Crate training can be a great tool for raising a well-behaved puppy, but many new pet parents wonder, “How long should my puppy be in a crate each day?” It’s necessary to find the right balance so your puppy feels safe and comfortable in their crate without being confined for too long. Let’s dive into some guidelines to help you make the best decision for your furry friend.

Why Use a Crate in the First Place?

Crates can be helpful for a variety of reasons…

• House training – A crate helps with potty training by encouraging your puppy to “hold it” since dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
• Safe space – It provides a secure and comfortable spot where your puppy can relax.
• Preventing destructive behavior – Crates keep your puppy from chewing on things they shouldn’t when you can’t supervise them.

Use the crate as a positive space, not as a form of punishment.

How Long Should a Puppy Be Crated Based on Age?

The general rule of thumb for crating puppies is that they can stay in the crate for about 1 hour for each month of age, plus one additional hour. Here’s a rough breakdown…

• 8–10 weeks old – 30 minutes to 1 hour at a time. Puppies this young need frequent potty breaks and lots of playtime. Limit crate time to short sessions, especially during the day.
• 11–14 weeks old – Up to 2–3 hours at a time. As your puppy grows, they can start to stay in the crate for slightly longer periods but still needs regular potty breaks and play sessions.
• 15–16 weeks old – Up to 4 hours at a time. By this age, your puppy is likely developing better bladder control and can stay in the crate longer during the day.
• 6 months and older – Up to 6 hours during the day. For older puppies, 6 hours is the maximum recommended amount of time in a crate during the day. At this age, they should also get plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and breaks outside the crate.

What About Crating at Night?

At night, it’s okay for puppies to stay in the crate for longer stretches. Just make sure they’ve had a chance to go potty right before bedtime. Depending on your puppy’s age, you might still need to get up for a nighttime potty break, but as they grow, they’ll be able to sleep through the night without needing one.

Tips for Crate Training Success

Crate training isn’t just about knowing how long your puppy can be in a crate—it’s also about making the experience positive and comfortable. Here are some tips to help…

Make the Crate Inviting

Add a soft bed or blanket inside, and consider placing a toy or a treat to encourage your puppy to explore the crate. Make sure the crate is the right size, it should be large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that they can use one side as a bathroom.

Keep Crate Time Positive

Never use the crate as a form of punishment. Instead, associate it with good things—like treats, toys, and relaxation. You can feed your puppy in the crate or give them a special chew toy that they only get when inside the crate.

Give Plenty of Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Before crating your puppy, make sure they’ve had plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A tired puppy is more likely to settle down and rest in the crate. Plan for playtime, walks, and interactive games to tire them out.

Gradually Increase Crate Time

Start with short periods in the crate, and gradually increase the time as your puppy becomes more comfortable. If they start to whine or bark, it’s necessary to wait until they’re calm before letting them out, so they don’t learn that making noise will get them released.

How Much Total Crate Time Is Too Much?

Crating your puppy for extended periods regularly can lead to boredom, anxiety, and even health issues. In general, limit daily crate time to no more than 6–8 hours, broken up throughout the day. Puppies need time outside the crate for socialization, play, and exploration.

Alternatives to Crating

If you need to be away from home for extended periods, consider alternatives to long-term crating…

• Dog-proofed rooms – Set up a safe space where your puppy can roam, with toys and a comfy bed.
• Playpens – Offer a confined space with more room to move around than a crate.
• Pet sitters or doggy daycare – For longer absences, consider hiring a pet sitter or enrolling your puppy in doggy daycare to give them company and stimulation.

Crate training can be an effective way to house-train your puppy and provide them with a safe space. Yet, it’s crucial to follow age-appropriate guidelines and not overdo it. The crate should be a positive place where your puppy feels comfortable and secure—not a place for extended confinement. By gradually increasing crate time, keeping it positive, and providing plenty of exercise and interaction, you can help your puppy thrive.