When Can You Start Leaving a Dog Crate Open? (Solved & Explained!)

Whenever you are not training your dog, you should definitely leave the crate door open. You can put some of their toys inside, along with treats, and in this way you can help them to build happy associations with the crate. After awhile, you’ll often find them using it for naps without you even prompting them!

For the remainder of this article, we’ll give you the answers to some of the most popular questions on the subject of crating. Let’s take a look at what people asking on this popular subject!

When can I leave my puppy crate open at night?

Once your puppy is used to the crate then it’s okay to simply leave the door open at night so that they can get inside when it’s bedtime. One of the aims of crate training is to teach your dog that they have their own ‘den’ where they can go when they feel stressed or simply feel like a nap.

After a while, when you turn out the lights, your puppy will climb inside their crate to go to bed as well.

Should I leave my dogs crate open during the day?

Yes! Your dog’s crate is their own personal space and as long as you don’t create too many negative associations with it, they will eventually get into the habit of using their when they feel like resting or chewing on a toy away from any distractions that may be present in the house.

Is 6 weeks too early to crate train a puppy?

6 weeks is not too early to begin crate training, just be sure not to leave your puppy in the crate for longer than 1 hour. A 6 week old puppy does not have the ability to control their bladder for longer than 1 hour, so it’s crucial that you keep an eye on the time to avoid any potty accidents.

Can you crate train a 10 week old puppy?

Yes, you can definitely crate train a 10-week-old puppy, you’ll just want to make sure that you don’t leave them in the crate for more than 1 – 2 hours at nighttime or 30 minutes during the day.

You will also want to make sure that there is comfortable bedding inside and something for your dog to play with, in case they get bored.

Is dog crating cruel?

Crating is not cruel, as long as the crate isn’t simply being used as a ‘puppy storage’. When properly done, crating has a lot of benefits. It can help in potty training, prepare the dog for when you need to travel with them, and even provides a mini-den that your doggy can go into on their own if you leave the door open!  

Should you shut the crate door on a puppy?

 Yes, but not right away. Start feeding them their meals in the crate and close the door while your dog eats. Open the door when they finish, but next time keep it closed for a minute or two afterwards.

Repeat this and slowly increase the time to teach your puppy that the crate is safe – you’ll always be coming to let them out.

Should I put my 8 week old puppy in a crate at night?

Yes. Crating your puppy at night is a good idea, as it keeps them from wandering around and getting into all sorts of mischief. You will need to make sure to take them out after 2 hours, however, for a bathroom break. At 8 weeks old, your puppy can only wait around 2 hours between bathroom breaks.

How long can I leave my 5 month old puppy in a crate?

Ideally, with a 5 month old puppy, 4 to 5 hours should be the maximum amount of time that you leave them in the crate. After this period of time, your puppy will need to go outside for a potty break, so be sure to take them out right away!

Can I crate my dog during the day but not at night?

Yes, you can crate your dog during the day but not at night, if you would like. You don’t want to let them roam around the house at night, however, it is best to let them sleep in your bedroom with the door closed or to put a baby gate in the bathroom or another room so that they can’t get out.

Just be sure not to let them simply roam the house. Unattended puppies can get stuck in places, get intestinal blockage eating things they find on the floor, and it is almost guaranteed they will potty as well!

Can I crate my dog for 12 hours at night?

No, 12 hours is too long in the crate. Dogs are very social animals and leaving them isolated and confined in this fashion can cause them to become depressed very quickly.

Some older dogs may be crated for 8 hours, but it’s best to go with a pet sitter or get the help of a friend if you will be away for extended times such as this.

How long can a 6 month old dog stay in a crate?

For a 6 month old dog, 5 to 6 hours is going to be the maximum that you would want to leave them in a crate. At 6 months, this is about how long they can control their bladder, so they will need to immediately go outside if they have been crated for this long.

Should I wake my puppy up to pee at night?

Yes! Puppies need to go outside frequently for potty breaks, as they have very small bladders and simply cannot wait. You should set an alarm to remind you and keep in mind that for every 1 month of age your puppy can wait 1 hour before they will need to go outside.