Crate training toys can calm dogs and make crate time stress-free.

I live in the US, and when I brought my rescue pup home to Austin, nights were rough. He whined in his crate and pawed at the door. I worked from home, so I felt every minute of his stress. The game-changer? The right Crate Training Toys For Dogs. Simple tools like lick mats, treat-dispensing chews, and puzzle feeders turned the crate into a cozy, rewarding space. He began to settle faster, and I finally felt confident leaving the room. If you want your dog to love the crate, the right toy can do the heavy lifting for you—calmly and safely.

Lick Mat Slow Feeder for Crates

This lick mat slow feeder is a simple tool with big impact. Spread xylitol-free peanut butter, Greek yogurt, or pumpkin across the textured surface. The licking action can help calm dogs and release soothing endorphins. In a crate, that steady rhythm takes the edge off, especially for puppies and nervous adoptees. It also helps redirect energy away from chewing the crate bars or pawing at the door. If your dog bolts food, this is an easy win. It slows them down and turns snack time into a quiet, low-mess ritual.

I freeze the mat for a longer session. That adds 15–30 minutes of calm, depending on the spread and your dog’s persistence. Many Crate Training Toys For Dogs claim to reduce stress, but the lick-and-freeze combo is one of the most reliable tools I use. It is also easy to clean. Most silicone mats rinse fast or go on the top rack of the dishwasher. If you have a dog that needs help settling at night or during short absences, a good lick mat is a strong first step. It keeps the crate positive and busy.

Pros:

• Encourages calm through licking, which can soothe anxious dogs
• Freezer-friendly for longer crate sessions
• Great for soft foods like peanut butter, yogurt, or pumpkin
• Helps slow down fast eaters and reduce gulping
• Simple to clean and store; many are dishwasher safe
• Budget-friendly compared to complex puzzles

Cons:

• Not ideal for heavy power chewers if left unsupervised
• May need a mounting option to prevent sliding in some crates
• Limited to soft, spreadable foods

My Recommendation

This is a staple for puppies and anxious dogs who need calm in the crate. It shines during short routines like bedtime or when you step out for coffee. If your dog is learning to love the crate, this tool stacks easy wins. Crate Training Toys For Dogs work best when they’re simple and safe, and this lick mat hits both points. The value is strong, and availability is wide. Keep one clean and one frozen to rotate for easy, stress-free crate training.

Best for	Why
Puppies learning the crate	Licking soothes and keeps focus inside the crate
Dogs with mild anxiety	Steady licking can lower arousal and stress
Owners who want easy cleanup	Simple to rinse; often dishwasher safe

ChengFu Treat Dispenser for Crate Training

This ChengFu interactive toy is a peanut-butter-ready treat dispenser designed to reduce stress in the crate. It blends a chew texture with enrichment. I like it for dogs that need more than a lick mat but less than a big puzzle. Fill the grooves with peanut butter or smear a wet food blend, then freeze. The chewable exterior gives the mouth something safe to do. For puppies, that means less gnawing on the crate. For adult dogs, it means steady work that drains mental energy.

As far as Crate Training Toys For Dogs go, this one is a multitasker. Use it to reinforce calm when you close the crate door. Or use it to shape quiet behavior while you leave the room. It fits daily life well. The design is often easy to clean and stands up to regular chewing by most pups. If your dog is a heavy power chewer, still supervise until you trust the durability. For many homes, this becomes a go-to tool because it is simple, effective, and puppy-friendly.

Pros:

• Combine licking and chewing for longer engagement
• Freezer-friendly to extend crate time
• Textured surface satisfies oral needs, great for puppies
• Works with peanut butter, wet food, or pureed treats
• Helps reduce crate pawing and anxious pacing
• Compact size fits most crates and travel carriers

Cons:

• Supervision advised for heavy chewers
• Can get messy if overfilled or not frozen
• Some dogs may outgrow the difficulty over time

My Recommendation

I suggest this for puppies and teens who need both licking and chewing. It is ideal for owners who want one tool for short and medium crate sessions. Crate Training Toys For Dogs should be simple to use daily, and this one fits the bill. It offers strong value if you want calm behavior while you cook, Zoom, or run errands. Stock two to rotate frozen and fresh for quick setups.

Best for	Why
Teething puppies	Chew texture eases gums while keeping focus
Short crate sessions	Fast to fill; freezes for longer engagement
Owners new to enrichment	Easy learning curve and simple cleanup

Diggs Groov Calming Lick Mat (Blush)

The Diggs Groov is a BPA-free silicone lick mat that mounts to crate bars to keep treats off the floor. It includes a freezer shell that makes prep tidy and mess-free. Slide the shell off and clip the mat into place. I like this for dogs who flip loose mats or push them into corners. When mounted, it stays where your dog can reach it without dragging. If you use a Diggs Revol crate, this is tailored for a precise fit. Always check your crate’s bar spacing for safe, secure placement.

Among Crate Training Toys For Dogs, this one feels premium. The mount is the key. It turns licking into a hands-free routine and prevents the mat from becoming a chew toy. I use it for short pre-sleep wind-downs and for the first few minutes after I step out the door. The freezer shell boosts convenience. It keeps your counter clean and prevents spills. Cleanup is simple, and the mat stands up to daily use in most homes. For anxious dogs, mounted licking can be a calm ritual that signals safety in the crate.

