It’s incredibly important to train your dog to feel comfortable with crates and playpens before you start using them regularly. So, here’s a step-by-step guide to introducing a crate or playpen.

Step one: prepare the crate or pen

A crate can be a cosy space where your pup can relax, spend time alone and feel safe. But to ensure it’s a positive place for them, you need to make sure they feel comfortable with it first.

Set their crate up in a calm, quiet place where they’re unlikely to be disturbed while relaxing inside. Ensure the crate is sturdy, set up correctly, and unlikely to collapse accidentally, before using it with your puppy.

It should also be large enough for your pup to stand up, turn around, lie down, sit down, wag their tail and stretch out fully. As your puppy grows, you may need to buy a larger crate.

Make the crate cosy and comfortable with your dog’s bed, blanket and a non-spill water bowl inside, as well as any toys or treats.

You can cover the top and sides with a blanket to exclude draughts and reduce sounds from outside. Fix the door securely open so there’s no risk of your dog accidentally being shut inside while they’re learning about it.

Playpens enable you to restrict your puppy to a certain area while giving them the space that the crate alone can’t provide. You could set up a playpen around your puppy’s crate to give them a larger space to roam in, or you could set it up in a different room entirely.

Make sure the pen is tall enough and secured. It should be large enough to include a comfortable resting space where your puppy can stretch out, as well as their water, food and toys. There should be enough space for your pup to move around the pen and that they can stay at least a metre away from food/water bowls.

Remember to make sure that in both playpens and crates, your dog has access to fresh water.

Step two: Introduce the crate or pen in a positive way

To start training, you’ll need small pieces of your dog’s favourite tasty treats. Make sure the doors to the crate or playpen are fixed open to allow your dog to explore going inside comfortably.

First, simply allow your pup to become used to the crate or playpen being there. Let them sniff it or even venture inside, in their own time.

Make sure you have some treats ready so if they do go inside, you can reward them for making good choices. You could also leave some around the crate or pen for them to find to build up a positive experience.

During the introduction and early stages of training, your dog needs to know they can come out of the crate or pen quickly and easily. This will ensure they feel safe at all times. It will also give them confidence and help to create the positive feeling we want them to associate with being inside the crate or pen.

Remember: Introducing your puppy to new things should always be done slowly, in their own time.