Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but the first few weeks can also be challenging. Between potty training, chewing, biting, sleeping, feeding and teaching basic manners, new puppy parents have a lot to manage.One training tool that can make this period easier is a properly introduced dog crate.
When used correctly, a crate can become your puppy’s comfortable sleeping area, a safe place to relax, a useful aid during toilet training and a practical way to keep a curious puppy out of trouble when you cannot supervise them. However, crate training is often misunderstood.
A crate should never be used as a punishment, a place to lock a puppy away for the entire day, or a substitute for exercise, training and human interaction. The goal is to teach your puppy that the crate is a safe and rewarding place to rest.
Veterinary behaviour specialists at VCA describe comfortable confinement as an important life skill for puppies and dogs, particularly when owners cannot supervise a young puppy, during house-training, travel or situations where a dog needs a quiet place to rest.
This guide explains how to crate train a puppy in India, including how to choose the right crate, where to put it, how to introduce your puppy to it, how to use it at night, how crate training can support potty training, common mistakes to avoid and what to do if your puppy cries.
What Is Crate Training?
Crate training is the process of teaching a puppy to voluntarily enter and comfortably spend appropriate periods of time in a crate.
Think of the crate as your puppy’s personal bedroom rather than a cage.
A successful crate-trained puppy should eventually be comfortable:
- Entering the crate voluntarily
- Resting inside
- Sleeping inside
- Eating appropriate meals or enrichment inside
- Staying inside briefly while you are nearby
- Remaining calm while you leave the room for gradually increasing periods
- Using the crate during travel when appropriate
The important word is comfortable.
Closing a puppy inside a crate while it is frightened and allowing the distress to continue is not the same as successful crate training.
The RSPCA recommends creating positive associations with the crate and introducing it through small, gradual steps rather than rushing the process.
Is Crate Training Cruel?
No. A properly sized and properly used crate is not inherently cruel.
The problem is not the crate itself. The problem is how it is used.
A crate can provide a quiet retreat where a puppy can sleep without being disturbed. It can also help owners prevent destructive chewing and accidents when they cannot directly supervise a young puppy.
However, a crate becomes inappropriate when a puppy is confined for excessive periods, denied necessary toilet breaks, deprived of exercise or used as punishment.
The American Kennel Club similarly recommends treating the crate as a safe place rather than a punishment area.
So the correct mindset is:
Crate = safe space, not punishment.
Why Crate Train a Puppy?
When introduced positively, crate training can have several practical benefits.
1. It Helps With Puppy Safety
Puppies investigate the world with their mouths.
That means your new puppy may attempt to chew:
- Electrical cables
- Shoes
- Furniture
- Plastic
- Children’s toys
- Cleaning products
- Houseplants
- Remote controls
You cannot watch a puppy every second of the day.
A safe confinement area can prevent many accidents when you need to briefly step away.
2. It Can Support Toilet Training
Dogs generally prefer not to soil their sleeping area, although puppies have limited bladder and bowel control.
A crate can therefore be incorporated into a sensible potty-training routine.
However, the crate does not magically teach a puppy where to toilet.
You still need to take the puppy to the appropriate toilet area regularly and reward the desired behaviour.
The American Kennel Club notes that puppies should not be left in crates for excessive periods and need frequent opportunities for bathroom breaks.
3. It Creates a Resting Place
Puppies need plenty of sleep.
A busy Indian household can be overwhelming for a young dog.
There may be:
- Children playing
- Guests visiting
- Television
- Cooking
- Doorbells
- Traffic noise
- Other pets
- Household staff
- Construction noise
A crate in a suitable location can give your puppy an opportunity to rest away from household activity.
4. It Helps Prepare Your Dog for Travel
A dog that has learned to feel comfortable in a crate may find certain forms of travel easier.
Crates can also be useful during veterinary visits, grooming situations and periods of medical recovery when confinement is recommended by a veterinarian.
Choosing the Right Puppy Crate in India
Before starting training, choose the crate carefully.
Crates are available in several styles, including:
- Wire crates
- Plastic travel crates
- Fabric crates
- Heavy-duty metal crates
- Foldable crates
For most puppy owners, practicality and ventilation should be higher priorities than appearance.
How Big Should a Puppy Crate Be?
This is one of the most important decisions.
