The first thing to think about is the size of the crate for your puppy. In order to determine the right size, it’s best to measure your dog from the floor to the top of their head and from their nose to their tail. You want to make sure there is an extra 2’ to 4’ so your dog can be comfortable but not have an excessive amount of room. Dogs do not like to relieve themselves in the same places that they sleep, they like to keep their spaces neat. 

Another thing that our family does to keep our puppies comfortable is making their crates cozy. We like to have a few blankets or towels on their floor to make it a little homier. Also, when they are still puppies, we like to have one that has been with its mother. The smell is comforting for the puppy and can help with the transition from being with its siblings and mother to sleeping alone. All of our puppies come with a goodie bag when you come to pick them up. Inside each bag is a bandana or something small that we have allowed the mother to spend some time with. It should smell like her for the first few days if not weeks.

Although you can do all you can to make their crate comfortable, it will still take time for your dog to get used to sleeping in their crate alone. Your dogs will most likely cry and whine during the first few nights of their training. However, in our experience, dogs typically only take about a week to sleep through the entire night without crying. Once they get used to sleeping in their crate, dogs tend to find their kennels as somewhat of an oasis.

We always keep the kennel door open while we are home because our dogs like to go in there when they need a nap, break, or just want to relax. We don’t allow our dogs to have their toys in their crate because the space is meant to be a place for them to sleep only. By maintaining that rule, the dog’s crate becomes a place that they will keep clean and tidy. It is where they stay when we are out of the house, at least until they are fully potty trained and able to be trusted in the house alone.

Crate training can be a difficult process at first because puppies need to get used to being without their siblings and mother. It is important to have patience with your dog. Every day they will get more and more comfortable with sleeping in their crate. Having a comfortable place to sleep will improve your puppy’s mood and their relationship with you in the long run. Good luck with your crate training!

Fieldside medium labradoodle pups will be:

• Loved on by a family & well socialized
• We are not scammers or a puppy mill
• Up to date on all vaccinations, dewormed & licensed vet checked
• Microchipped & dew claws removed
• Both mom & dad genetic and health test cleared