Wait at the Crate or Pen: Stillness Before Freedom
Before your puppy comes out of their crate or pen, ask for a "Wait", which just means a moment of stillness. Release them with "Okay" the instant they're calm. This teaches impulse control early and shows your puppy that jumping up, pawing and crying don't open the gate, but calm does.
Why it matters
- Young puppies quickly learn that jumping and crying at the pen gets them out, so this teaches a different habit from the start.
- It builds impulse control before your puppy gets access to the freedom outside the crate.
- The same skill carries over to doorways and car doors (covered in a later module).
What you'll need
- Your puppy's crate or pen
- Your puppy (no prior training needed)
- Optional: treats or praise to mark the calm moment
Step by step
- Approach the gate and wait for your puppy to settle. You're looking for a hold of stillness, like a little sit, rather than a perfect position.
- Say "Wait" just as they offer that stillness, so the word pairs with what they're doing.
- Release with "Okay" as soon as they're relaxed and not pawing or crying, then open the gate and let them out.
- If they paw, jump or cry, keep the gate closed. Pause, and open it only once they go still. In the video, Winnie pawed, so the gate stayed shut until she settled.
- Repeat every time your puppy comes out of their crate or pen.
Key coaching points
- Stillness matters more than a sit. At this age many puppies don't know "sit" yet, and that's fine. A sit is a bonus, not a requirement.
- Keep it short. Start with just a couple of seconds and don't ask for too long a wait.
- Choose a release cue and stick to it. Some people use "break" or "free". Katie uses "Okay" because it comes naturally to pet owners.
- Timing is everything. Say "Okay" the moment they settle. If your puppy happens to sit when you say "Wait", it was luck and timing, not a trained sit, and that's fine.
Common mistakes
- Opening the gate while your puppy is still pawing or crying
- Asking for a long wait too early
- Insisting on a sit when your puppy doesn't know it yet
- Using a different release word each time
Practice plan
Every time your puppy leaves their crate or pen, ask for a brief wait, then release with "Okay". Little and often is what builds the habit.
