Real Talk
When we first brought Nova home, crate training felt overwhelming. We knew she’d cry and probably hate it. After all, this pup had been living with her mum and siblings in an open kennel. So, we questioned ourselves: would we be “bad dog owners” for putting her in a cage?
Spoiler: It’s one of the best things we did for both of us. 🐾
Here’s exactly how we crate trained Nova — plus the tools that made it easier (and saved my sofa from destruction).
🐶 Why Crate Training Matters
Crates give your dog a “den” or a “safe space.” They may not like it in the beginning, but eventually — and I promise I saw this with Nova — they treat it like their own little home. At 1 year old, she goes into the crate whenever she likes, she know it’s her safe space.
It prevents them from chewing your sofa, cushions, and furniture while you’re away. Most importantly, it helps with house/potty training your dog.
Dogs are smart animals. They don’t like to eliminate where they sleep or eat. So, if your dog sleeps in the crate, they’ll try and hold it in until you let them out. Over time, they learn that pooping outside (or in a designated area) is fine — but inside is a no-go.
For high-energy, intelligent breeds like German Shepherds, crates provide structure and calm.
🪜 Our Crate Training Essentials
1. The Right Size Crate
Crates come in all sizes. We wanted one that would last, so we got a large crate for Nova to grow into. We chose one with a divider so we could adjust the size as she grew.
We used this one from Amazon UK: MidWest Homes for Pets Large Folding Metal Dog Crate
Why we picked it:
- Two doors for easy access (side and front)
- Easy-to-clean tray
- Divider helped manage space (prevented accidents) and we made the space bigger as she grew. The space should be big enough for your puppy to lay down and turn around in comfortably.
If you’re on a budget, here’s an alternative crate: Budget-Friendly Crate and a flexible divider that works with most crates (check your crate size before buying!).
2. Bedding & Accidents
We started with a mat inside the crate but Nova peed a lot in her first few weeks. Honestly, anyone who made eye contact triggered excitement wees! We cleaned a lot of wees and had a load of laundry. Eventually, we just used the plastic tray, it was just easier to clean.
Once she settled, we switched to this cozy, washable mat: Jaspuriea Large Orthopedic Dog Bed
Tip: Use old towels or blankets during training. Accidents will happen!
3. Crate Comfort Tips
Dogs sleep together when they are born, so they feel comforted by body heat and the sound of heartbeats. The first few nights Nova howled alone – like literally howled! After some research we found ways to help Nova sleep:
- A warm hot water bottle – we tucked this under some towels and made sure she couldn’t get to it – puppies will bite and tear anything so make sure it’s warm not hot and safely hidden. I grabbed one from Amazon but you can use any that’s good quality.
- A clock near the crate for ticking/heartbeat sounds, this soothes the puppy.
- A soft teddy or rolled blankets to imitate other pups. You can also try a purpose-made heartbeat product like: WEOK Heartbeat Puppy Toy
- TOYS! This makes your puppy’s crate cosy and gives them something to keep occupied with. Read my next article for toy suggestions.
🐿️ My Step-by-Step Crate Training Method
1. 🧠 Start with Positive Associations
- Feed meals near or inside the crate (we fed Nova just outside because she was a messy eater)
- Toss in treats/toys and let them explore
- NEVER shove them in or slam the door
2. 🛎️ Leave the Door Open
- Keep the crate open and inviting the first few days
- Let them go in and out freely
- Reward with petting or gentle praise (we didn’t use food rewards much but you can)
3. ⏱️ Short Sessions First
- Close the door for 1–2 minutes while nearby
- Gradually increase time: 5 mins to 10mins to 20 mins
- Return calmly (skip the urge to squeal, ““AWWW! WHO’S MY LITTLE FLUFFY…” because Nova returned the excitement by peeing every time we did this.
4. 🌙 Crate at Night
Many recommend keeping the crate in your bedroom. We didn’t do that. We kept the crate in its permanent spot from Day 1. However, if your pup keeps barking all night, it might be good to start off with the crate near your bedroom so that they feel comforted.
Night 1, Nova howled. Night 2 and 3, Nova barked, Night 4, Nova slept fine, with the tips above (heat, heartbeat, blankets). She woke up at 6am every morning for a poop but that’s a whole other story of toilet training.
5. ♻️ Be Consistent
- Use the crate throughout the day, even when you’re home.
- It should feel like a home, not a punishment zone
We took Nova out of the crate regularly for play, walks and cuddles. But yes, she still had accidents! She even pooped in the crate. I’ll be writing about toilet training in an upcoming post.
⚠️ What to Avoid
- ❌ Never use the crate as punishment
- ❌ Don’t leave puppies crated too long
- ❌ Avoid soft crates for large breeds like GSDs (they WILL destroy them)
💡 Final Tips for Success
- Be patient — some dogs settle quickly, others take time
- Use the crate as part of their routine
- Feed near the crate to build positive, home vibes
- Make it cozy with toys, blankets, warmth, and soothing sounds
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something I’ve recommended, I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for supporting Woof Diary!