Crate training is not cruel nor should it be punishment for your puppy. A crate the proper size for your puppy is: a safe place to be while sleeping, safety when you are not around to watch him, a place to eat uninterrupted and a place to go to get away from it all. Dogs are den animals and many like a place they can curl up and feel secure.

Why Use a Crate?

You can leave your puppy or dog home alone with peace of mind. They are comfortable and not forming bad or destructive habits. They are also not going to be confused by your reactions to bad behavior when you return. Remember, dogs do not have the reasoning humans do. When we return and see the garbage rooted through and then punish the puppy, chances are they will not realize what they are being punished for. They may think you are punishing him for something completely different. 

Crates also make house training easier

Puppies and dogs generally will not soil their sleeping and eating area. Used with a consistent schedule, a crate can be your best ally with house training. Crates offer safety when traveling.

A dog in a crate is far less likely to be injured in an accident. A crate keeps your dog from bouncing around, getting on your lap, blocking your view or even getting under the driver's feet!

If crating while driving is not possible, at least train your puppy to lie quietly in the back seat or use a doggy seat belt available at many pet supply stores.

What a Crate is Not!

A crate is not a substitute for human companionship. Use of a crate should be limited to no more than eight hours, less for a younger animal. If your work schedule is longer than that, consider getting a dog walker to exercise your puppy or dog midday. There are also Dog Day Care centers cropping up! Crates are not to be used for punishment. The crate must be viewed by your puppy as a safe place to be. Do not allow your children to torment your puppy while crated. Make sure they has fresh water, a sturdy bed and safe toys (rotate toys daily so he always has different ones and a different combination).

How to Measure a Crate

If buying for an adult dog, get a crate big enough that they can fit in from tip of the nose to base of the tail (a few inches longer in each direction). Your dog should be able to stand up, sit, turn and lie down on its side stretched out comfortably. If buying for a puppy, get one that will fit him as an adult. Some manufacturers even make crate dividers so you can expand the crate area as the puppy grows. If in doubt of size, I opt for the next size up. A crate slightly too large is better than one too small!

Where to Put the Crate

Put the crate in a well frequented area such as family room, kitchen or a bedroom. You do not want your dog to feel banished when crated so the cellar or garage is no good.

Where to Get a Crate

Many pet supply and feed stores carry crates or you can order one online. Do not be put off by the cost - crates are far less expensive than replacing a shredded couch or even carpet cleaning by a professional company. Some crates are quite reasonably priced. You can even find them at yard sales!!! (Make certain all the hardware is there and the door latches correctly and securely).

Introducing the Crate

First remove your dog's collar so he will not get caught. It happens rarely, by why take the risk. NEVER crate a dog with a choke collar on. Choke collars should NEVER be used for everyday use - they are for training and walks only, then should be removed. The same for a pinch collar! Set up the crate in the place you wish to keep it. Encourage your dog or puppy to enter the crate by enticing him with bits of food. Use something he cannot resist like cooked chicken or hot dog slices. Praise as he enters.

Let him walk in and out a few times. Now start to encourage him to lie down quietly and relax. Give him a couple safe toys and close the door. Sit with him and talk softly. Let him out. Now start to leave for a short time. Even if he cries and whines, do not weaken. He should adjust to the crate eventually. Just keep making it a positive experience.

How Long to Use the Crate

Some dogs can never be trusted with run of the house unattended. Some dogs are fine. If you think your dog is able to behave un-crated, begin testing by leaving them loose for five minutes while you walk outside. If that works, increase to ten, fifteen and so on. Should the dog begin to misbehave, continue using the crate. It is safer for your dog and saner for you!

Crates as a House Training Aid

Always have a feeding and potty schedule for your puppy or adult dog. This makes house training much easier. If you are not able to be with your puppy, put them in the crate. Take them out on lead and encourage them to go potty. Once they do, praise lavishly and bring back inside. Should the puppy not go, put them back in the crate and try again in a little bit. Dogs do not like to soil their beds as a rule.

Should your puppy soil the crate, take them out while someone cleans the crate. Do not punish your puppy for eliminating in the house unless you catch them in the act. DO NOT rub their nose in it or hit them. Just give a loud, firm, growly "AAAAAH! NO!!!" and get them out immediately. Try to get the puppy to potty outside and then praise lavishly when they go.

Remember, the younger the puppy, the smaller the bladder capacity. It is unreasonable to ask a young puppy to hold their bladder for an eight-hour day. Consider a dog walker for a midday potty break. Also, sometimes older dogs have bladder control issues. Sudden house soiling in a dog without problems could be a sign of an underlying problem such as a bladder infection. Unaltered or intact dogs are also more apt to soil in the house. Males if not neutered have a greater chance of wanting to mark their territory and may do so inside. I have also encountered females who mark.

Do not paper train or use potty pads designed for puppies to eliminate on. This only teaches your puppy that it is ok to potty in the house. Paper training could actually delay house training.