Last updated: July 1, 2026 · 6-minute read
How Do You Kennel Train a Puppy? The Short Answer
Kennel training works fastest when you make the crate a rewarding place rather than a punishment. Feed meals inside it, keep sessions short at first, and reward calm behavior with a safe, long-lasting chew. The best chews for this are single-ingredient and fully digestible treats — like bully sticks or beef tendons — with no rawhide and no chemicals, so your puppy can settle without an upset stomach. Most puppies accept the kennel within one to three weeks of consistent, patient practice.
Key takeaways
- Size the kennel so your puppy can stand, turn, and lie down — no bigger, or they may toilet in one corner and sleep in another.
- Build positive associations by feeding meals inside and rewarding calm entries with a treat.
- Use single-ingredient, fully digestible chews (no rawhide) as the reward — safe for confined puppies and long enough to keep them occupied.
- Increase kennel time gradually; never use the kennel as punishment.
- Expect one to three weeks; every puppy moves at its own pace.
Why Should a Puppy Have a Kennel at All?
A kennel isn't a cage — it's a den. Dogs are den animals by instinct, and a properly introduced crate becomes the one spot in the house that is entirely theirs: a safe, quiet retreat for sleep, downtime, and decompression. A kennel also protects your puppy from chewing hazards while you're away, speeds up house-training by tapping into a dog's instinct to keep its sleeping area clean, and gives you a calm, portable "home base" for travel and vet visits. The goal is never confinement for its own sake — it's teaching your puppy that the kennel is a good place to be.
What Are the Steps to Kennel Train a Puppy?
The process is simple, but it rewards patience over speed. Rushing is the most common reason kennel training stalls.
- Pick the right size. Your puppy should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down. Too large and they'll use one end as a bathroom. Many crates come with a divider you can move outward as your puppy grows.
- Make it inviting. Add a soft, washable blanket and a favorite toy so the space feels cozy and personal from day one.
- Start with short intervals. Begin with just a few minutes, door open, then slowly extend the time as your puppy relaxes.
- Reward calm behavior. When your puppy enters on cue or settles quietly, mark it with praise and a small treat. A safe chew turns "kennel time" into "good time."
- Feed meals inside. Serving food in the kennel builds one of the strongest positive associations you can create — kennel equals dinner.
- Build a routine. Dogs thrive on predictability. Set consistent kennel times for naps and bedtime so it becomes an expected part of the day.
- Handle overnights gradually. Place the kennel in your bedroom at first so your puppy isn't isolated, then move it to its permanent spot once they're sleeping soundly.
Which Treats Are Best for Kennel Training a Puppy?
The reward you use matters as much as the routine. A puppy shut in a kennel shouldn't be given anything that could splinter, be gulped whole, or upset a young stomach. That rules out rawhide and heavily processed treats. The safest picks are single-ingredient, 100% real meat chews that are fully digestible and ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms. Here's how the popular options compare for crate time:
| Chew | Best for | Chew time | Puppy notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-inch Standard Bully Sticks | Everyday reward, small to medium puppies | Moderate | Single-ingredient, fully digestible, easy to hold |
| 12-inch Monster Bully Sticks | Longer settle sessions, larger breeds | Long | Keeps busy chewers occupied for extended kennel time |
| Beef Tendons | Lighter reward for young puppies | Moderate | Softer chew, gentle on developing teeth |
| Cow Ears | Quick win / frequent rewards | Short | Thin and finishable — good for many short reps |
Whatever you choose, always supervise a puppy with a new chew and pick a size appropriate to their weight. You can browse the full range in our natural dog treats and chews collection, or start with these crate-training favorites: 6-Inch Standard Bully Sticks, 12-Inch Monster Bully Sticks, and Regular Beef Tendons — all single-ingredient, fully digestible, and made with no rawhide.
How Do You Fix Common Kennel Training Problems?
No two puppies respond identically. If yours struggles, these are the three issues owners run into most and how to work through them:
- Whining: Resist the urge to open the door the moment they fuss, or you'll teach them that noise earns freedom. Wait for a brief pause in the whining — even a few seconds — then calmly let them out or offer reassurance.
- Reluctance to enter: Lead them in with a treat trail or toss a chew to the back of the kennel so going in is their idea, not yours. Never force or push a puppy inside.
- Accidents: Don't scold. Make sure your puppy has relieved itself right before kennel time, and reassess whether the crate is too large or the intervals too long for their age.
How Long Does Kennel Training Take?
Most puppies settle into a kennel within one to three weeks of consistent practice, though some take longer and that's completely normal. The variables are your puppy's age, temperament, and how consistent the routine is. Done well, kennel training does more than create a quiet place to sleep — it builds trust and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Patience, consistency, and the right treat-motivation turn the kennel into a lifelong safe haven rather than a place your puppy tolerates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave a bully stick with my puppy in the kennel?
You can, but only under supervision, especially with a young puppy or a new chew. Choose a size appropriate to your puppy's weight, and remove the small end piece once it becomes a swallowing hazard. Single-ingredient bully sticks are fully digestible, which makes them a safer choice than rawhide, but no chew should be given to a completely unsupervised puppy.
How long can a puppy stay in a kennel?
A general guideline is one hour per month of age, up to a maximum of about four hours during the day, since puppies have small bladders. Overnight can be longer once they're sleeping through. Always give plenty of exercise and a bathroom break before and after kennel time.
Should I put my puppy's meals in the kennel?
Yes. Feeding meals inside the kennel is one of the fastest ways to build a positive association. Your puppy learns that good things happen in the crate, which reduces resistance and speeds up training.
What if my puppy cries all night in the kennel?
Place the kennel in or near your bedroom at first so your puppy doesn't feel isolated. Make sure they've eliminated before bed, keep a comforting blanket inside, and avoid rewarding sustained crying by letting them out. Most puppies settle within the first week or two.
Are cow ears or tendons safe for young puppies?
Both are single-ingredient, fully digestible options that many owners use for younger puppies because they're softer than dense chews. As always, match the chew to your puppy's size, supervise, and introduce any new treat gradually to watch for stomach sensitivity.
Is a kennel cruel for a puppy?
Not when it's introduced properly. Dogs are den animals and a well-managed kennel gives them a safe, private space they seek out on their own. It only becomes a problem if it's used as punishment or if the puppy is confined for too long. The aim is a place your puppy chooses, not one they dread.
Preston Smith is the co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. He started BSC because he couldn't find single-ingredient, fully digestible chews he trusted to give his own dogs — no rawhide, no chemicals, no mystery ingredients. He writes about dog nutrition, safe chews, and the practical side of feeding dogs well. Read more about Preston →
This post was last updated at July 17, 2026 14:01
