Crate Training Your Dog & Puppy by Susan McCullough
Susan McCullough’s manual earns its spot as a best-in-class, practical primer that walks owners through step-by-step crate conditioning and containment protocols tailored for puppies and adult dogs. Compared with the other titles in this list it emphasizes low-cost, easily implemented routines and clear troubleshooting tips, making it a financially sensible choice for first-time owners who want a streamlined, no-frills approach to crate training.
Gentle, no-drama
Nighttime zen
Gentle, no-drama
Nighttime zen
Review Summary
"Users find this guide clear and practical for basic crate training, especially for new owners, though some experienced trainers say it can be overly simplistic and lacks in-depth troubleshooting for stubborn problems."
Stepwise wins
Clear, progressive steps for introducing a crate to puppies and adult dogs.
Stepwise wins
Clear, progressive steps for introducing a crate to puppies and adult dogs.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Susan McCullough’s manual earns its spot as a best-in-class, practical primer that walks owners through step-by-step crate conditioning and containment protocols tailored for puppies and adult dogs. Compared with the other titles in this list it emphasizes low-cost, easily implemented routines and clear troubleshooting tips, making it a financially sensible choice for first-time owners who want a streamlined, no-frills approach to crate training.
Gentle, no-drama
Nighttime zen
Stepwise wins
Clear, progressive steps for introducing a crate to puppies and adult dogs.
Focused troubleshooting for common crate-related issues like whining and refusals.
Gentle, no-drama
Nighttime zen
Stepwise wins
Clear, progressive steps for introducing a crate to puppies and adult dogs.
Focused troubleshooting for common crate-related issues like whining and refusals.
$10-20 CAD
The Ultimate Guide to Dog Crate Training by Brittany Boykin
Brittany Boykin’s guide positions itself as the market leader for comprehensiveness, offering deep dives into troubleshooting, advanced containment setups, and technical diagrams that more basic manuals omit. While pricier than some entry-level texts, its breadth and clear protocols deliver strong long-term value for owners and trainers who need a single reference covering both novice and advanced crate strategies.
Comprehensive fixes
Troubleshoot fast
Comprehensive fixes
Troubleshoot fast
Review Summary
"Readers appreciate the step-by-step structure and up-to-date tips for common crate issues, but several buyers report the content can be repetitive and best suited for first-time owners rather than complex cases."
Checklist-ready
Extensive coverage of crate selection, setup, and training timelines.
Checklist-ready
Extensive coverage of crate selection, setup, and training timelines.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
Brittany Boykin’s guide positions itself as the market leader for comprehensiveness, offering deep dives into troubleshooting, advanced containment setups, and technical diagrams that more basic manuals omit. While pricier than some entry-level texts, its breadth and clear protocols deliver strong long-term value for owners and trainers who need a single reference covering both novice and advanced crate strategies.
Comprehensive fixes
Troubleshoot fast
Checklist-ready
Extensive coverage of crate selection, setup, and training timelines.
Emphasizes humane, reward-based methods and gradual desensitization.
Comprehensive fixes
Troubleshoot fast
Checklist-ready
Extensive coverage of crate selection, setup, and training timelines.
Emphasizes humane, reward-based methods and gradual desensitization.
$12-30 CAD
Zak George's Dog Training Revolution
Zak George’s title is notable for pairing modern, positive-reinforcement crate and containment techniques with an ecosystem of free video resources and community support, making it technically current and cost-effective for buyers who leverage online content. Compared to the other books here, it blends broad training philosophy with practical crate applications and ongoing multimedia updates, giving it an edge for owners who prefer dynamic, demonstrative learning over static text alone.
Positive, upbeat
YouTube-ready fun
Positive, upbeat
YouTube-ready fun
Review Summary
"Zak George's book is widely praised for its positive, science-based approach and engaging voice; most users find it practical, though a few note its broad scope sometimes sacrifices depth on specific problems."
Play-based wins
Uses contemporary, positive-reinforcement techniques applicable to crate work.
