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Can I kennel train my 4-month-old puppy who whines in his crate?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 4 months and 1 day old | 14.6 lbs

is it too late to kennel train a 4 month old puppy? when we first got him, i would put him in his kennel because i was afraid of him peeing on my bed but he would whine all night long, it’s hard to sleep when he does that. but now i want to start putting him in his kennel when i go out but he absolutely hates the kennel. how could i start gradually getting him to stop whining and going in the kennel on his own?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 11th, 2020

No, it's not too late to start kennel training Keela. You will have to slowly train him to get used to a crate. Start putting him in it when you are home and sitting nearby so he doesn't think you are abandoning him, and slowly increase the time he is in it. He can have toys in the crate, and puzzle toys with treats in it that he has to figure out how to get the treats out. You can put a tablespoon of peanut butter in a Kong toy and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to him in the crate. That will keep him occupied for a while.

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11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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