How to crate train

Crate training your Bernedoodle puppy can make the transition into your home much easier while giving your puppy a safe, comfortable place to relax. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, most puppies can learn to view their crate as their own secure space.

1. Choose the right crate: Select a crate that gives your puppy enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A crate that is much too large can make potty training more difficult, so use a divider if you purchase a crate sized for your puppy’s expected adult weight.

2. Make the crate comfortable: Add comfortable, puppy-safe bedding when appropriate and a safe toy or chew. The goal is to make the crate feel calm and inviting rather than somewhere your puppy is sent as punishment.

3. Introduce the crate gradually: Let your puppy explore the crate without forcing them inside. Toss treats into the crate, offer praise when they enter, and allow them to come back out. Building a positive association from the beginning makes crate training easier.

4. Practice during the day: Begin with short periods in the crate while you are nearby. Once your puppy is comfortable, gradually increase the amount of time and begin stepping out of sight for short periods.

5. Use meals and treats: Feeding meals in or near the crate can help your Bernedoodle associate it with something positive. Treats can also be used to reward your puppy for entering calmly.

6. Build up alone time gradually: Once your puppy is comfortable with the door closed, leave the room briefly and return. Slowly increase the duration rather than expecting a young puppy to immediately remain alone for long periods.

7. Respond thoughtfully to whining: Some whining is normal while a puppy adjusts. Give your puppy an opportunity to settle, but remember that young puppies may also whine because they genuinely need a potty break. Take them outside calmly when needed and then return them to the crate.

8. Schedule frequent potty breaks: Young puppies have limited bladder control. Take your puppy outside after waking, eating, drinking, playing, and before going into the crate for longer periods. If you need more help establishing good bathroom habits, read our puppy potty training guide.

9. Stay consistent: Bernedoodle crate training works best when everyone in the household follows a similar routine. Keep the experience positive, use consistent cues, and avoid using the crate as punishment.

Crate training takes time and patience, especially during your puppy’s first days in a new home. Some puppies adjust almost immediately while others need more time. Stay consistent, reward calm behavior, and focus on helping your Bernedoodle learn that the crate is a safe place to rest.