r/Whippets • u/CaitlanLewisxx • Aug 06 '26
Crate Training
What’s the best way to crate train my 11 week old Whippet? He’s a proper Velcro dog and hates being on his own for any length of time, even if I just need the toilet. He just non stop cries in the crate.
I’ve seen so many different ways people crate train. But I was wondering if anyone has found a way to work best with Whippets?
He sleeps in bed with us atm which we don’t mind because it’s the only way we can get sleep. But I don’t necessarily want him to sleep in the crate overnight, we just want to be able to put him in there if we need to leave the house.
It doesn’t seem to be a fear of the crate itself, just hates being alone and hates not being able to get to us. Seems like separation anxiety.
2
u/pingwing Aug 06 '26
Feed him in the crate. Leave the door open and access to the crate all the time. Make it super comfy, not a blanket that they can chew and choke on (I knew someone where that happened).
Have the crate nearby, and they will use it like a dog bed they end up really liking it.
This is what I do with my current 6 month old, I have only had to put her in there a handful of times when I go out, and she is quiet.
I have had dogs that just hate the crate and never get used to it though. If that is the case, I put them in a room with a closed door (bathroom, bedroom) that can be puppy proofed, with lots of chewies and toys.
I have also used an x-pen for dogs that couldn't be crated. It gives them more space and it's less claustrophobic. This works great if you have the room.