Your puppy should be able to:
- Stand naturally
- Turn around
- Sit comfortably
- Lie down
- Stretch out
The crate should not be so small that your puppy is cramped.
But an excessively large crate may make it easier for some puppies to create a toilet area at one end and sleeping space at the other.
The RSPCA recommends a crate that allows the dog to stand, turn around, stretch and lie down naturally. It also suggests considering the puppy’s eventual adult size when selecting a crate.
Use a crate divider if necessary
If you have a large-breed puppy that will grow substantially, a crate with an adjustable divider can be useful.
You can increase the available space as your puppy grows.
This can be more economical than repeatedly buying new crates.
What Type of Crate Is Best for Indian Weather?
India’s climate deserves special attention.
If you live in a hot region, ventilation is extremely important.
Avoid placing a crate:
- In direct sunlight
- Beside a hot window
- Next to a cooking area
- In an enclosed balcony exposed to heat
- In a poorly ventilated room
- Directly under intense afternoon sunlight
Wire crates generally provide good airflow, but the surrounding environment still matters.
Plastic crates can be useful for travel but should also have adequate ventilation.
Don’t cover the entire crate with a thick blanket in hot weather.
A partial cover may help some nervous dogs feel more secure, but airflow must remain adequate.
The RSPCA recommends keeping crates away from direct sunlight and ensuring suitable ventilation.
Where Should You Put the Crate?
Location can make or break the training process.
During the first few days, consider placing the crate in an area where your family spends time.
For example:
- Living room
- Quiet corner of a family room
- Bedroom at night
You don’t necessarily want the puppy isolated in a completely separate room from the beginning.
At the same time, avoid placing the crate in the busiest part of the house where people constantly walk past it.
A good location should be:
Quiet enough for sleep + close enough for the puppy to feel included.
The RSPCA recommends a calm, comfortable, draught-free location and notes that the crate can initially be placed in an area where the family spends time.
What Should You Put Inside the Crate?
Keep the setup simple.
Depending on your puppy and the crate design, you may use:
- Comfortable bedding
- A safe puppy-appropriate chew
- A durable enrichment toy
- A small blanket carrying a familiar scent
- A suitable water arrangement when needed
Don’t fill the crate with dozens of objects.
Every item should be safe for your individual puppy.
If your puppy destroys and swallows bedding or toys, you need to change the setup and supervise more carefully.
The RSPCA recommends comfortable bedding and safe toys as part of creating a positive crate environment.
Step-by-Step: How to Crate Train a Puppy
Now let’s get to the most important part.
Don’t rush these steps.
Some puppies become comfortable with a crate quickly.
Others need several days or longer.
The speed of training should be determined by the puppy’s comfort rather than the owner’s schedule.
Step 1: Leave the Crate Door Open
Place the crate in the chosen location.
Secure the door so it cannot accidentally swing shut.
Don’t push the puppy inside.
Instead, allow your puppy to investigate.
Your puppy may:
- Sniff the crate
- Walk around it
- Ignore it
- Look inside
- Put one paw inside
- Walk away
All of these reactions are normal.
Your job is simply to make the crate interesting.
Step 2: Reward Your Puppy Near the Crate
Start placing small treats near the crate.
Then gradually place treats closer to the entrance.
Eventually, toss a treat just inside.
When your puppy walks in voluntarily, praise calmly.
Don’t immediately shut the door.
The puppy needs to learn:
Going inside = good things happen.
The RSPCA recommends progressively moving treats from outside the crate toward the inside and allowing the puppy to explore at its own pace.
Step 3: Feed Meals Near the Crate
Once your puppy is comfortable approaching the crate, move meals closer to it.
Eventually, you can place the food bowl inside.
If your puppy happily enters and eats, that’s a positive sign.
If your puppy refuses to enter, don’t force it.
Move the bowl back outside and progress more gradually.
The aim is to keep the experience positive.
Step 4: Feed Inside the Crate
When your puppy willingly enters, begin feeding meals inside the crate.
At first:
Door open → puppy eats → puppy exits.
Later:
Door open → puppy eats → puppy relaxes inside.
Only when your puppy is comfortable should you begin experimenting with briefly closing the door.
Step 5: Close the Door for a Few Seconds
This is a crucial transition.
Once your puppy is relaxed inside, close the door for a very short period.
You might start with just a few seconds.
Then open it.
Repeat.
