How To Crate Train An Older Dog | A Comprehensive Guide for Kennel or Crate Training At All Ages

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve likely wrestled with the idea of crate training. Should you even attempt to crate-train an older dog? When is it appropriate, and when is it not? The truth is, while crate training can be an invaluable tool, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution and may not work for every dog.

In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of crate training and answer some of the most common questions dog owners have, including how to crate train an older dog. We’ll also touch on kenneling, which differs from crating by providing a larger, outdoor space with more freedom. Done correctly, indoor crate training can translate seamlessly to outdoor kenneling, creating a safe, structured environment for your dog both inside and out.

Before we dive in, let’s dispel a common misconception: crate or kennel training is not cruel. When used correctly, it offers your dog a relaxing, secure space to call their own. Boundaries don’t diminish your bond with your pet—they enhance it, creating a balanced, loving relationship where your dog feels safe and cared for. Let’s get started!

What Is The Purpose Of Crate Training Your Dog?

Crate Training our dogs can have multiple purposes. Giving your dog a break from a chaotic environment (anxiety, other animals, or children), helping transport them more easily, strengthening their bladders, helping with housebreaking, and as a way to deal with health issues.

It seems that we believe crate training is always for the owners. Crate training is more for the dogs than for us! Just like we have a place that we go to to feel safe, dogs crave that as well. When it comes to kenneling your dog outside, that space improves even more with fresh air and more space! Not to mention, with certain kennels, you can set up a heating and cooling system for your dog!

Can An Older Dog Be Crate Trained?

Contrary to the saying, old dogs can absolutely learn new tricks, including crate training. You might think older dogs have already been crate trained, but that’s not always the case—especially with rescue dogs who may have never experienced crate training. Changes in routine, behavioral challenges, or medical needs can also make reintroducing a kennel necessary to reduce anxiety or manage new behaviors. Crate training may be required later in life for a variety of reasons.

When crate training a senior dog, it’s often helpful to approach it similarly to training a puppy. Older dogs may have weaker bladders, require more exercise to stay in shape, and need consistent repetition to learn this new skill. A key difference is incorporating exercise into their training routine. Allowing them to relax after a walk—when they’ve used the restroom and expended energy—creates an ideal moment to introduce the crate. At this point, they’ll be ready to calm down and settle into their safe space.

What Are The Steps To Crate Training Your Dog?

Crate training an older dog requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you succeed:

Step 1: Choose the Right Crate or Kennel

• Research Crates: This is when you introduce them to their new space. There are different styles of crates and kennels, all made of different materials. We recommend doing some research on which crate or kennel is best here! Below is a more detailed guide on things to look for in a crate or kennel. 
• Set Up the Crate: Finding a space that you know will suit your dog is important. Begin by putting a blanket or soft mat inside. Get a favorite toy or treat that they love to put in the crate/kennel ahead of them. If they are hesitant to enter their new space, try leading them to it and sitting down with a few treats right next to it.

Step 2: Introduce the Crate Positively

• Allow your dog to explore the crate at their own pace. Sit near it and use treats or toys to encourage them to enter. Avoid forcing them inside.
• Make the crate a positive space by associating it with good things. Feed your dog meals near the crate, gradually moving their food bowl inside. Leave the door open during this process.

Step 3: Teach a Command

• Introduce a command like “crate,” “bed,” or “kennel” using a cheerful tone.
• Call your dog to the crate, reward them with treats when they enter, and use praise to reinforce the behavior. Practice this consistently until they respond reliably.

Step 4: Gradual Time in the Crate

• Once your dog is comfortable entering the crate, start leaving them inside for short periods. Begin by staying near the crate for 5–10 minutes, then gradually extend the time.
• Use treats and toys to encourage your dog to stay in the crate. Close the door briefly and open it while they’re calm to reinforce positive behavior.

Step 5: Establish a Routine

• Incorporate the crate into your dog’s daily routine. Use it for naps, relaxation, or quiet time while you’re home.
• Encourage your dog to sleep in the crate at night, ensuring they have a comfortable setup with blankets or a bed. This helps them associate the crate with security and rest.

