How to Crate Train Your Cavapoo Puppy

Dog Info

March 3, 2025

My first dog, a Cavalier named Jelly, was an absolute dream—most of the time. She had the sweetest eyes, a wagging tail that never stopped, and the ability to make me laugh even on my worst days. But those first few nights? They were rough. I was exhausted, questioning my life choices, and listening to Jelly’s high-pitched yelps at 2 a.m. I knew I had to get serious about crate training: how to crate train your cavapoo puppy the right way.

If you’re in the same boat—exhausted, frustrated, and maybe a little overwhelmed—you’re not alone. How to crate train your cavapoo puppy can feel intimidating at first, but when done correctly, it provides a safe, cozy space for your pup and helps with potty training, bedtime routines, and even separation anxiety. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s talk about how to make crate training a success.

Why Crate Training Works

Dogs are natural den animals. In the wild, they seek out small, enclosed spaces to feel safe and secure. A crate mimics that instinct, giving your dog a space that’s entirely their own. Plus, it’s a game-changer for house training—dogs don’t like to go to the bathroom where they sleep, so they learn to hold it until you let them out.

But here’s the thing: Crate training isn’t about locking up your dog for hours. It’s about creating a positive experiencewhere your pup sees their crate as a comfy retreat, not a punishment.

Step 1: Picking the Right Crate

Before you start, you need the right setup. Choosing the wrong crate can make training harder than it needs to be.

Size Matters: The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that they have extra space to use as a bathroom.
Wire vs. Plastic: Wire crates offer better airflow and visibility, while plastic crates feel more enclosed. Some dogs prefer one over the other, so if possible, test both!
Dividers for Puppies: If you’re crate training a puppy, get a crate with a divider so you can adjust the space as they grow.
Comfort Items: Add a soft crate pad or blanket to make it inviting, but avoid anything your puppy might chew apart and swallow.

Some families buy a larger crate thinking the puppy will grow into it, but we always recommend the smallest crate that allows them to stand and turn around. If a puppy has enough space, it will designate a potty corner instead of holding it. It is better to buy a small crate and then upgrade when the puppy grows.

Our favorite crate for our Maltipoo and Cavapoo puppies at 8 weeks is the Vibrant Life Pet Kennel 19″ X-Small Plastic Dog Crate Portable Carrier for Pets up to 10 lbs found here https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vibrant-Life-Pet-Kennel-Small-Medium-26-Dog-Crate-Plastic-Travel-Pet-Carrier-for-Pets-15-25-lb-Grey/362522237?sid=ffeaa243-e32f-4e6a-a227-8a6913c6e7e0

Step 2: Introducing the Crate

If you plop your dog in the crate, shut the door, and walk away, chances are they’ll cry, bark, and make you feel like the worst person ever. Instead, introduce it gradually:

Keep the crate door open and let your pup explore on their own.
Toss in some treats or a favorite toy to make it inviting.
Feed meals inside the crate so they associate it with something positive.
Sit by the crate while they relax inside to help them feel comfortable.
Encourage short voluntary stays before ever shutting the door.

The goal? Your pup should willingly go in and out of the crate without fear before you ever close the door.

Step 3: The First Crate Experience

Once your dog is comfortable, it’s time for the real test: closing the door.

Start by closing the door for just a few seconds while giving them treats.
Gradually increase the time they spend inside, always keeping the experience positive.
Stay nearby at first—if your pup starts panicking, let them out before they get too distressed so they don’t associate the crate with fear.
Use a cue word like “crate time” so they learn to go in willingly.
Never force them in—patience is key!

Step 4: Making It Through the Night

The first few nights of crate training can be rough, but consistency is key.

Give your pup plenty of exercise before bed to help them settle down.
Take them out for a potty break right before crating them.
Ignore whining (within reason). If you let them out every time they fuss, they’ll learn that whining = freedom.
Set an alarm for nighttime potty breaks if needed. Puppies have tiny bladders, so expecting them to hold it all night from the get-go isn’t realistic.
Offer a crate-safe chew toy to help them self-soothe.

Crate Training and Separation Anxiety

Crate training is a fantastic tool for preventing separation anxiety. If your dog learns to love their crate, they’ll feel more secure when you leave the house. But it’s important to ease them into alone time:

Start with short absences while they’re in the crate.
Leave them with a special toy or treat they only get when crated.
Avoid making a big deal about leaving or coming home—keep things calm and low-key.
Play soft music or use a white noise machine to provide soothing background noise.

Common Crate Training Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, there are some mistakes that can set back your training:

🚫 Using the crate as punishment. Your dog should see their crate as a safe space, not a time-out zone.

🚫 Leaving them crated too long. Puppies can only hold their bladder for about one hour per month of age (e.g., a 3-month-old puppy = 3 hours).

🚫 Skipping crate training for adult dogs. Older dogs can still be crate trained—it just takes patience and positive reinforcement!

🚫 Not making the crate a happy place. A crate should always be associated with comfort, rewards, and positive experiences.

Storytail Dogs: Ethical Cavapoo Breeder in Pennsylvania

At Storytail Dogs, we take the stress out of how to crate train your cavapoo puppy by preparing our puppies before they even go home. As an ethical Cavapoo breeder in Pennsylvania, we match each puppy with their perfect family based on temperament and lifestyle. Our puppies are introduced to crates early, ensuring a smoother transition into their new homes. We also provide guidance and resources for new puppy owners, so they feel supported every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a well-socialized, loving Cavapoo, we’d love to help you find the right match for your family!

At Storytail Dogs, our puppies start their crate training around 5 weeks old with access to an open-door crate. after a while they use the crate to sleep with their siblings at night with the door closed. But the time they leave, most of our puppies are sleeping through the night by themselves in a closed crate. This doesn’t mean they won’t test you or cry in a new environment, but it does mean that they are familiar with sleeping through the night and they generally have a bladder large enough to wait until morning.

You can see our available puppies here https://storytaildogs.com/puppies-available

Final Thoughts on How to Crate Train Your Cavapoo Puppy

Crate training doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach, patience, and a little bit of trial and error, your dog will learn to love their crate as a cozy, safe retreat.

Remember:

Start slow and keep it positive.
Be consistent with routines.
Make the crate a happy place, not a punishment.

Have you crate trained a puppy before? What worked (or didn’t) for you? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experiences!