From Den to Zen: Why Crate Training Matters

Tipsy Rabbit Tips & Pointers Blog

Your GSP’s Well-Being and Your Peace of Mind — One Crate at a Time.

We’ve recently welcomed Baby Maverick back to the Tipsy Rabbit pack at 11 months old. He’s a sweet, affectionate boy, but we’re still assessing his level of separation anxiety. Right now, if I step out the door to the garage or backyard without him, he whines. His previous owners were retired, so they didn’t see much need to continue kenneling him—and as I always say, there will come a time when it’s needed.

Sure enough, that time came, and Baby Maverick didn’t tolerate it well. Fast forward to him being back with us, and we’re working to rebuild his kennel skills through positive associations. Right now, he happily eats his meals in the kennel with the door closed and rests there for about 10 minutes afterward. He’s whined a little, but not too bad, and I only let him out after he’s been quiet for a couple of minutes. Throughout the day, we toss in treats so he can go in on his own and find them—turning it into a fun game.

Now that school is back in session, he stays kenneled a little longer after breakfast while I drive the teens to school. This morning he barked until he realized my husband was still home. Slowly but surely, we’re helping him acclimate so he can rest confidently and quietly—a reminder of just how important early and consistent crate training can be.

Choosing the Right Crate & Size

When it comes to crate training, think big picture. You’re not just picking a place for your puppy to sleep—you’re setting the stage for potty training success, giving them a safe den to call their own, and helping them build independence. There are so many crate styles out there, so start with one that works for your puppy now, knowing you’ll likely upgrade as they grow. Once your pup is potty trained, it’s the perfect opportunity to upgrade to a kennel that reflects your personal style—just like we did with our furniture-style design that now blends seamlessly into our home.

A new standout on the market is Diggs. Built to grow with your dog, Diggs crates include adjustable puppy dividers so the space adapts as your GSP matures—giving you longevity and peace of mind. Their blend of high-level safety, flexibility, and elegant design makes them an ideal choice for GSP families who want a sturdy, functional solution that also complements a modern home. Whether you’re crate training a rambunctious pup or providing a secure den for downtime, Diggs crates deliver both style and security in one package. Link here 👉🏻Diggs Crates

For a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy up to about 5 months old, a 28-30inch crate usually works best. Link here 👉🏻 Petmate Vari Dog Kennel Around 5–6 months, most GSPs are ready to size up into their adult crate.  For most male GSPs, a 36-inch crate will fit them comfortably into adulthood (this is an affordable option), while females often do best in a 32-inch crate (this is an affordable option). Even our big boy Maverick will happily curl up in a 32" kennel—proof that many dogs enjoy a snug, den-like space. 

 
Why Crates Are More Than Just Containment

A properly sized crate is a versatile tool that benefits both you and your dog. It helps:

• Speed up potty training — Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a crate that’s just big enough for them to stand, turn, and lie down helps establish good habits early.
  

• Provide a secure “den” — A covered or solid-sided crate offers a natural sense of safety and reduces overstimulation from household activity.
  

• Build independence — GSPs form intense bonds with their humans and want to be with you 24/7. That’s endearing, but it also makes crate training and teaching them how to be alone absolutely essential. Without early boundaries, you risk creating separation anxiety in an already sensitive breed. The crate provides a safe space to rest and teaches them to relax without anxiety, helping them develop a healthy ‘off switch’ for downtime. Building this independence early creates a balanced GSP who can work hard and rest easy—built on structure, trust, and clear expectations at home

• Keep your GSP safe (and your furniture intact) — A bored GSP is a mischievous GSP. Left to their own devices, they can get into trouble, hurt themselves, or redecorate your living room by liberating the stuffing from your sofa cushions. A crate keeps them safe from hazards and protects your home when you can’t supervise.
   

How We Use Crates at Tipsy Rabbit

In our home, young dogs are crated when we leave until they’re around 18–24 months old—at which point we feel they can be trusted loose. We have a large furniture-style kennel that holds two dogs, and even when it’s left open during the day, it’s a coveted spot our dogs take turns enjoying.

Crate training is highly recommended—even if you work from home, are retired, or plan to take your dog with you nearly everywhere you go. At some point, your dog will need to be kenneled, whether it’s for travel, vet visits, boarding, recovery from injury, or simply for safe downtime at home. Starting early sets them up for success.

 
Recommended Crate Options

For Potty Training & Travel – I love Travel and Impact-style crates for their durability, den-like feel, and ease of transport. They’re small enough to discourage accidents, sturdy enough for travel, reduce external overstimulation and are designed so dogs can’t easily pull things through the sides (although Papa Maverick once proved me wrong and ruined a duvet cover 🤦🏼‍♀️). Link here 👉🏻Basic Travel Kennel 

Adjustable Wire Kennels – This Midwest wire kennel includes a divider so it “grows” with your puppy. Just be sure to cover it for that cozy den feel—though be warned, bored GSPs sometimes pull covers through the bars. A friend swears by using a small rug as a cover, and it’s worked well for her. Link here 👉🏻Amazon Basics Wire Crate

Covered Wire Kennel Sets – This option comes with a fitted cover and accessories. While you may not need the bowls or bed right away, the fitted cover is great, and I prefer a small blanket or towel inside so it’s easy to wash. Link here 👉🏻 Midwest Intermediate Starter

For grown males, I recommend a 36-inch, and for grown females, a 32-inch. Avoid oversized crates for puppies—they can create a situation where there’s space to potty in one corner and sleep in another. If you do opt for a larger kennel, use a divider until your puppy is fully house trained. 

 
Multiple Crates Can Be a Game Changer

Consider keeping two crates:

A smaller one in the bedroom for nighttime.
A larger one in the living area for naps, downtime, or safe containment during the day.

💡 Personal Preference Matters
Choosing crates and sleeping arrangements at night is totally up to you and your lifestyle. Some families prefer their pup to be fully potty trained before allowing them in bed. Others—like me—value sleep entirely too much to have scheduled potty breaks through the night, so I choose to let them sleep with us and wake me when it’s time to go out. In my experience, I’ve never had a bed accident, and I’ve found that our bonds grow even faster this way. But again, it’s all about what works best for you and your family.

While I’ve only kenneled one pup overnight out of necessity, crate training during the day and when unsupervised remains invaluable. Even if you decide your pup will sleep with you at night, having a strong foundation in crate training ensures they’re comfortable and confident when the need arises.

 
Trainer’s Tip: Start Slow and Pack Your Patience

Building/rebuilding crate comfort—especially in older puppies or young adults—takes time, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Start with short, positive experiences like feeding meals in the crate, offering a favorite chew, or tossing in treats for your dog to “discover.” Gradually increase the duration they spend inside while you’re home before expecting them to settle when you leave.

If your pup protests at first, don’t rush the process. Release them only when they’re calm and quiet, even if it’s just for a moment, so they learn patience and self-soothing skills.

For a deeper dive into patience-building techniques and step-by-step crate acclimation, check out our blog Pack Your Patience—it’s full of tips and tricks that work for dogs of all ages.

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