Crate Training Starts Early
Introducing puppies to crates before they leave for their new homes is an essential part of our litter separation process.
In the video clips below, you’ll see two groups of four puppies encountering crates for the first time. With the door removed, the pups are free to explore at their own pace. A small amount of cheese was used to encourage curiosity—and none of the puppies showed any hesitation.
Why Crate Training Matters
Whelping facilities and new owners alike should work to make the crate a “happy place” for the dog, even if the primary goal is simply to facilitate future safe confinement when necessary (such as during travel). When a puppy arrives at its new home, the crate should be used frequently throughout the day as part of the adjustment period. This gives the pup a safe retreat amid a new environment filled with unfamiliar people, sounds, smells, and possibly other animals, with which the crate can be used to control the new interactions.
Building Positive Associations
As the dog matures, we recommend establishing a consistent habit: always feed meals in the crate. Occasionally offer treats and rewards that are exclusively given inside the crate. When paired with a cue like “kennel up” or “crate,” puppies will willingly enter on command—with no resistance—because the crate becomes associated with positive experiences alone.
Important: The crate should always remain a safe haven, never a place of punishment or timeout. It should be integrated regularly into the dog’s life.
Crate training also serves as the primary tool for housebreaking—a topic for another time.
We hope you enjoyed the video clips!