The age at which you can stop crating your puppy at night depends on a few key factors, including their age, behavior, training, and maturity. While there is no exact age for every puppy, the transition typically happens gradually over a period of time.

Typical Crate Training Duration

• 6–12 Weeks – At this age, crate training is important for teaching your puppy boundaries, potty training, and a sense of security. Puppies this young are not yet able to hold their bladders for extended periods, so crating overnight also helps prevent accidents and ensures safety.
• 3–4 Months (12–16 Weeks) – Many puppies are still in the crate during the night at this age, especially if they haven’t fully learned to hold their bladder through the night. The transition away from the crate might begin around this time for some puppies, provided they’re comfortable, potty trained, and used to their space.
• 6 Months+ – At this point, most puppies are typically well-adjusted to crate training and often able to hold their bladder for the entire night. By 6 months of age, many dogs can transition to sleeping outside of their crate for the night, but only if they are…
  • Potty-trained – Able to hold their bladder through the night (usually around 6 months).
  • Calm at night – You should be confident that they won’t get into trouble, such as chewing, getting into things, or making a mess around the house.
  • Comfortable with the new routine – They have learned to sleep independently without anxiety or distress.

Signs That Your Puppy Is Ready to Sleep Outside the Crate

• Fully Potty-Trained
  Your puppy should be consistently going through the night without accidents. If they are still having accidents, crating during the night is likely necessary until they can hold their bladder for 6-8 hours.
• Comfort with Independence
  Your puppy should have adapted to being left alone for periods of time during the day, showing they don’t have extreme separation anxiety. This will also apply to sleeping alone at night.
• Non-Destructive Behavior
  If your puppy is calm and doesn’t get into trouble, such as chewing on things or causing a mess when unsupervised, then they might be ready to sleep outside of the crate.
• Settling at Night
  If your puppy can settle down and sleep comfortably through the night without whining or barking (due to discomfort or anxiety), it’s a sign they may be ready for the transition.

When to Keep Using the Crate at Night

• Separation Anxiety
  If your puppy shows signs of anxiety or becomes destructive when out of the crate, it’s better to continue crating for their security and to protect your home.
• New Puppy
  A very young puppy, or a puppy who is new to your home, might need more time to adjust. Even at 6 months, they might prefer or need the crate as a safe place until they are fully comfortable.
• Continued Accidents
  If your puppy is still having potty accidents overnight, crating will limit access to the house and can help with the potty training process.

Gradual Transition

Instead of suddenly stopping crate use overnight, you can start by…

• Allowing your puppy to sleep outside the crate in a small, puppy-proofed area, such as a playpen or behind a baby gate, where they can’t roam freely.
• Leaving the crate door open, if you’re comfortable, to give them the option to sleep in it if they want but also feel free to sleep outside the crate.
• Allowing more free time outside the crate during the day, including extended sleep times in the evenings and testing out their behavior, to see if they remain calm and undistracted.
• Between 6–12 months, many puppies are ready to sleep outside the crate, but it depends on their individual development and behavior.
• Before transitioning away from the crate, make sure they’ve learned to potty train, have settled into their nightly routine, and are able to be trusted outside of the crate.
• Always take gradual steps, providing reassurance as you adjust their sleeping arrangements.