Dog Crate Training

Crate Training Mistakes & What to Do Instead

11 Common Crate Training Mistakes and What to Do Instead

Crate Training Mistakes - If crate training feels like a battle—crying, barking, refusing to go in—you’re not alone. Most of the time, it’s not that your dog “hates crates”, it’s that a few key steps were rushed or skipped.

Here are 11 common crate training mistakes and exactly what to do instead so your dog can actually relax in their den.

Mistake 1: Using the Crate as Punishment

“If you keep doing that, you’re going in the crate!”

This teaches your dog that the crate = being in trouble.

Do this instead:
Make the crate the best place in the house:

  • Feed meals inside
  • Offer special chews only in the crate
  • Use a calm, neutral tone when sending them in

Mistake 2: Rushing to Close the Door

Popping a dog into a crate, slamming the door and walking away is like locking someone in a new room and hoping they’ll “figure it out”.

Do this instead:

  • Start with the door wide open
  • Let them explore freely with treats and toys
  • Only start closing the door for short periods once they’re relaxed inside

Mistake 3: Going Too Fast with Duration

Day 1: 2 minutes.
Day 2: 2 hours.

That jump is huge for a dog who’s still unsure.

Do this instead:

  • Increase crate time gradually: 1–2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10–15 minutes, etc.
  • Pair longer sessions with chews or lick mats to help them settle
  • Watch their body language—relaxed, soft, sleepy is the goal

Mistake 4: Ignoring Exercise and Toilet Needs

Crated dogs often get blamed for restlessness when they’re actually:

  • Bursting for a wee, or
  • Full of unused energy

Do this instead:

Before any longer crate session:

  • Toilet break
  • Short walk, play session or training
  • Water available (as appropriate for age/time)

Tired body + empty bladder = much easier crate time.

Mistake 5: Only Crating When You Leave

If the crate is ONLY used when you go out, your dog will link crate = you disappearing.

Do this instead:

  • Use the crate at other times too:
    • Naps while you work
    • Calm time after walks
    • Short rest periods when you’re home

This breaks the association between crate and separation.

Mistake 6: Huge High-Energy Greetings at the Door

If every time you open the crate, it’s a full celebration (squealing, cuddles, chaos), your dog learns: “I must go NUTS when the crate opens.”

Do this instead:

  • Aim for calm exits
  • Wait for a second of stillness before opening the door
  • Step back and let them walk out calmly, then reward

Mistake 7: Expecting Silence from Day One

New environments, new routines, new crate—it’s a lot.

Some vocalising early on is normal.

Do this instead:

  • Make sure needs (toilet, exercise) are met
  • If you’re sure they’re okay, wait for a brief quiet moment before you let them out
  • Avoid rewarding full-volume tantrums with immediate door opening

Mistake 8: Wrong Location for the Dog’s Personality

A nervous, clingy dog crated in a far-off room can feel abandoned. A super light sleeper in the busiest part of the house may never fully rest.

Do this instead:

  • Start with the crate closer to you—bedroom or main living area
  • Adjust based on your dog:
    • Anxious? Keep closer
    • Noise-sensitive? Use a calmer corner

Bedside crates are brilliant for this, especially at night.

Mistake 9: Inconsistent Rules

Sometimes the dog is invited into the crate with treats.
Other times they’re shoved in mid-tantrum.

Do this instead:

  • Use a consistent cue: “Crate”, “Bed”, “In your den”
  • Reward them for going in on their own
  • Avoid switching between “special happy place” and “time-out jail”

Mistake 10: Crate Is the Only Management Tool

A crate helps, but it can’t fix:

  • Boredom
  • Zero training
  • Under-exercised, over-stimulated chaos

Do this instead:

  • Pair crate use with:
    • Reasonable exercise for age/breed
    • Training
    • Enrichment (sniffing, chewing, problem-solving toys)

Think “balanced day”, not “crates will magically calm my dog”.

Mistake 11: Expecting Perfection Too Quickly

Many owners give up just before it gets easier.

Do this instead:

  • Give yourself and your dog time
  • Celebrate small wins: they went in by themselves, they settled for 5 extra minutes
  • Keep sessions frequent, short and positive

With patience and tweaks, most dogs can learn to genuinely love their crate.


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