You’ve brought home your adorable new puppy, and everything seems to be going great — except for one thing: the crate.
Every time your pup goes in, you get crying, whining, barking or frantic pawing. It’s stressful for both of you, and you may be wondering what you’re doing wrong.
The truth is, crate training takes time, patience and a little strategy. With the right approach (and a lot of treats and chew toys), most puppies can learn to feel calm and secure in their crate — often even choosing to nap there on their own.
Here’s how to understand why your puppy is crying and how to turn the crate into a place he truly enjoys.
Should You Crate Train Your Puppy?
If your goal is to keep your puppy safe, protect your home and make house training easier, crate training is an excellent choice.
Dogs naturally seek out cozy, den-like spaces. A crate gives your puppy:
- A secure spot to rest
- A safe place to stay when you’re out or asleep
- A retreat that feels like theirs
Try this Revol dog crate from Diggs
When crate training is done well, your pup learns that the crate is not a punishment — it’s their peaceful hideaway. Many dogs even start using it voluntarily for naps once they feel comfortable.
Why Puppies Cry in the Crate
Crying doesn’t always mean your puppy is sad or distressed — often he’s just confused. Crates are unfamiliar at first, and most puppies simply don’t understand why they’re being placed in one.
Common reasons for whining include:
- New surroundings
- Separation from you
- Too much energy
- Needing to potty
- Boredom
With slow, positive introduction and proper preparation, you can prevent most crate-related stress.
How to Help Your Puppy Stop Crying in the Crate
Crying, pawing and whining are completely normal in the beginning. Here’s how to make the crate feel safe, predictable and inviting.
1. Meet your puppy’s needs first
A puppy who is:
- bursting with energy,
- in need of a potty break, or
- bored
… will never settle in the crate.
Before crate time:
- Take him for a walk or play a high-energy game
- Offer a potty break
- Give him a few minutes to relax
A tired puppy is much more likely to settle quietly.
2. Load the crate with things he loves
Set up the crate while your puppy watches:
- Soft blankets
- Safe chew toys
- Puzzle toys
- Treats hidden around the bedding
Avoid anything unsafe, like rope toys or rawhide.
Let him investigate from the outside first so he builds curiosity about the “fun zone” he can’t quite access yet.
3. Introduce the crate using treats
Make the crate a place your puppy chooses to enter.
- Toss a treat inside
- Let him go in and come out freely
- Praise every time he steps inside
- Feed meals in the crate if needed
Never force him in — this should be 100% his decision.
When he exits, quietly close the door, reload with treats and wait for him to want back in.
4. Practice opening and closing the door
Once he’s comfortable going inside:
- Gently close the door
- Immediately open it
- Repeat, gradually increasing the amount of time before opening
If he wants out, that’s OK — close the door behind him and reload with goodies to make “inside the crate” more appealing than outside.
5. Start locking the door for short periods
When he’s relaxed with the door closed, try locking it briefly.
Give long-lasting chews or food puzzles to teach him that crate time = entertainment time.
Stay nearby at first, and slowly increase the duration.
Avoid opening the door while he’s whining or pawing — wait for a few seconds of calm before releasing him.
6. Begin leaving the room
Once he can handle a few minutes:
- Place him inside
- Do quick chores (1–2 minutes)
- Return calmly
This teaches your puppy that:
You leave sometimes, but you always come back — and it’s not a big deal.
7. Stay calm when letting him out
Avoid making exiting the crate a major event.
No big greetings, no rewards, no excitement.
A neutral, relaxed release helps him learn the crate isn’t something to escape — just another part of his day.
What If the Crying Doesn’t Stop?
If you’ve followed all of the steps and your puppy is still panicking or crying intensely for more than 15 minutes, there may be underlying separation anxiety at play.
This is where a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help identify the cause and create a personalized plan.
Crate Alternatives
If your puppy is struggling with a traditional crate, or if he’s a large breed who simply needs more space, you can try:
✔ Dog gates
These block off safe areas without the confinement of a crate.
Try this Cumbor Auto Close Safety Gate from Amazon
✔ Exercise pens
Larger than crates but still secure, giving your puppy space to move around safely.
Both options offer structure while reducing the feeling of enclosure.
With Patience, Your Puppy Can Learn to Love the Crate
Crate training takes time, repetition and calm consistency. But once your puppy feels safe in his crate, it becomes a comforting, predictable home base — not a place of stress.
Stick with the process, go slowly and celebrate small wins. Over time, those nighttime whines and daytime cries will fade, and your puppy will settle happily into his own cozy den.
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