Gradually build duration.
Don’t suddenly jump from five seconds to 30 minutes.
The American Kennel Club’s step-by-step approach similarly recommends gradually building the amount of time the dog spends inside after establishing positive associations.
Step 6: Increase the Time Gradually
Once your puppy can remain relaxed with the door closed for a short period, slowly increase the duration.
For example:
10 seconds → 20 seconds → 30 seconds → 1 minute → 2 minutes → 5 minutes
These aren’t mandatory intervals.
They’re simply an example of how gradual progression works.
If your puppy becomes distressed, you have probably increased the difficulty too quickly.
Go back to the previous successful stage.
Step 7: Move Around the Room
Once your puppy can relax while you sit nearby, start moving around.
Stand up.
Sit down.
Walk a few steps away.
Return.
Then walk to another part of the room.
The puppy learns:
“My person can move around and I am still safe.”
This is an important bridge between crate training and being alone.
Step 8: Briefly Leave the Room
When your puppy can relax while you’re moving around nearby, briefly leave the room.
Start with only a few seconds.
Return calmly.
Gradually extend the time.
Don’t make your departure dramatic.
Likewise, avoid creating a huge emotional event when you return.
The RSPCA recommends gradually increasing the time a dog is left out of sight and keeping departures and arrivals calm.
Step 9: Practice During the Day
Don’t make nighttime the only time your puppy uses the crate.
If the only experience your puppy has with the crate is:
“Human leaves → door closes → darkness,”
the crate can become associated with isolation.
Instead, use it at different times for:
- Naps
- Quiet time
- Food enrichment
- Short rest periods
- Supervised relaxation
This creates a broader positive association.
How to Crate Train a Puppy at Night
Nighttime is often the biggest challenge for new puppy owners.
The first few nights may involve whining, crying or restlessness.
Don’t expect a young puppy to immediately sleep through the entire night.
Young puppies have small bladders and may genuinely need toilet breaks.
Should the Puppy Sleep in the Crate at Night?
It can be a useful option if the puppy has been gradually introduced to the crate and is comfortable there.
Many owners place the crate near their bed during the first nights.
This allows you to hear the puppy and respond when a genuine toilet break may be necessary.
It can also help the puppy feel less isolated.
As the puppy becomes comfortable, you can gradually move the crate to its longer-term location if desired.
What If My Puppy Cries in the Crate at Night?
First, ask:
Does my puppy need to toilet?
A very young puppy may genuinely need a bathroom break.
Take the puppy calmly to the appropriate toilet area.
Avoid turning the trip into a play session.
After toileting, return to the crate.
If the puppy doesn’t need to toilet and is simply protesting because the door is closed, review the training progression.
You may have increased the duration too quickly.
Should You Ignore a Crying Puppy?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
A puppy crying may be:
- Needing to toilet
- Frightened
- Overwhelmed
- Lonely
- Uncomfortable
- Too hot
- Too cold
- Hungry
- In pain
- Simply protesting confinement
That’s why blindly following “ignore the crying” advice can be problematic.
First check the puppy’s needs and environment.
If the puppy is showing significant distress, don’t simply leave it to escalate.
The RSPCA specifically identifies signs such as excessive barking, panting, cowering or aggression as indications that the training may have progressed too quickly.
Crate Training and Potty Training
Crate training can support house training, but the two are not identical.
A puppy needs frequent opportunities to toilet.
Take your puppy out:
- After waking
- After eating
- After drinking significant amounts
- After playing
- After exciting activity
- Before bedtime
- Immediately after coming out of the crate
- Whenever you notice individual signs that your puppy needs to go
Watch for behaviours such as:
- Sniffing the floor
- Circling
- Restlessness
- Suddenly walking away
- Squatting
The American Kennel Club recommends taking puppies out regularly and not leaving them confined for excessive periods.
A Simple Crate + Potty Training Routine
A practical routine might look like this:
Wake up → toilet
Breakfast → toilet
Play/training → toilet
Nap in crate
Wake → toilet
Play → toilet
Meal → toilet
Quiet time → crate
Evening play → toilet
Bedtime → toilet → crate
The exact schedule should be adjusted to your puppy’s age, health, feeding schedule and individual needs.
How Long Can a Puppy Stay in a Crate?
This is one of the most common questions and one of the most commonly misunderstood.
