6 Crate Training Mistakes I See Most Often — and How to Fix Them

If you’ve ever opened the crate in the morning to the smell of wee (or worse), you’re not alone.

Crate accidents are super common in the early weeks, and while they can be frustrating, they’re rarely a sign that your puppy is “naughty” or crate training is failing.

Let’s get to the bottom (pun intended) of what’s going wrong — and how to fix it.

Common Reasons for Crate Accidents

1. Your puppy physically can’t hold it
Puppies under 12 weeks have very small bladders and weak control — especially at night or after play. If you’re crating for too long, accidents will happen.

📝 Tip: Use the "months + 1" rule (a 2-month-old pup can hold it for 3 hours maximum when awake — less if active or just drank).

2. You’re not giving enough toilet opportunities
Skipping a potty break before crate time or delaying them after naps can backfire

3. The crate is too big
If your puppy has enough space to wee in one end and sleep in the other, they will. Dogs naturally avoid toileting where they sleep — but only if the crate supports that.

4. There’s stress or confusion
If your puppy is stressed in the crate, they may urinate involuntarily. Or, if they were crated before learning where to toilet, they may have associated the crate with toileting.

What You Can Do to Prevent Crate Accidents

✅ 1. Reset the crate size
Use a divider or smaller crate space so your puppy has just enough room to stand, turn, and lie down. This taps into their natural cleanliness instinct.

✅ 2. Get your schedule working for you
Offer a toilet break before and after every crate session, after meals, naps, and play. Keep a log using a tracker so you can spot patterns.

✅ 3. Rule out health issues
Frequent accidents or dribbling can be signs of a urinary tract infection. Always check with your vet if something seems off.

✅ 4. Keep the crate calm and clean
Never punish for an accident. Clean the crate with an enzymatic cleaner and start again. Stay neutral, supportive, and focused on progress.

Progress Over Perfection

Accidents are a part of the process — especially in the first few weeks. It doesn’t mean your training is broken.

With the right schedule, structure, and support, crate toileting issues can be resolved quickly and kindly.

Need a Plan?

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Printable Potty Tracker & Crate Confidence Chart
Common Mistakes Mini-Guide
Nap & Toilet Schedule
Crate Settling Cheatsheet