Crate training a dog gives it a “den” or safe space to call its own. Crates are also great for keeping puppies safe when transporting them in the car.

Despite its benefits, crate training is a slow process. But it’s important to take your time and train your puppy properly.

The main supplies you need for most crate training methods are a crate, treats, toys and tons of patience. Some methods also use a clicker.

When training dogs to do anything, you need plenty of patience and persistence. This is even more true if you are training a puppy. Crates shouldn’t be used for punishing puppies, as this will give them negative associations.

Some dogs take to things faster than others. For many puppies, crate training only takes a few weeks, but for others, it may take a few months. Be patient.

Think of a dog's crate as its own place to get away from the world. This means the crate should be a low-stimulus place, but should also have adequate space.

Whether you get a solid-sided or wire crate is mostly a matter of preference. If your dog is extremely excitable or prefers the dark, a solid-sided crate is good to reduce light; however, a wire crate can be covered with a blanket.

Buy a crate that will fit your pup when it’s fully grown. If you want, you can put a divider or extra furniture in the kennel until the dog grows into it.

Common sizes for crates include 24, 36 and 42 inches long. If you have a purebred puppy, you can simply look up which size is best for your breed. If you have a mixed-breed puppy, crate size is harder to calculate. Ask the person or shelter you got them from how big they might get, or ask your vet for their best estimate.

Before you begin crate training your dog, decide what kind of crate furniture and toys will make them most comfortable. An alternative to expensive bedding is to use old, familiar bedding or blankets. Even using one of your old shirts or something that smells like you can be comforting to puppies.

No matter what kind of furniture you put in a crate, be aware it may be ripped up or soiled. If that’s not a risk you are willing to take, it is fine for dogs to sleep on the crate mat.

First, put your dog in the crate without a collar, leash or other accessories. Collars can catch on the door or other parts of most kennels.

Next, prepare yourself and anyone living in your house. If you live in an apartment, it might be good to give your neighbors a heads-up so they know what is going on. Puppies often howl or bark during crate training.

Pick a spot for the crate and remove all items from the area. Be mindful of anything your puppy could drag in or chew up.

Finally, pick a command to tell your dog to go to their crate. Popular options include, “go to bed,” “bedtime,” or simply “crate.” Just pick one and stick with it.

Place the crate in an area where the puppy spends a lot of time. Often, this is the living room or a bedroom. Leave the doors open and allow the puppy’s natural curiosity to guide them.

Some dogs will naturally go into the crate but others won’t. When your puppy goes into the crate, praise them or give them a treat.

You can coax the puppy into the crate with treats or a toy, but don't force them or use your command yet. This step is just to get them comfortable and curious, so it can take anywhere from a few days to a week.

At this point, put the crate where you want it to stay. This is also the time to begin introducing the “crate” command. Simply say the command every time your dog goes into the kennel.

Throw training treats or toys into the kennel for the puppy to retrieve or find, and say the command. Using a treat-dispensing toy or dedicated kennel toy is also useful.

Alternatively, you can also feed your dog in or near the crate. This step is to further give the puppy positive associations with the crate and encourage it to go in and out comfortably.

After practicing with crate games, make sure they have enough dog toys to keep them busy and close the door. Start practicing with the crate door closed in short sessions, then progressively make them longer.

When you start out, stay close, where the dog can see you — but don’t coddle it. It can be helpful to set a timer and read a book or play a game to keep yourself occupied but available.

Slowly work your way up to 30 minutes or so, then begin leaving your dog in the crate alone. Once you have tried this a few times without incident, you can leave the house with them in the crate.

Be mindful of how long a puppy will need to be in its crate. If possible, work in time to let them out to play and relieve themselves so they don’t resent the crate or see it as a punishment.

Keep crate training your puppy until it sticks. Often, it takes 6 months for a puppy to be fully crate trained.

Midwest Homes For Pets iCrate: available at Amazon

Available in sizes from 18 to 48 inches long, this durable wire crate has a divider panel that lets you easily cordon off part for a puppy, then let a full-grown dog have the whole space. No tools are required to set it up, and it folds flat for travel.

Wellness Core Power Packed Jerky Treats: available at Amazon

These grain-free jerky squares are made of beef and venison, with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. They’re low in calories and simple to tear into smaller pieces as training rewards.

Diggs Groov Dog Training Treat Dispensing Toy: available at Amazon

This toy attaches to a wire crate and encourages licking to reduce stress. Spread in peanut butter or other sticky treats without worry — it’s made of food-grade rubber, so it washes easily.

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