Crate training is necessary for safety, damage prevention, housetraining and travelling. When you can't keep your puppy with you, he should be confined to a safe area, such as a dog crate. The crate should be big enough for your puppy to comfortably stand up and turn around when he reaches adult size.
A good way to introduce your puppy to the crate is by playing a game that teaches him to go into the crate on command. At mealtime, grab a handful of his favorite Hill's puppy food and take your puppy to the crate area. With a bit of encouragement, toss a kibble into the crate. As your puppy runs in after the food, say "Go to your crate." Once your puppy has eaten the prize, he will run out to play again.
Repeat the exercise 15 to 20 more times per session. Gradually move farther from the crate before you toss the food. Eventually, you should be able to say "Go to your crate" as you sweep your hand toward the empty crate and your puppy will enter on command.
If possible, keep the crate in an area where the family spends a lot of time so your puppy has the opportunity to occasionally enter on his own. You can encourage exploration and time in the crate by placing Hill's® puppy treats or toys in the crate for your puppy to find.
Tasty Tips
You must be careful not to overdo crate confinement. Your puppy can be kept in his crate all night for sleeping and up to four hours during the day, but if you are away from home for a longer period, you will need to provide more room until your puppy can control his bowels or bladder.
For longer confinement periods, you can use a small, puppy-proofed room or an exercise pen with papers spread on the floor during the day, and then use the crate at night when your puppy sleeps. A crate is just too small an area to keep your puppy in all day and all night, too. If you are frequently gone all day, having a friend, family member or dog walker come to let your puppy outside to use the bathroom during the day can be very helpful.
If your puppy cries or barks while confined, try to ignore him. Releasing your puppy or giving him any type of attention will reinforce the behavior.
You need to make your puppy stop barking before you let him out of the confinement area. You can try blowing on a whistle or making an unusual noise. This will cause your puppy to be quiet as he tries to decipher the sound. You can then quickly go into the room and release your puppy while he is quiet.
Most importantly, the confinement area should be a safe haven for your puppy, so never scold or handle your puppy roughly as you put him inside.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Chicken & Zucchini Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Whole Oats, and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports controlled bone & joint growth. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws 7+ dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Small & Mini Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini Dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Related articles
Where Does Your Pup's Bad Behavior Come From?
Learn where your dog's bad dog behavior comes from, as well as advice on dealing with it it and training tips to help him to overcome common issues.
Is My Dog Sick? How Can I Tell?
If your dog is behaving strangely and you suspect something is wrong, learn some common behaviors they may be exhibiting to show they're not feeling well.
What are the signs of food allergies?
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of pet food allergies and food intolerance in dogs and the affect on your pet's health and well-being.
Aggression in Dogs: How to Train It Out of Them
Learn tips for identifying an aggressive dog, causes of aggression, and training methods to alleviate aggression toward an owner, other people & other dogs
Registering Your Dog as a Therapy Dog
Learn about therapy dogs, the training that therapy dogs go through, and what you need to do to register your pup with a therapy dog organization.
Is My Dog's Sneezing Normal?
Learn the reasons behind your dog's sneezing (both common and uncommon) and excessive situations when you should consider taking them to the vet.
Can Dogs Eat Soy?
Learn whether soy is a safe ingredient in dog foods, if there are any health benefits or concerns, as well as if they can have products like soy sauce.
Can Dogs Actually Get Hiccups?
Can Dogs Get Hiccups?
Why Do Dogs Chase Cars? (& How to Get Them to Stop)
Learn why many dogs are fascinated with chasing cars, why this behavior can be very dangerous, and training tips to help your dog to avoid this behavior.
Adopting Two Dogs at Once: Key Considerations
You've always wanted a pet, and you're wondering if you should adopt one or two dogs. Learn more about what you need to consider before deciding.
Choosing the Best Dog Food
Learn what to look for when choosing the best dog food for your pup. Healthy ingredients, your dog's age & his physical condition are important factors.
Adopting Dogs for Seniors: Tips for Finding the Perfect Companion
Learn more about how dogs for seniors are loyal companions. They are pack animals who want nothing more than some attention, activity, and love.
Five Tips to Help Train Your Puppy
Learn some effective ways to train your puppy, including home, group, and professional training, with these five helpful tips.
Balanced Dog Foods & When to Change Them
Nutrition is one of the most important components of keeping your dog healthy, so choosing a well-balanced dog food full of nutrients is key. Learn more.
Enlarged Prostate in Dogs: Managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Signs of an enlarged prostate in dogs (benign prostatic hyperplasia) aren't easy to spot, so learn more about symptoms, treatments & prevention options.
Going to the Beach: How to Prepare Your Pup
If you're thinking of taking your dog to the beach, you'll want to plan ahead. Learn some essential supplies to bring, as well as tips to keep him safe.
Your Dog Ate Deodorant: What You Need to Know
Your Dog Ate Deodorant! What You Need to Know
Raising a Puppy: What You Need to Know
Learn how to raise a puppy - prepare your home, get necessary supplies, and understand nutrition, training, socialization, health care, play, and grooming.
The Best Large Breed Dogs
Learn more about the benefits and things to consider when it comes to adopting a large or giant breed dog.
Puppy Supplies You Really Need
Gather the following puppy supplies to prepare your family for all the fun (and commitment) that comes with being a dog parent.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.