How to Train a Puppy Without a Crate: Alternatives to Crate Training!

If you’re a new dog parent, you may have heard that crate training is the best way to train your puppy. While crate training is very effective, some dog parents don’t like the idea of confining their fur baby in a crate as they feel guilty and some even think that crate training is cruel. 

Maybe you are one of those people, or you may be like me and don’t have the space for a big crate in your home or don’t like the looks of it…

…and now you are wondering…

Can I train a puppy without a crate and if so how?

Yes, you can absolutely train a puppy without a crate!

To successfully train a puppy without a crate, you will need to provide a safe and secure area, establish a routine, use positive reinforcement, and be consistent!

I have trained puppies with a crate and I have trained puppies without a crate. And I have had success with both methods and you can too!

Although some will tell you that crate training is a must, there are other effective and safe alternatives to train your puppy without using a crate. 

Today, I’ll discuss what the purpose of crate training is, alternatives to crate training, and how to train a puppy without a crate.

What is the Purpose of Crate Training?

Crate training gives your dog a safe and secure space that is entirely their own, like their den. It can provide a variety of benefits for both you and your puppy.

One of the major advantages of crate training is that it can be a massive help for potty training, as it gives your dog a designated space where they don’t normally potty and learn bladder control.

Crate training can also help reduce destructive behavior, as it provides a comfortable place for your dog to retreat to when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. It will keep your puppy from ingesting dangerous items or foods.

Moreover, crate training can give you greater peace of mind when you’re away from home, as you know your dog has a safe and cozy space to rest.

It’s also a valuable skill for boarding, grooming, vet visits, travelling and other situations.

Using a crate can create a physical barrier when you don’t want your puppy to have access to guests or certain areas of your home, especially when you are unable to watch them closely.

Crate training teaches your puppy to settle and can lead to a calmer and more well-behaved companion.

A crate should never be used as a punishment or a place of confinement for extended periods of time without water and potty breaks. It should always be a safe and comfortable space for your dog to relax and feel secure.

Crate training can be a very helpful tool for dog parents, but it’s important to remember that every dog is different and may have unique training and behavior needs.

And while it is an effective tool, it is NOT the only way to potty and house train a puppy.

RELATED===> How to Potty Train a Puppy FAST and EASY!

5 Alternatives to Crate Training

Playpen: A playpen is a good alternative to a crate, as it provides a safe and secure space for your dog to move around in while still keeping him confined. You can put in a bed and toys. It can also be used as a way to house train your dog.

You can use a puppy playpen or you can also use a baby playpen.

Baby gates: If you have a small dog or puppy, you can use baby gates to confine them to a specific area of your home. This is a good option if you don’t want to use a crate or playpen.

Tethering: You can use a tether to keep your dog in a specific area of your home. This can be useful for short periods of time, but should not be used as a long-term solution. This is how I housetrained my puppy and how I taught my puppy to ‘go to bed’ beside me bed at night. (I explain how to do this below.)

Dog-proofing a room: If you have a room in your home that is safe for your dog to be in, you can dog-proof it by removing any hazards and providing a comfortable space for your dog to relax.

Doggy daycare: If you work long hours and can’t be at home with your dog or can’t get anyone to come and take them out, you can consider taking them to a doggy daycare where they can interact with other dogs and be supervised by trained professionals.

PRO TIPS: Despite what you may hear, do NOT leave your pup’s food and water bowls down where they have free access to it all day or in their designated area as this will cause them to have accidents especially while you are away from home.

How to Train a Puppy Without a Crate

Create a Safe and Secure Space

To effectively train your new puppy without a crate, it’s important to create a safe and secure space where your puppy can feel comfortable and relaxed.

This area should be dog- proofed and this space should be free from any potential hazards, such as loose wires, plugins, furniture (puppies LOVE to chew on wood furniture) or poisonous plants. (Yes, some plants are poisonous to dogs). The space you create should provide your puppy with a sense of security.

You will want to get your puppy use to their area while you are home, so that they will be comfortable in their area when you are away.

You can use a puppy playpen (or even a baby playpen), baby gates, or a designated area in your home to create this space i.e. laundry room.

If you don’t have a playpen, baby gate or small area to designate your puppy, you can do what I have done and tether your dog.

To tether your dog, you can do this,

• Put a heavy duty eye hook in a stud, low to the floor.
• Get a 4 foot leash: I use nylon. Don’t use a heavy duty leash. You could also use a training leash but I wouldn’t use a cable.
• Loop the leash onto the eyehook and attach to your dog’s leash.
• Make sure there is nothing like chairs, stools, etc. that your puppy can get wrapped around. Put your puppy’s bed for ’em to lay on and a few safe toys.

