🐶 Confinement Training for Puppies: Vet-Recommended Guidance for 2025 🛏️

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Crate training and confinement can offer puppies a safe space to rest and decompress—but only when done thoughtfully. In this 2025 guide, learn how to introduce confinement in a positive, low-stress way using crates, exercise pens, and calm reinforcement. 🧠🐾

📦 Is Confinement Natural for Dogs?

Dogs aren’t true den animals. While pregnant females may seek enclosed areas to whelp, most dogs—especially free-roaming ones—choose varied environments, not confined, covered spaces. Crates should never be used as punishment or forced too early. 🚫

When done correctly, crates and pens can help with:

• ✈️ Travel
• 🏥 Vet visits or post-surgery recovery
• 🐕 Dog sports and boarding
• 🧘 Rest and decompression

🧠 Crate & Confinement Setups

Choose a setup that fits your puppy’s comfort level:

• 🛏️ Crate (large enough to stand, turn, and lie laterally)
• 🚪 Exercise pen (X-pen) with food, water, and a potty area
• 🐾 Gate off a puppy-proof room for more freedom

Consider placing a crate inside the X-pen, giving your puppy the option to enter voluntarily. ✅

🌙 Overnight Confinement

Crating overnight is tough for many puppies. Dogs are social sleepers, and separating them from littermates and people can increase stress. Alternatives include:

• 🛌 Crate next to your bed
• 🚿 Gated bathroom or adjacent room
• 🧍 Crate-free sleep in your bed (if safe and manageable)

Whatever you choose, be prepared for nighttime potty breaks. ⏰

🎁 Making the Crate a Great Place

Use food puzzle toys, comfort bedding, and games like the “Crate Fairy” to build positive associations:

• 🍗 Randomly place treats in the crate during the day
• 🎉 Let your puppy discover surprise treats
• 🎮 Play short crate games to build trust and joy

🎯 Step-by-Step Confinement Training

🟢 Phase 1: Getting Comfortable

1. 🐾 Place treats near and inside the crate or pen
2. 🎯 Mark (“yes” or click) when your puppy enters voluntarily
3. 🚪 Toss a treat outside the space to reset, then repeat

🟡 Phase 2: Closing the Door

1. 🚪 Gently close the door/gate after they enter
2. 🧁 Feed through the gate, then open and release

🟠 Phase 3: Add a Cue

1. 🗣️ Use a cue like “crate” or “go to bed”
2. 🧠 Mark and treat inside the space
3. ⏱️ Gradually increase the time the door stays closed

🔵 Phase 4: Increase Duration & Distance

• 🧩 Use puzzle toys or treat dispensers to keep them busy
• 🚶 Step away briefly, then return and reward
• 🔁 Repeat with longer intervals and movement

⛔ Avoid These Mistakes

• ❌ Forcing entry or using confinement as punishment
• ❌ Crating for long hours without breaks
• ❌ Ignoring signs of distress (barking, pacing, accidents)

📋 When Crating Isn’t Right

Some dogs never feel comfortable in crates. That’s okay! Use exercise pens, rooms, or baby gates to create a confinement area with options. Always prioritize your pet’s emotional comfort. 🧘

📝 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Confinement training isn’t about control—it’s about comfort. With patience, play, and a structured approach, your puppy can learn to see their crate or pen as a secure, happy space. Whether it’s overnight sleep or quiet decompression, proper training makes all the difference. 🐶💤

Need help designing a crate or pen setup tailored to your puppy’s needs? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 to get support from behavior-savvy veterinary professionals. 🐾📦