Step 4: Crating your Dog When Left Alone and Overnight -- After your dog is comfortable with spending about 30 minutes in the crate without becoming anxious or afraid, he should be ready to be left alone. Place your dog in the crate using your regular command and a treat. You might also want to leave your puppy with a few safe toys in the crate. Don't make your going away too emotional or prolonged, but keep it short and sweet instead. Praise your dog briefly, give him/her a treat for entering the crate and then leave quietly. When you return home, do not reward your dog for excited behavior by responding in an overly excited and enthusiastic way. Keep your entrances as low key as possible. Continue to crate your dog for short periods from time to time when you are home to avoid any association your dog might make between crating and being left home alone.

At this point, you can also keep your dog in the crate overnight. Place your dog in the crate using your regular command and a treat. Initially, it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or close by in a hallway, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside to eliminate during the night, and you will want to be able to hear your puppy when he whines to be let outside. Older dogs should also initially be kept nearby so that crating does not become associated with social isolation. Once your dog is sleeping comfortably through the night with the crate placed near you, you can begin to gradually move it to any location within the house that you prefer.

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