Crate training is teaching your puppy he has a safe and secure area of his own. A crate is a valuable tool for housebreaking, preventing destructive behaviors and keeping your puppy safe when you cannot watch him. A crate also gives your puppy a den area to go to when his environment is too overwhelming. Your puppy’s crate is comparable to a crib or playpen for a young child.

Kinds Of Crates

Wire and plastic are the two most common types of crates.

The fold up wire crates are very easy to transport, but many puppies prefer the “closed in” den like area that a plastic crate offers. It is useful to cover a wire crate with a blanket to help give this effect.

The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand, stretch out and turn completely. If your puppy will be a large dog, it would be a good idea to purchase a crate that will be the correct size to accomodate him as an adult. Your puppy may eliminate in a crate that is too large, therefore block the rear area of the crate off with a cardboard box until he is fully housebroken.

To prevent entrapment, NEVER leave a collar on your puppy while he is in his crate.

How To Teach Your Puppy To Love His Crate.

When To Begin

A dog can be crate trained at any age, although it is much easier at a very young age. The best situation is to have your puppy’s crate waiting for him when he arrives at his new home.

When To Use The Crate

Your puppy should only be in his crate when you cannot watch him, when you must be gone or when it is time to quiet down. Just as it would be difficult for a child to settle down in a high traffic area of your home, it would also be difficult for your puppy. Find a quiet, but not secluded, area to keep his crate.

You must remember your puppy is not a toy that you can put away when you are tired of playing with it. Your puppy is a pack animal and must be with his pack (your family) as much as possible. If your puppy is too rambunctious, even after intense play time, allow him to settle down in his crate, then permit him back with you.

You should never use your puppy’s crate as punishment. Resist the temptation to send your puppy “to his room” when he has misbehaved. Your puppy needs to learn that going to his crate is good and that he wants to go to his crate.

"Can I Go Into My Crate Now?"

The first step in crate training is to teach your puppy to like his crate. Your puppy shouldn’t be forced into his crate but should go in with his tail wagging.

Begin by leaving your puppy’s crate door open. Place his food bowl in his crate at meal times so he can enter and leave the crate when he wishes. Lure him into the crate by throwing food pieces, treats or toys into the crate. Anytime you see your puppy voluntarily enter his crate, reward him with praise and a treat. Begin closing the door for short periods of time as your puppy becomes more comfortable with his crate.

Purchase a few special toys that your puppy is only allowed to play with when he is in his crate with the door closed. The Kong ToyTM is an excellent choice because it is hollow and therefore can easily be packed with treats. Your puppy will spend hours trying to get to the goodies inside. A Kong ToyTM in your puppy’s crate is comparable to a NintendoTM in your Child’s bedroom!

When used properly, crate training is neither cruel nor unfair. A crate is a humane tool to train your puppy and to keep him safe when you cannot be watching him.