Play-based wins
Uses contemporary, positive-reinforcement techniques applicable to crate work.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Zak George’s title is notable for pairing modern, positive-reinforcement crate and containment techniques with an ecosystem of free video resources and community support, making it technically current and cost-effective for buyers who leverage online content. Compared to the other books here, it blends broad training philosophy with practical crate applications and ongoing multimedia updates, giving it an edge for owners who prefer dynamic, demonstrative learning over static text alone.
Positive, upbeat
YouTube-ready fun
Play-based wins
Uses contemporary, positive-reinforcement techniques applicable to crate work.
Integrates crate training within broader obedience and behavior plans.
Positive, upbeat
YouTube-ready fun
Play-based wins
Uses contemporary, positive-reinforcement techniques applicable to crate work.
Integrates crate training within broader obedience and behavior plans.
Perfect Puppy in 7 Days by Dr. Sophia Yin
Dr. Sophia Yin’s program stands out for its science-backed, time-efficient protocols that promise measurable progress in a compact timeframe and integrate crate work into early socialization and routine-building. Technically precise and veterinarian-informed, it compares favorably to longer manuals by delivering rapid, evidence-based routines that often reduce the need for extended professional training sessions, offering good value for owners who want fast, reliable results.
Seven-day plan
Vet-backed calm
Seven-day plan
Vet-backed calm
Review Summary
"Dr. Sophia Yin's book is highly regarded for clear, humane, and practical puppy-starting routines that produce fast, reliable results; a minority wish for more advanced troubleshooting for difficult cases."
Quick, kind results
Seven-day, easy-to-follow protocol to jump-start puppy training and crate acceptance.
Quick, kind results
Seven-day, easy-to-follow protocol to jump-start puppy training and crate acceptance.
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
Dr. Sophia Yin’s program stands out for its science-backed, time-efficient protocols that promise measurable progress in a compact timeframe and integrate crate work into early socialization and routine-building. Technically precise and veterinarian-informed, it compares favorably to longer manuals by delivering rapid, evidence-based routines that often reduce the need for extended professional training sessions, offering good value for owners who want fast, reliable results.
Seven-day plan
Vet-backed calm
Quick, kind results
Seven-day, easy-to-follow protocol to jump-start puppy training and crate acceptance.
Backed by a veterinarian-behaviorist perspective with simple exercises.
Seven-day plan
Vet-backed calm
Quick, kind results
Seven-day, easy-to-follow protocol to jump-start puppy training and crate acceptance.
Backed by a veterinarian-behaviorist perspective with simple exercises.
Before and After Getting Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar
Dr. Ian Dunbar’s manual is a research-driven classic that prioritizes early socialization and long-term behavioral outcomes, embedding crate training within a broader developmental framework suited for breeders and serious owners. While more academic than some consumer-focused guides, its deep emphasis on prevention and scientifically validated methods provides technical advantages for those seeking durable results and is particularly cost-effective over a dog’s lifetime by reducing future behavior problems.
Prep like a pro
Socialize early
Prep like a pro
Socialize early
Review Summary
"Dr. Ian Dunbar's guide is considered a foundational must-read with realistic, science-backed advice and excellent behavior insights for new puppy owners; a small number of readers find some sections repetitive."
Preventive brilliance
Guides owners through preparation before bringing a puppy home and the first weeks after.
Preventive brilliance
Guides owners through preparation before bringing a puppy home and the first weeks after.
Increased Safety & Security
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
Dr. Ian Dunbar’s manual is a research-driven classic that prioritizes early socialization and long-term behavioral outcomes, embedding crate training within a broader developmental framework suited for breeders and serious owners. While more academic than some consumer-focused guides, its deep emphasis on prevention and scientifically validated methods provides technical advantages for those seeking durable results and is particularly cost-effective over a dog’s lifetime by reducing future behavior problems.
Prep like a pro
Socialize early
Preventive brilliance
Guides owners through preparation before bringing a puppy home and the first weeks after.
Strong emphasis on early socialization, house training, and bite inhibition alongside crate use.
Prep like a pro
Socialize early
Preventive brilliance
Guides owners through preparation before bringing a puppy home and the first weeks after.
Strong emphasis on early socialization, house training, and bite inhibition alongside crate use.