Crates are a great way to keep your puppy safe and secure and can play a key role in training your dog.
They can offer the perfect place for puppies to sleep at night, and it’s also an ideal place for them to go when you’re not home.
It also gives them a safe space where they can feel comfortable and get some much-needed rest.
Wondering just what you can put in the crate with your puppy to make him happy? We took a closer look at this question and put together all you need to know about crating your puppy.
Whether you’re looking to crate train or simply want to give your pup a safe place to nap during the day, we’ve got everything you need to know right here!
What Should I Put In My Puppy’s Crate?
You’ll want to think about what activities your puppy does while inside the crate. Some dogs love nothing better than snuggling up next to you, so you’ll want a crate big enough for them to do this.
Other dogs prefer to stay alone, so you’ll want something that allows them to retreat into their own private world.
Here are some ideas for things you can put in your puppy’s crate:
1. Toys
Your puppy will enjoy playing with toys while he’s in his crate.
He’ll especially enjoy soft toys that squeak and tug toys that encourage him to chase after them, and these are important for ensuring that your pet is stimulated and happy, and will allow him to associate the crate with a chance to play and enjoy his toys, rather than as a stressful situation.
2. Food
You should make sure that your pup has access to food and water whenever he wants it. This way, he won’t feel deprived when he’s in his crate, and he’ll know that he’s not going to starve.
3. Comfy Bedding
Most puppies sleep well in a crate, but if yours doesn’t, then you’ll want to get him a comfy bedding option. There are many different options available, including fleece blankets, dog beds, and pillow-like items.
You can use blankets to keep your puppy warm during cold weather or to provide extra comfort when he’s feeling hot (see also ‘How To Keep A Dog Warm In A Crate‘).
Some owners choose to use heating pads – these can be placed under the blanket to create an even warmer environment.
4. A Familiar Scent
If your puppy likes to sniff everything, then you’ll want a crate that smells like home.
Your puppy will naturally associate the smell of his crate with being safe and secure, and this will help him feel comfortable when he’s in it. Try adding an item of your clothing, or a favorite blanket, to the scent.
5. Puppy Pads
If your pup is still fairly young, you should always expect and be prepared for toileting accidents. Puppy pads can be used to absorb any urine or poop that your puppy may have left behind.
They come in various sizes, from small to large, and you’ll want to choose one that fits your puppy’s needs.
How To Crate Train Your Puppy
Crate training is a great way to teach your puppy how to behave properly in his new surroundings. It’s also a good idea to crate train your puppy at night since this is when most housebreaking problems occur.
If you are new to crate training a dog or puppy, here are some top tips to help you get started, and ensure that the experience is as stress-free as possible for both of you.
Start Slowly
One of the most important things to remember when crate training is that you need to start with slow, small steps, and build up gradually.
Don’t try to introduce your puppy to crates overnight; instead, take it slowly over several days.
Start by simply having the crate in the room for a few days, with the door open – this will allow your pup to see where the crate is located, and learn that it’s okay to go near it.
Once your puppy knows that the crate is okay, put a toy and some of their items inside, and leave the door closed.
Leave the crate alone for a few minutes, then check on your puppy to see what they’ve been doing. Praise your puppy for exploring the crate, and reward them with treats and praise.
Repeat this process until your puppy associates the crate with fun activities.
Keep The Door Open
When your puppy first starts using the crate, don’t close the door – instead, leave this open so that your pooch can come and go as desired.
This will give your puppy the opportunity to explore the space, and learn that the crate is not off limits, as well as show them that this is a safe space rather than something to be feared or worried about.
Only Use The Crate For Short Periods Of Time
It’s important to keep your puppy’s time in the crate limited, especially in the early days. If you let him stay in the crate all day long, he won’t learn to associate the crate with restful sleep.
Instead, limit the amount of time that your puppy spends in the crate to no longer than an hour per day – you can always build up from this as your pup grows more used to being in the crate.
Final Thoughts
Crate training can offer a number of benefits to your pub, and help to ensure that your household is a calm place for your pet, and for other family members.
However, it’s important to remember that crate training can take time, and knowing how to go about it, as well as the items that your pup will need, can make a real difference to your results.
With our guide, you can get started right away, and rest assured that you are making smart choices that benefit both owner and pet.
