Crate TrainingModule 4 / 8

Module 4: Crating Overnight

First nights are loud. Here's the protocol that ends the crying inside a week without 'crying it out.'

5 min read Beginner
Course progress0%

Location, location

Crate next to your bed for at least 2 weeks. Hand near the bars = enormous reassurance. Move room-by-room once nights are quiet.

Whining vs. bathroom signal

Settling whine (2–5 min, fades) = ignore. Sharp, escalating, sustained whine = take outside, boring trip, back to crate.

Pre-bed routine

Last potty → 5 min calm contact → into crate with a chew → lights off. Same order, every night.

Key takeaways

  • Bedside crate for week 1+
  • Learn the two whine types
  • Identical bedtime sequence

Lesson checklist

Action items to put this module into practice.

  • Set crate within arm's reach
  • Pre-bed potty timing locked
  • Designate a bedtime chew
  • Brief everyone in the home