There is no single number that is appropriate for every puppy.
Age, bladder control, health, previous training, activity level and individual temperament all matter.
A crate should not become a place where a puppy spends most of the day simply because the owner is busy.
The RSPCA explicitly states that puppies cannot hold their bladder and bowels for as long as adult dogs and need this limitation considered when using a crate. It also warns against shutting a dog in a crate all day.
Think of the crate as one part of your puppy’s day not the puppy’s entire day.
Your puppy also needs:
- Toilet opportunities
- Exercise appropriate for age
- Training
- Socialisation
- Play
- Human interaction
- Mental stimulation
- Sleep outside and inside the crate
Crate Training in an Indian Apartment
Crate training can be particularly useful for apartment living.
An apartment puppy has fewer opportunities to roam safely when you aren’t watching.
A crate can provide a controlled resting area while you:
- Cook
- Shower
- Work briefly
- Answer the door
- Clean
- Attend an online meeting
However, apartment living doesn’t mean your puppy should spend hours confined.
Instead, combine crate training with:
- Short training sessions
- Indoor enrichment
- Appropriate play
- Safe outdoor experiences
- Regular toilet breaks
- Supervised exploration
Crate Training During Indian Summers
Heat deserves special attention.
Puppies can become uncomfortable quickly in hot environments.
Never place the crate:
- In direct afternoon sunlight
- On a hot balcony
- Beside a heat-producing appliance
- In a closed room without adequate airflow
If you use a crate cover, don’t completely block ventilation.
Watch for signs of overheating, including excessive panting, weakness, unusual lethargy or other concerning symptoms.
If you suspect heat illness, contact a veterinarian urgently.
A crate should never be used as a way to confine a puppy in an excessively hot environment.
Crate Training During the Monsoon
Monsoon weather creates a different set of challenges.
Rain may make outdoor toilet trips difficult.
Your puppy may hesitate to go outside because of:
- Heavy rain
- Thunder
- Wet surfaces
- Strong smells
- Puddles
- Umbrellas
- Traffic noise
This doesn’t mean you should abandon toilet training.
Instead, speak with your veterinarian or trainer about a practical toilet routine for your living situation.
Keep the crate and bedding dry.
Damp bedding can become uncomfortable and unhygienic.
Should You Put Water Inside the Crate?
The answer depends on the circumstances.
For short periods, some owners don’t place a full water bowl inside because puppies can spill it and create wet bedding.
For longer periods or situations where water access is necessary, an appropriate attachment-style bowl can help prevent spills.
The RSPCA recommends ensuring access to water and specifically mentions clip-on bowls as an option to reduce tipping.
Your puppy’s age, health, weather and duration of confinement all matter.
If your puppy has a medical condition or increased water requirements, follow your veterinarian’s instructions.
Common Crate Training Mistakes
Mistake 1: Forcing the Puppy Inside
Never drag or shove your puppy into the crate.
You want the puppy to learn that entering is safe.
Mistake 2: Using the Crate as Punishment
Don’t send your puppy to the crate angrily after an accident or destructive behaviour.
If the crate becomes associated with punishment, your training can move backwards.
The RSPCA explicitly advises that crates should be safe havens rather than punishment areas.
Mistake 3: Increasing Duration Too Quickly
Your puppy slept peacefully for five minutes.
That doesn’t mean it is ready for two hours.
Build duration gradually.
Mistake 4: Crating Only When You Leave
If the crate always predicts your departure, your puppy may become anxious when you prepare to leave.
Use the crate at other times too.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Genuine Distress
There is a difference between mild protest and serious distress.
If your puppy is panicking, trying to escape, injuring itself, excessively panting or showing other serious signs, stop and reassess the training.
Mistake 6: Buying a Crate That’s Too Small
Your puppy must be able to stand, turn, stretch and lie comfortably.
Mistake 7: Buying a Huge Crate Without a Divider
For a rapidly growing puppy, an oversized crate may make toilet training more difficult.
A divider can allow you to adjust the available space.
Mistake 8: Leaving Dangerous Items Inside
Don’t put anything in the crate that your puppy can easily shred and swallow.
How to Make Your Puppy Love the Crate
The most effective strategy is simple:
Make good things happen there.
You can use:
- Small training treats
- Meals
- Safe chew toys
- Food-stuffed enrichment toys
- Calm praise
- Comfortable bedding
You can even create a game.
