Crate Training Routines That Work

Crate training is one of the first and most important things you’ll do when bringing your new puppy home. At Legacyk, we start building positive crate habits from the start, and we encourage our puppy families to continue that rhythm right away. A well-crate-trained pup is easier to travel with, easier to housebreak, and learns early how to settle—something both GSPs and Cockers need.

Here’s how we recommend you approach those first few weeks.

1. Make the Crate a Safe, Quiet Space

The crate should be your pup’s den—not a punishment. Put it in a quiet, low-traffic area of the house where your puppy can rest undisturbed. A soft pad or towel is plenty (you don’t need fancy beds yet), and a safe chew toy or puppy-safe stuffed Kong can help them settle.

Feed meals in the crate for the first few weeks and let them go in and out with the door open during the day so it doesn’t feel like a trap. We don’t force the crate—but we do make it part of the daily routine.

2. Follow a Routine That Builds Confidence

From 8–16 weeks, your puppy is in their most formative window. Structure and repetition are key. A basic routine might look like this:

Morning:

• Wake up and immediately take them outside to potty

• Breakfast in the crate

• Short nap time in the crate (30–60 min)

• Outside again for potty and play

Midday:

• Crate time while you’re working or busy (1–2 hours max)

• Outside again for potty and a walk or quick training session

• Free time in a safe area or playpen

Evening:

• Dinner in the crate

• Crate rest while the family eats or winds down

• Outside one last time before bed

Most puppies will need to go out during the night at first. That’s normal. Take them out calmly, no fuss or play, and right back in the crate.

3. How to Handle Whining and Restlessness

It’s completely normal for a puppy to cry the first few nights. They’re adjusting to being alone and to a new environment. We recommend:

• Keeping the crate near your bed at night for the first few days

• Using a sound machine or soft background noise

• Skipping the fuss—don’t talk to or console them too much, or they’ll learn that crying gets attention

• Being consistent. Give it a few nights and don’t cave. It’s worth it.

If they’re crying mid-nap during the day, they might just be overtired or testing. Let them work through it unless you suspect a real need (like needing to potty).

4. Don’t Overuse It

Crates are a great tool—but they aren’t a babysitter. Young puppies need plenty of supervised time out of the crate to learn house manners and build confidence. Balance crate time with quality play, short training bursts, and quiet hangout time near you.

Final Thoughts

Crate training sets the tone for so many other skills—self-soothing, impulse control, clean habits, and focus. The dogs we raise here at Legacyk are built for both performance and family life, and crate training is a big part of why they settle so well into their new homes.

If you have questions or need help troubleshooting your crate routine, we’re just a text away.

517-403-2419

We’re always here to support our Legacyk families.