Pros:

• Mounts securely to crate bars; reduces mess and movement
• Freezer shell makes prep easy and clean
• BPA-free silicone; designed with safety in mind
• Great for separation prep and bedtime routines
• Keeps the crate positive and focused on licking
• Dishwasher-safe convenience

Cons:

• Best fit with Diggs crates; check fit for other models
• Higher price than basic lick mats
• Not a chew toy; supervise if your dog tries to gnaw

My Recommendation

This is ideal for owners who want a mounted, no-slide lick solution. If you own a Diggs crate or want a clean look, this is a smart buy. Crate Training Toys For Dogs should make life easier, and the freezer shell plus mount do exactly that. It is worth it for anxious pups and tidy homes. Stock a second mat if you freeze daily or use it in multiple sessions.

Best for	Why
Diggs Revol users	Mount design pairs well with Diggs spacing
Dogs who push mats	Secure mount keeps licking in place
Clean, mess-free prep	Freezer shell prevents drips and spills

DR CATCH Dog Puzzle Feeder (Blue)

This DR CATCH puzzle board uses sliders, flaps, or spinners to hide kibble and treats. It makes your dog slow down and think. In a crate, mental work is gold. It converts energy to focus and cuts whining. I like this for dogs who eat too fast or bark when bored. The low-profile design sits flat, which helps in smaller crates. Start with easy chambers, then increase the challenge. Your dog learns to touch, sniff, and slide with their nose and paws.

For Crate Training Toys For Dogs, puzzles offer more brain burn than simple chews. Use this for meal portions to stretch feeding time and reward calm. Always supervise at first. Some dogs will try to lift or chew the pieces. Keep sessions short and sweet, then put it away. That keeps the puzzle fresh and exciting. Clean it by hand with warm, soapy water, and dry well. The result is a tidy, repeatable routine that adds smart work to crate time with minimal cost.

Pros:

• Boosts mental enrichment and problem-solving
• Slows mealtime for gulpers and fast eaters
• Fits well in many crates thanks to low profile
• Adjustable difficulty as your dog learns
• Encourages calm focus and reduces boredom
• Budget-friendly compared to complex puzzle toys

Cons:

• Not for unsupervised use; some dogs chew the parts
• Hand wash only for longest life
• Large or very strong dogs may move the board

My Recommendation

Pick this if your dog needs a brain workout in the crate. It is a smart add-on to rotate with lick mats and chews. Crate Training Toys For Dogs work best in layers: lick, chew, and think. This fills the “think” slot well. Use it during daytime breaks when you can supervise. It is a great way to turn meals into calm training moments without much effort.

Best for	Why
Food-motivated dogs	Puzzle rewards with small bites and keeps focus
Fast eaters	Slows intake and encourages thoughtful eating
Short, supervised sessions	Great enrichment while you’re nearby

ChengFu Puppy Teething Treat Toy (Blue)

This ChengFu teething toy is built for young mouths. It has a gentler feel and grooves for peanut butter or soft treats. For crate training, it does two jobs at once. It comforts sore gums and keeps puppies busy. I like it for early crate sessions and nap-time wind-downs. Fill, freeze, and hand it over as you close the door. The cold helps soothe, and the licking holds attention. You get a calmer pup, and the crate becomes a cozy place, not a battle.

Crate Training Toys For Dogs must be safe and rewarding for young pups. This one is both. The softer material is kinder to baby teeth than very hard rubber. It is also easier for small jaws to hold. Clean it often and check for wear. As your puppy grows, upgrade to a firmer chew if needed. But during the teething window, this toy can save your shoes and your sanity. It is a simple, puppy-tested way to build calm crate habits from day one.

Pros:

• Softer feel suits teething pups and small mouths
• Grooves hold peanut butter or soft treats
• Freezer-friendly for soothing cold relief
• Lightweight and easy to handle in the crate
• Encourages calm instead of crate chewing
• Budget-friendly and easy to replace

Cons:

• Not ideal for strong adult chewers
• Needs regular checks for wear and tear
• May be outgrown as jaw strength increases

My Recommendation

This is a top pick for early crate training with young puppies. Use it to pair the crate with soothing relief and tasty reward. Crate Training Toys For Dogs should meet your dog’s life stage, and this one nails the teething phase. It offers strong value with low risk. Buy two so you always have a clean, frozen backup for busy days and bedtime routines.

Best for	Why
Teething puppies	Softer texture and cold relief reduce chewing on crates
Short, calming routines	Fast to prepare and soothing to lick
Owners on a budget	Low-cost way to support crate training

FAQs Of Crate Training Toys For Dogs

Are crate training toys safe to leave unsupervised?

It depends on your dog and the toy. Start with supervision. If your dog chews pieces off, remove it. Choose sturdy items sized for your dog. When in doubt, be present.

What can I spread on a lick mat?

Use xylitol-free peanut butter, plain Greek yogurt, canned pumpkin, mashed banana, or wet food. Freeze for longer sessions. Avoid grapes, onions, and anything with xylitol.

Do these toys help separation anxiety?

They help as part of a plan. Licking and puzzles can lower stress and build a positive link to the crate. Pair them with short absences and calm returns. Increase time slowly.

How long should a crate session last with a toy?

For puppies, start with 5–20 minutes. For adults, 20–60 minutes. Use age, bladder needs, and behavior as your guide. Keep sessions positive and end on success.

How do I clean these toys?

Rinse after each use. Many silicone items are top-rack dishwasher safe. For puzzle boards, hand wash with warm, soapy water and dry well to prevent odors.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Want simple calm? The Lick Mat Slow Feeder is the best starter. Need chewing plus licking? Pick the ChengFu Treat Dispenser. Prefer a mounted, tidy setup? The Diggs Groov shines. For brain work, the DR CATCH Puzzle is great under supervision. For young mouths, the ChengFu Teething Toy brings soothing relief.

Choose based on your dog’s age, stress level, and chew habits. Crate Training Toys For Dogs work best in rotation. Start with a lick tool, add a chew, and layer a puzzle for variety. That mix keeps the crate positive, quiet, and safe.