Say a cue such as:
“Crate!”
Then toss a treat inside.
When the puppy enters:
Praise → reward → release.
Over time, the puppy can learn to enter on cue.
Reward-based training is recommended by animal-welfare organisations such as the RSPCA, which advises using food, toys or praise to reinforce desirable behaviour rather than relying on fear or punishment.
A 7-Day Beginner Crate Training Plan
This is a flexible framework rather than a strict timetable.
Day 1: Explore
Leave the door open.
Reward investigation.
Don’t force entry.
Day 2: Treats and Meals
Place treats inside.
Begin feeding meals near or inside the crate.
Day 3: Short Door Closures
Close the door for a few seconds while the puppy is relaxed.
Open it calmly.
Repeat.
Day 4: Build Duration
Increase the closed-door period gradually.
Stay nearby.
Day 5: Move Around
Walk around the room while the puppy remains inside.
Reward calm behaviour.
Day 6: Leave Briefly
Step out of sight for a few seconds.
Return.
Gradually increase the duration if the puppy remains relaxed.
Day 7: Practice Real-Life Situations
Use the crate during a nap, while you work briefly or when you need a short period of safe management.
If your puppy struggles at any stage, return to the previous successful step.
Seven days is not a deadline.
Some puppies need considerably longer.
What If My Puppy Hates the Crate?
First, don’t assume your puppy “hates crates.”
The puppy may simply not understand the crate yet.
Ask yourself:
Did I introduce it gradually?
If not, slow down.
Is the crate comfortable?
Check bedding, size and temperature.
Is the location stressful?
Try a quieter area.
Am I leaving the puppy too long?
Reduce the duration.
Does the puppy only see the crate when I leave?
Add positive daytime sessions.
Is the puppy showing serious distress?
If yes, seek professional help.
When Crate Training May Need Professional Help
Speak with your veterinarian or a qualified behaviour professional if your puppy:
- Panics inside the crate
- Repeatedly injures itself trying to escape
- Shows severe separation-related distress
- Cannot settle despite gradual training
- Develops intense fear
- Has persistent destructive behaviour
- Shows aggression when being crated
- Has unusual toileting problems
Veterinary behaviour professionals can help determine whether the problem is simply incomplete crate training or part of a broader behavioural or medical issue.
VCA notes that confinement can be useful, but behaviour concerns should be addressed appropriately rather than treating the crate as a universal solution.
Crate Training for Indian Dog Breeds
One important point for Indian dog owners is that crate training is not restricted to imported breeds.
Indian Pariah Dogs, Rajapalayam, Mudhol Hound, Kombai, Chippiparai and other Indian breeds can learn to feel comfortable with appropriate confinement.
However, breed does not determine the exact training speed.
Two puppies of the same breed can have completely different temperaments.
One may walk into a crate within minutes.
Another may need several days of gradual conditioning.
Train the individual puppy in front of you.
Should a Puppy Be Crated During the Day?
Yes, short periods of appropriate confinement can be part of normal puppy management.
But a puppy should not spend most of its waking hours inside a crate.
A healthy daily routine should include:
Sleep + play + training + feeding + toilet + exploration + socialisation + human interaction.
The crate is one piece of that routine.
It isn’t the entire routine.
Can You Crate Train an Older Puppy?
Absolutely.
Although early training is convenient, older puppies and adult dogs can also learn to enjoy a crate.
You simply need to assess their previous experiences.
A dog that has never seen a crate may learn quickly.
A dog that has previously been forced into a crate may require more careful counterconditioning and professional guidance.
Crate Training vs. Puppy Playpen
A crate and a playpen serve different purposes.
Crate
Best for:
- Sleeping
- Short rest periods
- Travel
- Controlled confinement
- Quiet time
Playpen
Best for:
- A larger safe area
- Supervised independent play
- Combining bed, toys and enrichment
- Puppies that need more movement than a crate allows
For many households, using both can be practical.
For example:
Crate inside puppy-proofed playpen → safe rest + controlled movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to crate train a puppy?
It varies. Some puppies become comfortable within a few days, while others need weeks of gradual training. Don’t treat a particular number of days as a deadline.
Should I crate my puppy at night?
A crate can be useful for nighttime sleeping if the puppy has been introduced positively and can be kept comfortable. Young puppies may still need nighttime toilet breaks.