Step 6: Build Independence

• Once your dog is comfortable being crated while you’re nearby, practice leaving the house for short periods. Create a “leaving ritual” that includes:
  1. Saying, “It’s time to go to your crate.”
  2. Leading them to the crate with a treat.
  3. Ensuring the crate has blankets, toys, and a treat before you leave.
• Avoid returning multiple times for forgotten items, as this can confuse your dog.

Step 7: Return Calmly

• When you return, maintain a calm demeanor. Greet your dog with affection, but avoid overly excited reactions. Keeping calm helps reinforce the idea that your departures and returns are normal.

Important Tips to Keep in Mind

1. Never Use the Crate as Punishment: If your dog does something bad, yelling at them to go into their safe space will give them a bad mindset when they think about their crate.
2. Avoid Overuse: Leaving them in their crate for too long can add to the problems that their safe space is meant to solve. Changing their environments between the crate and kennel and limiting the time spent in each is essential.
3. Crate Training is not meant to last forever: You will have the ability to give your dog more freedom down the road based on how well they respond to the training. Kenneling can last for as long as you want! Giving them an outdoor space doesn’t have to end because dogs need to be outside and exercise.
4. Allowing your dog to have the ability to sleep in their crate when you are home is key! Giving them blankets or a bed to retreat to can allow you to understand what they are feeling at that moment. If they withdraw to their crate, it could be a good time to give them some needed space.

With consistent effort, positive reinforcement, and patience, your older dog will learn to see

How Long Does It Take To Crate Train A Dog?

Crate training a dog isn’t exactly like heating something in the microwave. There is no magic beeping that happens when you are finished. It could take different amounts of time, depending on your training style and your dog’s personality. Here are the generic timetables for crate training your dog.

Puppy (Under 10 Months)	30 min- 1 hour/day  for approx. 2 weeks
Adult Dogs (House Trained)	1 hour/day for approx. 1 ½ weeks
Adult Dogs (Not House Trained)	1 ½ hours-2 hours/day for approx. 4 weeks
Senior Dogs	1 ½ hours/day for approx. 2 weeks

All the dates are approximations because of how many variables are at play. Here are a few things that could change that timeline.

• Anxiety

• Whining

• Health Issues

• Bladder Issues

• Owners:

• Not Remaining Consistent

• Not Enough Time In Crate

• Not Enough Time Given For Training
• Attitude Towards Dog While Training

How To Crate Train An Older Dog At Night

Many of the crate training steps outlined above can be applied at nighttime. However, with older dogs, there are some key considerations to make:

Should You Crate Your Dog at Night?

It depends. For older dogs with joint pain or medical conditions, a crate might not be the best option unless it’s customized with soft bedding or orthopedic mats to ensure their comfort. However, crating can be a helpful tool for creating a safe, secure sleeping space. It helps establish a bedtime routine, reduces nighttime wandering, and supports bladder training.

If you’re unsure whether crating your older dog at night is the right choice, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

How To Train Your Dog To Sleep In Its Crate

This step is recommended only for crates and not for kennels.

To be honest, this is not as tough as you may think. Once you have taken the above steps of crate training your dog, there are only 2 main things to do to crate them overnight.

1. Crate them in your room – Puppies and dogs with bladder problems will need to go out at night. Make sure you can hear when they begin to stir. This will also help your dog not think about a crate as just a space away from you.
2. Transition Them – If you don’t want your dog constantly in your room to sleep, you can transition them to another room once they have slept through the night. If your dog gets distracted easily, putting a blanket over a big portion of the crate can be a way to allow them not to get overstimulated.

How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Whining at Night in His Crate?

Dealing with nighttime crate whining can be frustrating, but it often signals discomfort, fear, or unmet needs. Ensure your dog has had a potty break and enough exercise before bed to help them relax. A comfortable crate setup also reduces whining.

Introduce the crate gradually with short sessions during the day or at night to help them adjust. Avoid letting them out immediately when they whine, as this reinforces the behavior. If they need to potty, take them out calmly and return them to the crate. Soothe them by speaking softly or placing your hand near the crate without opening it.

