Crate Training Small Doodle Puppies: Complete Guide for Cavapoos, Cockapoos, Schnoodles & Schnockerpoos

Crate training is one of the most valuable skills you can teach your new Cavapoo, Cockapoo, Schnoodle, or Schnockerpoo puppy. When done correctly, a crate becomes your puppy’s safe haven—a comfortable den where they can relax, sleep, and feel secure. At SilverBell Doodles, we start crate training Doodle puppies from an early age, and we’ve helped hundreds of families successfully continue this training in their homes.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:

• Why crate training is especially beneficial for small Doodle breeds
• How to select the perfect crate for your puppy’s size and needs
• A step-by-step crate training schedule that prevents anxiety
• How to handle common crate training challenges
• Must-have accessories for a comfortable crate setup
• How to use crate training to accelerate potty training

Benefits of Crate Training for Small Doodles

Crate training offers numerous advantages for small Doodle breeds like our Cavapoos, Cockapoos, Schnoodles, and Schnockerpoos:

1. Accelerated Potty Training: Small Doodles have smaller bladders but a natural desire to keep their sleeping area clean, making a properly-sized crate an excellent potty training aid.
2. Safety and Security: Provides a safe space when you can’t supervise, preventing accidents like chewing electrical cords or ingesting harmful items.
3. Reduced Separation Anxiety: When introduced properly, crates can help prevent separation anxiety by creating a comfortable safe space.
4. Easier Travel: Crate-trained Doodles adapt more easily to travel, veterinary stays, and grooming appointments.
5. Stress Reduction: Small Doodle breeds, especially sensitive ones like Cavapoos, benefit from having a quiet retreat during overwhelming situations.
6. Prevention of Destructive Behaviors: Helps prevent the development of destructive habits during the early months.

“A crate isn’t a prison—it’s more like your puppy’s bedroom. When introduced positively, it becomes their favorite spot to relax and recharge.” — SilverBell Doodles Training Specialist

Choosing the Right Crate

Selecting the appropriate crate is crucial for successful training, especially for small Doodle breeds that can vary in adult size.

Types of Crates

Wire Crates Best for: General home use, puppies that prefer more visibility, warmer environments

Our recommendation: Precision Pet Products Two Door Wire Dog Crate

• Two-door design offers flexible placement options
• Includes divider panel to adjust size as puppy grows
• Collapsible for storage and travel
• 30 inch size appropriate for most adult small Doodles with divider for puppies

Pros:

• Excellent visibility and airflow
• Often includes divider panel for size adjustment
• Usually more affordable
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Less den-like for anxious puppies
• Can be noisier when puppy moves
• May require cover for security

Premium Crate Option For those wanting the best combination of functionality and aesthetics:

Our recommendation: Diggs Revol Dog Crate

• Collapsible design for easy storage
• Beautiful aesthetic that blends with home decor
• Single-handed door operation
• Diamond-shaped wire prevents paw injuries
• Perfect for small to medium Doodle breeds

Pros:

• Combines best features of wire and plastic crates
• Excellent quality and safety features
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Collapsible for storage

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Limited size options

Sizing for Small Doodle Breeds

The right size crate allows your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably—but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.

Typical Size Guidelines:

• Cavapoos: 24″-30″ crate (use divider while growing)
• Cockapoos: 24″-30″ crate depending on variety
• Schnoodles: 24″-30″ crate depending on variety
• Schnockerpoos: 24″-30″ crate

“For potty training purposes, it’s better to start with a larger crate with a divider rather than a smaller crate your puppy will quickly outgrow.” — SilverBell Doodles Trainer

Crate Training Schedule

A gradual, positive introduction is crucial for small Doodle breeds, who can be sensitive to abrupt changes.