Why does my puppy cry in the crate?
Your puppy may need the toilet, be uncomfortable, be lonely, be too hot or cold, or simply be unhappy with the current training step. Check basic needs first and consider reducing the duration if the puppy is distressed.
Can crate training help potty training?
Yes, a crate can be a useful part of a comprehensive toilet-training routine, but it doesn’t replace frequent toilet trips, supervision and reward-based training.
Should I put food inside the crate?
Food can be an excellent way to build positive associations. Start by feeding near the crate and gradually move meals inside as your puppy becomes comfortable.
Should I cover the puppy crate?
A partial cover can make some puppies feel more secure, but it isn’t necessary for every dog. In India’s warmer climate, never compromise ventilation or allow the crate to become excessively hot.
Can I use the crate when my puppy misbehaves?
Don’t use the crate as punishment. Instead, calmly redirect the puppy and use the crate for planned rest and positive confinement.
What if my puppy has an accident in the crate?
Clean the crate thoroughly and review your potty-training schedule. The accident doesn’t mean the puppy is being “naughty.” Young puppies have limited bladder control.
Should my puppy have toys in the crate?
Safe, appropriate toys can provide enrichment, but choose them according to your puppy’s chewing behaviour. If your puppy destroys and swallows pieces, don’t leave that type of toy unattended.
Can I crate my dog while I am at work?
A crate should not be treated as an all-day storage space. Puppies need frequent toilet breaks, exercise, interaction and mental stimulation. If you’re away for extended periods, arrange appropriate care or a safe larger area rather than relying on prolonged crate confinement.
Final Crate Training Checklist
Before you consider your puppy comfortably crate trained, ask yourself:
- Does my puppy willingly enter the crate?
- Does my puppy associate the crate with good experiences?
- Can my puppy relax inside?
- Can I close the door without immediate distress?
- Can I move around the room while the puppy remains calm?
- Can I briefly leave the room?
- Does my puppy have regular toilet opportunities?
- Is the crate correctly sized?
- Is the crate well ventilated?
- Is it protected from India’s heat and direct sunlight?
- Am I avoiding punishment?
- Am I giving my puppy enough exercise, play and interaction?
- Can my puppy leave the crate regularly?
If the answer to most of these questions is yes, you’re on the right track.
Final Thoughts: Make the Crate Your Puppy’s Safe Place
Crate training isn’t about teaching a puppy to tolerate confinement.
It’s about teaching a puppy to feel safe while resting in its own space.
That difference is important.
Take your time.
Start with the door open.
Use treats, meals and appropriate enrichment to create positive associations.
Close the door only when your puppy is ready.
Increase duration gradually.
Provide frequent toilet breaks.
Keep the crate cool and well ventilated particularly important for Indian homes during hot weather.
Never use the crate as punishment.
And never expect a young puppy to spend the entire day inside simply because it is convenient for the owner.
A well-trained dog may eventually walk into its crate voluntarily when it wants to sleep, relax or escape household activity.
That is the real goal.
You don’t want your puppy to think, “I’m being locked in here.”
You want your puppy to think:
“This is my safe place.”
With patience, reward-based training and a consistent routine, crate training can become one of the most useful life skills you teach your puppy.
About Indian Dog Breeds
Indian Dog Breeds is committed to helping Indian dog owners make informed decisions about choosing, raising, training and caring for dogs.
Whether you’re bringing home an Indian Pariah Dog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Beagle, Rajapalayam or another breed, responsible ownership begins with understanding the individual dog’s needs.
Puppy training is not about achieving perfection in a few days.
It’s about building reliable habits through consistency, patience and positive experiences.
For additional puppy-care guidance, readers should combine reputable educational resources with advice from a qualified veterinarian who understands their puppy’s individual health and living environment.
Veterinary and Safety Disclaimer
This article provides general educational information about crate training and is not a substitute for veterinary or professional behavioural advice.
Puppies have different physical, developmental and behavioural needs. Appropriate crate duration, toilet schedules, feeding arrangements and training methods should be adjusted according to the individual puppy.
If your puppy shows severe distress, repeated escape attempts, self-injury, persistent fear, aggression, unusual toileting problems or other concerning behaviour, consult your veterinarian or an appropriately qualified behaviour professional.