10/15/2026
1) You give up too early - this is the one I see most often. The first 3-5 days will look and sound exactly like this, most people give up after the 2nd or 3rd night and their puppy learns in that moment, “if I want something bad enough I can bark and scream and I’ll get it”. Stick with it, they learn very quickly that the crate at bedtime is normal.
2) You constantly check on the puppy or try to soothe them - Every time you look at the puppy or tell them “you’re okay” you are rewarding the very behavior you’re trying to work through. They are begging for attention and you’re giving them exactly what they want. It’s important once you put them down for bed to ignore them and show them that this is normal. Remaining calm and neutral will show them everything is fine.
3) You’re overcomplicating it - many people try to condition a puppy to a crate by playing crate games and putting them in there for short 5 minute increments, only to let them out before they’ve ever had a chance to actually settle. By doing this you’re also drawing too much attention to the crate instead of making it a normal part of their daily routine. It’s okay to start with smaller increments throughout the day, but make sure it’s for at least 45 minutes to an hour so they can actually settle down and get comfortable before you let them out.
4) You let them sleep in your bed the first night 😰
When you first get your puppy it’s important you establish what a normal routine with you looks like. If the first night they sleep in your bed, they’ll think something is terribly wrong when you turn around and crate them night 2 or 3.
5) the crate is too big- it sounds counterintuitive, but a smaller crate feels more cozy and secure. The first night can be overwhelming and scary, they were used to being surrounded by their littermates and now they’re alone. Covering with a blanket or a towel can help them feel safer and more comfortable
Remember that animals are reassured by strong and confident leadership, if you appear nervous or anxious, you’re inadvertently showing them that they should be to. Don’t tell them everything is okay, show them.
