogs (especially puppies)

Start in your bedroom or just outside it. Early crate training works best when your dog can hear and smell you.

Why it works:

• Less isolation stress

• Faster settling

• Easier toilet trips for puppies

Bedroom vs living room: how to choose

Choose bedroom if your dog is:

• A puppy or new rescue
• Anxious or “Velcro”
• Struggling with whining at night

Choose living room if your dog is:

• Already confident with the crate
• A deep sleeper
• Easily overstimulated by your movement at night

The bedtime routine that actually helps

Keep it boring and consistent:

• toilet
• calm time (no wild play)
• into crate with cue + small treat
• lights down / quiet house

If they wake: toilet-only trip, then straight back to bed.

What to do if they cry

• First: check toilet needs (especially puppies)
• Then: reassure calmly (quiet voice, hand near crate)
• Avoid turning the crate into “I cry, you party with me”

When to move the crate away from the bed

Once your dog consistently sleeps calmly:

• move the crate a little further every few nights
• keep routine identical
• don’t change location and routine at the same time

Looking for more tips and advice? Check out our Dog Crate Training page for  more inspiration. If you are looking for a crate that fits perfectly beside your bed, check out our "Den" range of bedside table crates.