When is the Right Age to Put a Dog in a Crate at Night?

Dogs of various ages can be introduced to crates, with around 8 to 10 weeks old being a commonly recommended starting point. Early crate training can ensure a positive experience for the puppy. Proper training techniques are essential for making sure your pet enjoys its crate instead of viewing it as a cage.

There are numerous resources available online, but I highly recommend checking out my Quora Profile for additional tips and insights on crate training.

Introducing the Crate at Home

It is generally a good idea to start crate training as soon as you bring your puppy home. With ethical breeders, it is likely that the puppy has already been introduced to its crate, which can make the transition smoother. Regardless, the puppy should sleep in its crate the first night and every night thereafter for several months at least.

Using a Crate Properly

The use of a crate is not cruel when used correctly. Crating a puppy when unsupervised can help prevent mischief and danger. It ensures that the puppy is safe and secure, especially when you are not at home. Operating a house without constant supervision is simply not feasible, so starting crate training from the very first night is highly recommended.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

For additional comfort and security, place the crate near your bed. This can help the puppy feel less lonely and more at home. When we were breeding puppies, we kept even our best-picked pups in a puppy pen in the kitchen at night and occasionally during the day when we were busy.

After retiring from breeding, we continued to use a crate. Our first puppy after the end of our bloodline was crated from night one. She was 9 weeks old at the time and is now 14 years old, still using her crate in my room at night. Our second buy-in also used the crate, but our latest buy-in, a 8-year-old dog from a retired breeder, totally refuses to use a crate. We gave him the option to stay in the kitchen behind a baby gate.

Personal Experience with Crating

We never crated our dog and are glad we didn't because someone broke into our house while we were partially asleep. Without crating, our dog would not have been able to defend our home. Around Christmas, with lights off and only the Christmas tree on, someone tried the front door. Our dog, alert and keen, went to the front door, put her feet on the window sill, and growled with all her teeth showing!

These experiences highlight the importance of crating for both the safety and well-being of the dog and the security of your home. Proper training and placement can make the difference between a confined, uneasy animal and a happy, well-adjusted pet.

Resources for Crate Training

For more information and guidance, consider the following resources:

ASPCA's Crate Training Article PetHumor's Guide to Crate Training Puppies Additional Tips from ASPCA

Remember, crate training is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each dog and owner has unique needs and circumstances. However, starting early and providing a comfortable environment can lead to a safer, more secure home for you and your dog.