Week 1: Positive Introduction

Day 1-2: Creating Positive Associations

• Place crate in family area with door open
• Toss treats inside periodically
• Feed meals near (not in) the crate
• Never force puppy inside

Day 3-4: Meals in the Crate

• Start feeding meals inside crate with door open
• Place bowl at entrance, then gradually move deeper
• Allow free entry and exit
• Praise calmly when puppy enters voluntarily

Day 5-7: Brief Door Closures

• Close door briefly during meals
• Open before puppy finishes eating
• Practice 1-2 minute closed-door sessions with you present
• Always pair with treats and praise

Week 2: Building Duration

Day 8-10: Extending Duration

• Increase closed-door time to 5-10 minutes
• Sit quietly nearby
• Provide a stuffed Kong toy
• Ignore whining, open door when quiet

Day 11-14: Creating Routine

• Begin regular crate schedule for naps
• Practice 30-minute sessions while you remain home
• Vary between being visible and out of sight
• Always use consistent command like “kennel up”

Week 3: Building Independence

Day 15-17: Brief Absences

• Leave home for 5-15 minutes while puppy is crated
• Keep departures and returns low-key
• Gradually extend absence time
• Practice at different times of day

Day 18-21: Regular Schedule

• Implement regular crate schedule aligned with puppy’s natural nap times
• Practice nighttime crating with appropriate potty breaks
• Continue to make crate a positive space
• Never use crate for punishment

Duration Guidelines by Age

8-10 weeks: Maximum 1 hour during day, 3-4 hours at night with potty break 11-14 weeks: Maximum 2 hours during day, 4-5 hours at night with potty break 15-16 weeks: Maximum 3 hours during day, 6 hours at night 17+ weeks:Maximum 4 hours during day, gradually extending overnight

“Small Doodle breeds may need more frequent potty breaks than larger dogs. Adjust these guidelines based on your individual puppy’s needs and signals.” — SilverBell Doodles

Breed-Specific Crate Training Tips

Each of our small Doodle varieties has slightly different temperaments that can affect crate training:

Cavapoo Crate Training

Temperament Considerations:

• Highly people-oriented and sensitive
• Can be prone to separation anxiety
• Often bond strongly with their people
• May be more vocal about distress

Specific Tips:

• Extra emphasis on gradual separation
• Consider crate placement where they can still see/hear family
• More positive reinforcement needed
• May benefit from clothing item with owner’s scent
• Often prefer softer, more enclosed crate environment

Cockapoo Crate Training

Temperament Considerations:

• Energetic and playful
• Intelligent and sometimes stubborn
• Strong hunting/tracking instincts
• Generally adaptable

Specific Tips:

• Ensure ample exercise before crate time
• Interactive toys essential for mental stimulation
• May prefer more visibility in wire crates
• Often adapt quickly with consistent routine
• May try to “test” boundaries more

Schnoodle Crate Training

Temperament Considerations:

• Alert and sometimes more independent
• Can be more vocal
• Often very intelligent
• May have stronger terrier instincts

Specific Tips:

• Need clear, consistent rules
• May benefit from covered crate to reduce alerting to movements
• Extra mental stimulation before crate time
• Often respond well to routine
• Some may try to “problem solve” crate latches

Schnockerpoo Crate Training

Temperament Considerations:

• Blend of all three parent breeds
• Can have varied personalities based on dominant traits
• Often intelligent and adaptable
• May inherit more working drive

Specific Tips:

• Observe individual personality and adapt accordingly
• May need more physical and mental exercise before crating
• Consistency especially important
• Often benefit from problem-solving toys
• Usually adapt well with proper introduction

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

Even with proper introduction, you may encounter these common crate training challenges:

Whining and Barking

Possible causes:

• Needs potty break
• Crate introduced too quickly
• Excess energy
• Attention-seeking

Solutions:

• Take for quick potty break if needed, then return to crate
• Ensure proper exercise before crate time
• Never reward barking by letting puppy out
• Consider covering crate for fewer distractions
• Return to earlier training stage with shorter durations

Anxiety or Distress

Signs of true distress:

• Excessive drooling
• Panting
• Escape attempts that could cause injury
• Frantic behavior

Solutions:

