Crate training is an essential skill for puppies, offering safety, convenience, and comfort for both the dog and the human family. Although some may initially hesitate about confining a puppy, the practice is widely endorsed by veterinarians, trainers, and experienced pet owners because of its many benefits. (I often remind people that most of us were placed in a crib for naps and sleep in a quiet, safe space. Also, when a toddler needs a nap because we were crabby, overtired, or making poor decisions, the crib is not seen as punishment but as a safe and quiet place to rest or sleep.) 

At Hearty K9s, we start introducing the crate to the pups at 5 weeks old, and by the time they leave here, most settle in a crate for short periods.  It is called crate training for a reason: many pups take a while to understand that their crate can become a sanctuary, whether you’re there or not. 

8 Reasons You Should Crate Train Your Goldendoodle Puppy

(Derived outline from Tracy Franken from Beyond Obedience.)

Creates a Routine for Potty Training. 

A number one reason there are accidents is that people are multitasking and are not keeping their eyes on the puppy.  Sonia suggests keeping a pup on a leash, tied to your belt loop, or putting them in a crate. That way, you have the best opportunity to control the boundaries you have set, which helps the pup to learn to focus on you. Supper time is often a busy time, and a pup will get underfoot when on leash.  I will put the crate in the kitchen (where I am) with a chew toy, so they can see me. 

Crates are a Safe Place for Puppies and Dogs

When you are not watching them, they stay safe from electrical cords, choking, chewing on furniture, accidentally leaving shoes out, consuming things they shouldn’t, and even suffocation from a chip bag that seemed like a tasty snack. The list is endless for a curious puppy. For more information about bringing your Goldendoodle puppy home, read our blog about preparing your home for your puppy.

Crates Help with Overstimulation

Crates help dogs from being over-stimulated by all things going on outside of the house. Nuisance barking at windows, passersby, etc, especially when you are not home, brings on a lot of other problems. 

Crate Training Helps with Anxiety

Crate training helps teach your dog to be comfortable being away from you, even when you are at home.  This is an essential skill, and aids in preventing and resolving separation anxiety.  Goldendoodles are socially driven creatures.  If we allow them to follow us like Velcro all day when we are at home, when we leave, they suffer.  So practicing crating when at home is essential. 

Crating is an Essential Skill In Times of Emergency

• If a health issue suddenly occurs in the family and your dog needs to be boarded, crate-trained dogs find it easier to cope during an emergency. Consider the emotional stress they experience from the family situation, but bringing their familiar crate with them provides a sense of safety. If your Goldendoodle needs emergency overnight vet care, they will need to be crated there.

• During the Fort McMurray fires, hundreds of dogs were displaced into shelters and emergency homes.  Those dogs who were crate trained fared so much better than those who were not. 

For Shy/Fearful Dogs, A Crate is a Safety Zone 

• A dog can escape stressful situations, such as when guests come over or the kids are being too rambunctious, and the dog becomes overwhelmed. 

• Everyone in the household must know that no one is allowed to bother the dog when they are in the crate. 

Crate Trained Dogs are Easier to Transport

Crate-trained dogs are easier to transport in a car and airplane.  They know they will feel safe and feel better.  A dog that barks a lot in a car, settles better in the crate. 

When can you Stop Crate Training?

Ask…What do you think your dog will be doing when you are at work?

• If you want your dog to be peacefully relaxing in your house when you are gone, then why not in your crate?

• When you open the crate door for the dog while you’re away, it’s not freedom, but increased responsibility. They are in charge of all that space, which can be overwhelming for some dogs.

• For many Goldendoodles, the option of being without a crate as they mature one day is very probable, but when should you try?    
  • For nighttime crating, you could start to try at 1 year old.  You could start by keeping them tied to the bedpost and leaving the crate door open as an option.  
  • For daytime, to help set them up for success, do not attempt this until they are 2 years old, and start with shorter periods while always leaving their crate open as an option. 

Tidbits and Tricks to Crate Training Your Goldendoodle Puppy.

Nighttime Crate Training Tips

• Since we have introduced our Hearty K9 pups to crates at 5 weeks old, it’s fine to start them in a crate on the first night. (The Monks of New Skete suggest tethering the pup initially, but that may be for pups who have not seen a crate before.) I personally sleep better knowing they can’t get into anything when they are in their crate.
• Have a crate beside your bed.  (let them see this crate before bedtime).
• Please put the toy I gave you, which has been rubbed on by mom and siblings, into the crate. It should only be used in the crate until the pup is comfortably crate-trained.
• Ensure your pup has been played out in the evening and is tired.
• Nothing to eat or drink after 7pm. 
• Take the pup outside to potty before bed so you’re both on the same page. 😉
• If the crate is close to your bed, you can put your fingers in the holes, for comfort, to know they are not alone.  Some pups who are more human-focused need that for the first few days, and yet others will lie down and sleep more easily. 
• Some people will buy stuffed animals with heartbeat sounds to put in the crate.  For some, that is very effective, and other pups don’t like it at all.
• Some families have had a sleepover in the living room surrounding their pup’s crate for the first little bit.
• When the pup wakes up, take them out to potty and then straight back to the crate.  (absolutely no play time at night!).

Daytime Crate Training

• During the day, the pup is to be watched like a hawk until it is fully housetrained, including house and greeting manners.  Keeping them tied to your belt loop helps with this, but if you can’t watch them, put them in a crate.
• At first, make sure they can still see you when you close the door and give them a toy or a safe chew toy.  Some pups do better if you cover the crate with a sheet or towel. They can sense when you are still there.  As you leave and re-enter the room, they will learn that you do come back. 
• Eventually, you can extend your time away from them in another room and then go out to run a quick errand. Do this gradually if you can. 
• When you return, do not go straight to the kennel or talk to them. Instead, use the bathroom, put away a few groceries, or check your mail, then quietly go to the crate. Have them sit before they exit, put them on the leash, take them to their potty area, and once they’ve done their business, calmly say “good potty” or “good dog,” pet them, and return to the house. (Do not go outside to play with them immediately after potty time when housetraining. Bring them inside and make going outside to play another occasion. This helps them focus on doing their business.)
• Never open the crate when the pup is barking, whining, or pawing. Please don’t let them push the door open with their nose. Tap the door closed (keeping your finger in place to avoid pinching them). Allow them to exit when they are sitting calmly. (Yes, even when they need to go to the bathroom…they can hold on a little longer.) 
• Some pups take longer than others to crate train, but just like teaching a toddler to be potty trained, it is a life-changing skill for everyone!  The more you approach this as a skill that they will learn and eventually love, and know that they will eventually get it, stay the course, and be the confident, calm leader your puppy needs you to be! 

Crate training is not about confinement; it gives your Goldendoodle a safe routine and a quiet place to reset, and with short practice sessions and calm guidance, the crate becomes a comfort, not a punishment. It supports potty training, prevents accidents, reduces overstimulation, and teaches your puppy that time apart is okay. It also prepares your dog for travel, vet stays, and unexpected emergencies. Stay consistent, keep sessions positive, and raise the difficulty slowly. Use the crate for naps and calm time when you are home and at night so everyone rests, and only open the door when your puppy is calm. Most Goldendoodles grow to love their crate, and many can earn more freedom as they mature. If you want a tailored plan, reach out to Hearty K9s for coaching through the early weeks so your puppy learns to feel safe, settle quickly, and thrive with your family.