I do the same thing at night. I put an eye hook low near the floor and attach my dog to it. I have a bed for him to sleep on and when we go to bed, I give the go to bed command. Your puppy will learn when you say go to bed, they will go to their spot and stay there all night.

In addition to keeping your puppy safe when you can’t watch them, providing a secure space can also help prevent destructive behavior.

Puppies may chew on furniture (especially wood) or household items as a way to alleviate boredom, anxiety or stress, having a designated safe space can help ease those feelings and stop destructive behavior in its tracks.

Set up a safe space checklist:

• Choose a designated area for your puppy.
• Puppy-proof the area.
• Provide a comfortable bed or crate mat.
• Provide safe toys.

Once you’ve established a safe and secure space for your puppy, it’s important to establish a routine. This will help your puppy learn what is expected of them and when, which will lead to a more well-behaved, obedient dog.

Establish a Routine

Once your puppy has learned to feel safe and secure in their designated space, it’s time to start building a routine.

Establishing a consistent routine is key to training your puppy and can play a significant role in their overall behavior.

Start by creating a schedule for feeding, water and potty breaks, exercise, and even when they wake up and go to sleep.

Puppies, like babies, thrive on routine and knowing what to expect.

Try to keep feeding and potty breaks around the same time every day to avoid any confusion for your puppy. Taking them outside or to a designated area to use the bathroom at regular intervals will also help them develop good potty habits and will allow them to know what is expected of them when they go outside to potty.

RELATED===> What is a Good Potty Schedule for a Puppy + FREE Worksheet!

Playtime and exercise are essential for your puppy’s health and happiness.

Set a regular time for play and exercise, whether it’s a walk around the block or a game of fetch in the backyard.

Consistency is key to teaching your puppy what is expected of them and will help them develop positive habits early on.

By establishing a routine for your puppy, you’ll be able to create a structured environment that will help your puppy learn and grow.

Establish a Routine Checklist:

• Set a schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime.
• Stick to the routine to establish a sense of security for your puppy.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Once you’ve implemented a consistent routine, you can start using positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate and good behavior.

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool that involves rewarding your puppy for good behavior rather than punishing them for bad behavior.

When your puppy does something desirable, such as going potty outside or sitting on command, give them a treat and praise them.

This will reinforce the behavior expected and encourage them to repeat it in the future. It’s important to be consistent with your rewards so your puppy learns what behavior is appropriate and is expected of them.

Keep in mind that positive reinforcement doesn’t just mean giving your puppy treats. It can also include verbal praise, petting, or playing with a favorite toy. Find what your puppy responds to best and use it as a reward for good behavior. If it’s a toy, only use the toy as a reward.

Using positive reinforcement not only helps with obedience training, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your puppy. Your puppy will learn to trust and respect you, making it easier to manage their behavior in the future.

By incorporating positive reinforcement into your training routine, you’ll be setting your puppy up for success.

Positive Reinforcement Checklist:

• Use treats, praise, or toy to reinforce good behavior.
• Use a marker words (Yes, No) to mark good behavior.
• Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement.

Be Consistent!

It is very important to be consistent in your training techniques.

Decide on which alternative you want to use and stick with it. Changing it up will cause confusion to your dog and it will prolong the training process.

Your dog will learn a lot faster when you are consistent!

Conclusion

Training your puppy without a crate is totally possible and can be just as effective as crate training.

By creating a safe and secure space, establishing a routine, using positive reinforcement, and being consistent, you can successfully housetrain your puppy without a crate.

Remember, being consistent is key to successfully training your puppy.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. If you found this post helpful let me know below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is crate training cruel?

No, crate training is not cruel when done correctly. It can provide a safe and secure space for your puppy and can help with housetraining and preventing destructive behavior.

Is it OK to not crate train a puppy?

Yes, it is OK to not crate train a puppy! Although most vets and trainers recommend crate training, it is NOT a neccesity, there are alternatives to crate training that are just as effective!

How long does it take to train a puppy without a crate?

The length of time it takes to train a puppy without a crate can vary depending on the puppy's breed, age, and temperament. It can take several weeks to several months to establish good behavior.

Can I train an older dog without a crate?

Yes, you can train an older dog without a crate using the same techniques: create a safe and secure place, establish a routine, use positive reinforcement and be consistent. 

Can I leave my puppy alone without a crate?

No, it is not recommended to leave your puppy alone without a crate or secure and safe area for your puppy. A puppy is like a toddler and can get into trouble very easily as they will get into things they are not supposed to and that can be potientially dangerous.