How do I crate train a puppy without it crying all night?

The introduction process

1. Set the crate up open in your living area. Feed all meals near it, then inside with the door open. 2–3 days.
2. Toss treats into the crate and let the puppy go in and out freely. Add a soft bed and a long-lasting chew.
3. Door closed for 10–30 seconds while you stay in the room. Open before the puppy fusses. Build duration.
4. First overnight: crate in your bedroom, beside the bed if possible. Puppies are pack sleepers and panic when isolated.
5. Take the puppy out to potty when they cry at night. 8-week-olds can't hold their bladder more than 2 hours; assume real need first, not manipulation.

What not to do

• Don't put the crate in the basement or garage for night one. Isolation amplifies distress and conditions the crate negatively.
• Don't use the crate as punishment. It must remain a positive space.
• Don't "let them cry it out" for hours. Puppies aren't testing you; they're panicking. Sustained panic produces durable crate aversion that takes weeks to undo.
• Don't crate longer than the puppy can physically hold their bladder. Rule of thumb: one hour per month of age, capped at ~4 hours.