Crate Training Without the Stress: Step-by-Step for Real Success

Episode:  Crate Training Your Dog the Right Way
Host: Amy Castro
Guest: Ruth Hegarty, Trainer and Behavior Expert, Founder of Creature Good Dog Training

Summary: A practical, step-by-step guide to crate training that builds confidence, avoids rookie mistakes, and helps your dog see the crate as a safe, positive space.

Links: petparenthotline.com | Guest: Creature Good Dog Training

Recommended crates/accessories: (some links may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission if you buy—this helps keep the show AD FREE!) 

Impact Dog Crates

Furbo Pet Camera

Wagnific

DogTV

Veterinary Disclaimer: This show is educational and not a substitute for individualized veterinary advice.

Transcript Note: Edited lightly for clarity and readability.

Chapters: 00:00 Intro | 01:59 Meet Ruth | 04:15 Why crate training is a process | 06:40 Consistency and trust | 11:35 Setting up the crate | 13:25 First steps | 16:54 Avoiding setbacks | 20:23 Tracking progress | 23:31 Enrichment and frozen treats | 25:11 Using sound and TV | 28:33 Progressing time alone | 32:14 Overnight vs daytime | 34:44 Structure and routine | 37:17 Wrap

Amy Castro (00:00)
Getting your dog used to a crate is not a one-day fix. It’s a process. And if you’ve ever tried and felt like you failed, chances are you skipped a step or moved too fast. Today we’re going to walk through crate training from the very first introduction all the way to success.

Amy Castro (00:25)
Welcome to the Pet Parent Hotline, your lifeline to practical solutions for your toughest pet parenting challenges. I’m your host, Amy Castro, here to help you cut through the noise and turn expert advice into step-by-step strategies so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets again.

Amy Castro (00:48)
When I first started crate training, I made one of the biggest rookie mistakes out there. I brought my puppy home, popped him in a brand-new crate at bedtime, and thought we’d be fine. He howled, cried, and had accidents everywhere. It was a total disaster, and it was my fault. I set him up to fail.

Crate training isn’t instant—it’s about patience, consistency, and baby steps. My guest today is Ruth Hegarty, a multi-certified trainer and behavior expert, and the founder of Creature Good Dog Training. Ruth, thanks for coming back again to talk about crates.

Ruth Hegarty (01:59)
My pleasure, Amy. I’m all about crates this month too—especially since I have a new puppy at home.

Amy Castro (02:15)
That’s right! Last time we talked about choosing the right crate. Today we’re moving into how to actually train your dog to enjoy it. Let’s start with this: why is crate training a process and not something you can just do in one night?

Ruth Hegarty (04:15)
Because dogs aren’t born understanding what a crate is. To them, being shut in a box feels scary. You want to introduce the crate slowly so it becomes a positive, safe place—not something that feels like punishment or confinement.

Amy Castro (06:40)
And consistency plays a role here too, right?

Ruth Hegarty (06:52)
Yes, consistency builds trust. It doesn’t mean you have to practice every single day, but you should always go slow, use treats, and avoid shortcuts. If you rush, you risk breaking trust, and that sets you back further than if you’d skipped a day.

Amy Castro (11:35)
Let’s talk setup. Where should the crate go in the house?

Ruth Hegarty (11:45)
Place it somewhere the dog feels part of the family but not overwhelmed. Think kitchen, not the busy hallway. You can move it at night or during the day if needed. Location matters.

Amy Castro (13:25)
So once it’s set up, how do you begin?

Ruth Hegarty (13:32)
Make the crate awesome. Toss treats in, feed meals inside with the door open, add toys and chews. Slowly build up to closing the door for a minute while they enjoy something positive, then increase the time gradually.

Amy Castro (16:54)
And what if we rush too quickly?

Ruth Hegarty (17:02)
Then you may have to reset—go back to leaving the door open, toss in extra treats, and rebuild confidence. Progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay.

Amy Castro (20:23)
I love your point about tracking progress, like journaling or using a puppy log. That helps us see wins when setbacks feel bigger than they really are.

Ruth Hegarty (23:31)
Exactly. And using enrichment like frozen Kongs or lick mats in the crate not only keeps them busy but also helps them relax. Sniffing, licking, chewing—those are calming behaviors.

Amy Castro (25:11)
What about using music, TV, or white noise?

Ruth Hegarty (25:18)
That can help. There’s DogTV, there are playlists designed for pets, and even leaving on shows they hear often can create comfort. Just avoid sounds that could stress them, like sirens or shouting.

Amy Castro (28:33)
How do we know when it’s safe to leave the dog longer—like for errands?

Ruth Hegarty (28:40)
Build gradually. If they can handle a grocery store run, they can likely handle a movie. Using cameras like Furbo helps you check in. Always increase duration step by step.

Amy Castro (32:14)
Is the process different for overnight versus daytime use?

Ruth Hegarty (32:20)
Not really. As long as they’ve had exercise, potty breaks, and a routine, they’ll usually settle. Overnight placement—like having the crate near your bed—can help in the early days.

Amy Castro (34:44)
Structure and routine seem huge here.

Ruth Hegarty (34:49)
Yes, dogs love predictability. Crating at certain times daily helps them see it as normal quiet time, not isolation.

Amy Castro (37:17)
That’s a great wrap-up. Ruth, thank you so much for walking us through the process. For listeners—crate training isn’t about rushing. It’s about building trust, creating positive associations, and making the crate part of real pet parenting.

If you want links to recommended crates and accessories, check the show notes. And remember, your pet’s best life starts with you living yours. Take good care of yourself and your pets this week.

Do you want me to go ahead and also build the matching show notes for this transcript in the same format we did for the “crate selection” episode, with your pet keywords integrated?