How to Crate Train a Bernedoodle Puppy, Step by Step
By Zach, Z and Z Doodles · · 5 min read
A crate can be one of the best tools you have as a new puppy owner. Used well, it gives your dog a safe, cozy den, speeds up housetraining and keeps your puppy and your furniture out of trouble. Used badly, it becomes a place of stress. Here is how to do it well, based on what we teach every family who takes home one of our puppies.
Why crate train at all?
Dogs are den animals by instinct. A crate, introduced kindly, becomes a quiet place to rest. It helps with potty training because puppies avoid soiling the place they sleep. It keeps your puppy safe when you cannot supervise, and it makes travel and vet visits easier. A dog comfortable in a crate is a more relaxed dog.
Pick the right crate
Choose a crate big enough for your dog to stand, turn around and lie down in, but not much bigger. Because Bernedoodles grow, buy one sized for your adult dog with a divider so you can shrink it for now. Too much room invites a puppy to use one corner as a bathroom. A wire crate with a washable pad works well, and a cover can make it feel cozy.
Where to put it
Place the crate in a spot where your family spends time, such as a corner of the living room, rather than a far-off room. At night, keep it near your bed at first. Dogs are social, and being close helps them settle. You can move it later.
Step 1: make it wonderful
Leave the door open and toss treats inside. Put the blanket we send home in there and feed meals near and then in the crate. Let your puppy go in and out freely. The goal is for the crate to mean good things happen here. Never push your puppy in or use the crate as punishment.
Step 2: short closed-door sessions
Once your puppy goes in happily, close the door for a few seconds while you stay close, then open it before they fuss. Slowly build up to a minute, then several minutes, then longer, moving around the room. Give a chew toy to make it pleasant. If your puppy cries, you went too fast, so go back a step.
Step 3: leave the room
When your puppy is comfortable with you nearby, practise stepping out of sight for brief periods, and return calmly. Keep arrivals and departures low-key. Gradually extend the time. This builds the ability to be alone, which prevents separation problems later.
How long can a puppy stay in the crate?
As a very rough guide, young puppies can manage only a few hours at a stretch, and less during the day, since they need frequent potty breaks, play and company. Ask your vet to help you plan. Never leave a dog in a crate for an entire workday as a routine. If you work long hours, arrange a pet-sitter, a midday visit or other care. Our potty training guide shows how to time breaks.
Nighttime
Take your puppy out right before bed, then crate them with the blanket and a safe chew. Expect a trip or two outside in the night, and keep it calm. Our post on your puppy's first night and week covers what to expect.
Common mistakes
- Using the crate as punishment
- Letting a crying puppy out only because they cry
- A crate that is too large
- Leaving a puppy crated too long
- Skipping exercise before crating
- Rushing the process
What if my puppy hates the crate?
Go back to basics. Make the crate more rewarding with high-value treats, feed meals inside and shorten sessions. Check that your puppy has had enough exercise and a potty trip. If distress continues, such as panic, drooling or injury, talk with your veterinarian or a trainer.
Quick answers
Should I put water in the crate? For short sessions it is usually unnecessary. Ask your vet about longer stays, and follow your potty schedule.
What should my puppy wear in the crate? Many trainers prefer nothing loose, since collars and tags can catch on wire. Follow your vet's or trainer's advice.
Can a crate be too cozy? A cover and soft pad are fine, but make sure the crate has airflow and the temperature is comfortable. A crate should feel like a safe den, never a place that is too hot, too cold or too confining. If you ever wonder whether it is working, a short call to a trainer can save weeks of frustration.
When can they stop using it?
Many dogs keep enjoying their crate for life. Others graduate to a dog bed once they are reliable around the house, often sometime in their first year or two. Keep the door open and let them choose. There is no deadline.
Questions about training? See the FAQ, browse our available puppies or contact us. We are always happy to help our families succeed.
Zach and his family raise Bernedoodle puppies at home in Central Illinois. Every puppy is health-tested, raised underfoot, and backed by lifetime breeder support. Meet the family.