• Return to basic crate introduction
• Consider crate location (some puppies prefer family areas, others quieter spaces)
• Try calming aids like Adaptil Calming Diffuser
• Consult veterinarian if severe

Accidents in the Crate

Possible causes:

• Crate too large
• Schedule too demanding
• Medical issue
• Improper cleaning of previous accidents

Solutions:

• Check crate size and use divider if needed
• Increase potty break frequency
• Use enzymatic cleaner for thorough accident cleanup
• Consult veterinarian to rule out UTI or other issues

Refusing to Enter Crate

Possible causes:

• Negative association
• Improper introduction
• Discomfort

Solutions:

• Return to positive association building
• Try different bedding or crate style
• Feed high-value treats and meals in crate
• Never force puppy into crate

Graduating from the Crate

As your small Doodle puppy matures and demonstrates reliability, you can gradually increase freedom:

When to Begin Graduation Process

Most small Doodles can begin transitioning around 1-2 years of age when they consistently demonstrate:

• Reliable potty habits
• No destructive chewing when supervised
• Calm behavior when alone
• Comfort in the crate

Gradual Transition Process

1. Start with brief home-alone sessions outside the crate
   • Begin with 5-15 minutes in a puppy-proofed room
   • Gradually extend time as reliability is proven
   • Use baby gates to restrict access to one room initially
2. Maintain the crate as an option
   • Keep crate assembled with door open
   • Continue occasional crate sessions to maintain familiarity
   • Many Doodles will continue using their crate voluntarily
3. Consider transitional solutions
   • Exercise pen attached to crate provides more space with security
   • Pet gates can restrict access to a safe room
   • Indoor playpen offers more space than crate but still contains puppy

FAQs About Crate Training Doodle Puppies

Is it cruel to crate train my Doodle puppy?

No, when done properly, crate training provides security and comfort. Dogs are den animals by nature, and a properly introduced crate becomes a safe haven. The key is positive association, appropriate duration, and never using the crate for punishment.

Where should I place my puppy’s crate?

For initial training, place the crate in a family area where your puppy can see and hear you but is protected from drafts and direct sunlight. For sleeping, some puppies do better in the bedroom with their family, while others prefer a quieter area.

How long can my small Doodle puppy stay in the crate?

The general rule is the puppy’s age in months plus one hour, up to a maximum of 4-5 hours during the day (except for overnight sleeping once they can hold their bladder). Small breeds like Cavapoos may need more frequent breaks than larger Doodles.

My Cockapoo puppy was doing well with the crate but suddenly hates it. What happened?

This is common during adolescence (6-12 months) when puppies test boundaries. It can also happen after a negative experience (being crated too long, getting stuck). Return to basics with positive associations and shorter durations.

Should I crate my Schnoodle puppy at night?

Yes, nighttime crating provides safety and helps with potty training. Place the crate in your bedroom initially so you can hear if your puppy needs a potty break. Most small Doodles can sleep through the night by 16-20 weeks of age.

Conclusion: Creating a Lifelong Safe Space

Crate training your Cavapoo, Cockapoo, Schnoodle, or Schnockerpoo puppy requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, but the benefits are well worth the effort. A properly crate-trained small Doodle will have a secure space throughout their life, making travel, veterinary visits, and alone time less stressful.

Remember that every puppy is an individual. While these guidelines work for most small Doodle breeds, observe your puppy’s specific responses and adjust your approach accordingly. Some puppies take to the crate immediately, while others need more gradual introduction.

At SilverBell Doodles, we believe that proper crate training is one of the most important foundations for a well-adjusted, confident companion. The time you invest in positive crate training during your puppy’s first few months will reward you both with a lifetime of benefits.

Have questions about crate training your small Doodle puppy? Contact us today or leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to help!

Disclaimer: We earn a small commission from purchases made through our affiliate links, which helps support our breeding program and educational content. We only recommend products we use and trust with our own puppies.

This article was last updated on March 16, 2025.