I have an 8 week old puppy and have used the crate procedures. He takes his treats in the crate and will go there voluntarily. Problem is at night, he has toys, blankets, etc. but proceeds to cry and will cry for hours until I let him out. Not 10 minutes, not 20 minutes, hours relentlessly on end. It is horrible and frustrating and exhausting. I have been on many sites and have done the recommended procedures to no avail. Any tips?

Oh, Thank you for sharing! My puppy often cries inside the crate, then it’s really hard for me to keep continue training her. I’ll follow your guides, and hope that will make her feel more comfortable.

In reply to David C Donovan.

Just wait it out. We use a throw to go o we the sides and roof he seems to be much more settled now.

Great article btw reassured me greatly.

In reply to David C Donovan.

Also want to know this! Because you explain over and over to do this process slowly, but how slowly can it go if you need him to go into his crate the very first night? Which potentially could be only a couple hours after coming home! Thanks! Good, informative article .. this was the only thing I was wondering 🙂

If successful crate training requires slow steps, what is one to do at night? Is one to just place the puppy in the crate and wait until the crying stops?

I totally agree that a crate is a dog’s personal space, and you should respect it! I’ve just bought a puppy, and soon I will have to crate train him. I will make sure this is his space and nobody gets in there. Thanks for the tips!

In reply to James Bergman.

Hey James,
Yes, more comfortable travelling with your dog is one of the reasons to crate train her. However, there are a few more and one of the main things crate training is used for is housebreaking.

I think the biggest reason to crate train is for traveling. Chances are that a lot of places you travel you won’t be able to take your dog. So, you may have to board them or have them in a crate. It is much better for your dog when this is a normally thing and they will be less anxious when you board them. At least that is how I understand it.