Consistency is key. Build a bedtime routine that includes potty breaks, exercise, and quiet time. With patience and a steady routine, whining will decrease over time.

How To Crate Train An Adult Dog With Separation Anxiety

Crate training an adult dog with separation anxiety differs from general practices due to their heightened anxiety and need for a more tailored approach. Creating a calming environment is key—this may include using pheromone sprays, white noise, or comforting items like a blanket with your scent.

The introduction to the crate should be slower and more gradual. Begin with brief crating sessions and stay close to reassure them as they adjust. Gradually increase the time spent in the crate as they grow more comfortable.

For dogs with separation anxiety, calm departures and arrivals are essential. Leave and return in a low-key manner to avoid triggering their anxiety. Additionally, be mindful of whining and learn to distinguish between anxiety-driven whining and the need to potty. If they whine because they need to go out, calmly let them out and return them to the crate. However, avoid reinforcing whining as a way to get out of the crate by responding only when necessary.

With patience, consistency, and a thoughtful approach, you can help your dog feel secure and comfortable in their crate, even with separation anxiety.

Crate Training Your Dog While At Work

One of the main questions we have been asked is about leaving your dogs while at work. The response we give is related to the time and type of dog. You will want to make sure your dog can handle being alone for that long period. Choosing to crate them indoors is not as recommended as using a kennel.

Repeatedly being in a confined space for 8+ hours will possibly cause behavior changes in your favorite animal. Using a climate-controlled kennel or one with air conditioning can allow them the space and comfort they need while you are away. They have the option to go into the outside or inside portion. They will have enough food and water, but not too much to cause frequent bathroom breaks.

Crate Training For All Ages

As noted before, crate training is valuable for dogs at any stage of life, and many of these principles can apply to both puppies and older dogs. However, there are some key differences to keep in mind:

Aspect	Puppies	Older Dogs
Adjustment Period	Puppies are more adaptable but still need time to learn new routines	Older Dogs may be more resistant, especially if unfamiliar with crates
Bladder Control	Puppies have weaker bladders and require more frequent potty breaks	Older dogs may have stronger bladders but could have medical conditions affecting control
Energy Level	Puppies are more energetic and may need more exercise before crate time	Older dogs often need gentler, shorter exercise sessions to tire out
Behavioral Challenges	Puppies need crates to aid house-training and prevent destructive chewing	Older dogs may need crates for managing anxiety, medical recovery, or safety during transitions

Adapting Crate Training to Different Life Stages

1. For Puppies:
   • Focus on house training and creating a routine.
   • Use the crate as a tool to manage chewing and other exploratory behaviors.
   • Keep sessions short and frequently supervised to help them adjust.
2. For Adult Dogs:
   • Use crates for travel, temporary confinement, or anxiety management.
   • Provide mental stimulation with crate-safe toys to prevent boredom.
3. For Senior Dogs:
   • Prioritize comfort with soft bedding and easy entry crates.
   • Account for health issues like arthritis or incontinence by adjusting crate time and setup.
   • Be patient, as learning new behaviors may take more time.

Need help with the training process? Check out our comprehensive guide on dog training for beginners!

Choosing The Best Crate and Kennel

We will begin with choosing the best crate and then tackle picking the best kennel!

Picking the Best Crate

The first step in choosing a crate is to pick your material. The 2 main types of crates are plastic and wire. Wire crates create more visibility, while plastic could create more peace for dogs that get distracted. Wire crates also come with a tray at the bottom. In case your dog has an accident or coughs something up, this tray could be your best friend when it comes to cleaning up.

What is the Crate 2:1 Rule?

This rule states that you should find a crate that is twice as long as your dog’s body length and wide enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. 

Picking The Best Kennel

Are you looking for the perfect kennel for your dog? Check out The Dog Kennel Collection’s quality kennels and see for yourself how a dog kennel could benefit you and your pet. With kennels made from metal, board and batten, or LP Smart Siding or metal or shingle roofing, you can rest assured that your dog is offered the ultimate protection from the outdoors. Explore all our kennel features and options to get a clearer picture of how you can customize a kennel that has everything your four-legged best friend could need!