Puppy Curriculum
Dog Crate Introduction
The first nights are the hardest part of a new puppy. Ours have already slept in a crate before they leave.
Why it matters
A crate is the safest place for a puppy when you can't watch them, and the fastest route to house-training — but only if the puppy sees it as a den. Introduced badly, it becomes a place of panic.
We put open crates in the pen from week four, feed meals inside, and by week six puppies choose them for naps. In the final two weeks we practise short closed sessions, alone and in pairs, so the door closing means 'rest', not 'abandoned'.
In practice
Crate steps before go-home
Week 4 · Open door
Crates with soft bedding become furniture in the pen.
Week 5 · Meals inside
Every meal in a crate; good things happen in there.
Week 6–7 · Closed naps
Short closed sessions after play, building to an hour, and a night or two in pairs.
Week 8 · Solo practice
Brief alone time so the first night at your house isn't the first time alone.
What it means for you
At home with your puppy
Quieter nights
Puppies who know the crate settle far faster in a new home.
Safer days
You can shower, cook and leave the room without worry.
Travel-ready
A crate-happy dog is a dog you can bring along.
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