House training
How do I stop my puppy from having accidents in the crate?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Check that the crate is sized correctly first, just large enough to stand, turn and lie down in, since an oversized crate lets a puppy soil one end and still sleep comfortably in the other. If the size is right and accidents continue, the puppy is likely being left in the crate longer than their current bladder capacity allows.
Ruling out crate size and timing
A crate divider panel is worth using for a growing puppy so the usable space matches their current age rather than their eventual adult size, since even a well trained puppy will use extra space as a bathroom rather than hold on. Compare how long the puppy is being left against the age plus one hour guide for bladder capacity, and adjust the schedule if the gap is longer than that.
When accidents happen despite the right setup
A puppy who has an accident in a correctly sized crate within their expected capacity window is worth watching for anxiety, since some puppies who are distressed about being confined will soil the crate even with plenty of bladder control left. Gradual, positive crate training, short sessions with the door open and treats scattered inside, can address this separately from the scheduling itself.
Key takeaways
- An oversized crate lets a puppy soil one end while still sleeping comfortably in the other.
- Compare crate time against the puppy's current bladder capacity rather than assuming they can hold on longer.
- Anxiety about confinement can cause crate accidents even within a puppy's normal capacity window.