One of the most important uses of the crate is when housebreak training begins. The crate is also very helpful with preventing destructive habits such as chewing furniture, which can be a difficult habit to break later on.

Separation anxiety can be a huge problem for puppies. Proper use of the crate can help reduce the chance of your puppy developing separation anxiety. The crate becomes a place where your dog feels safe. You should never use the crate for punishment. Most crates are lightweight and portable making it easy to move from one room to another. Many crates can easily be placed in your vehicle for a positive traveling experience.

If you plan to do any activities like competitive obedience training,you will find the crate is a great place to confine your dog in between training sessions. Place the crate in a cool spot in the shade.

Crates are available in 2 general styles, large and small. They are made of a durable plastic material. The most important decision you can make when choosing a crate is to make sure its the appropriate size for your dog. Get a crate that will be large enough for when your puppy is full grown. If the crate feels too large for the puppy you can always partition it off until he grows into it.

Your puppy’s first impression and experiences with the crate are very important. The crate must be set up so your puppy views the crate as something positive from the start. The ultimate goal is for your puppy to love his crate instead of viewing it as something negative with the feeling of loneliness.

Always take crate training slowly. Put the crate in the room with you and your puppy and leave the crate door open. Place a couple of treats in and around the crate. Don’t forget to offer tons of encouragement and praise each time the puppy enters the crate. Place your puppy’s favorite blanket or dog bed inside the crate.

Feed your puppy all of his meals in the crate and keep the door open at all times.

Place a chew toy inside the crate and shut the door on the crate. The point is for the puppy to want to get into the crate. Open the crates door and let him in and praise his efforts.

When your puppy is comfortable in the crate close the door and feed some treats to him through the crates openings. To start with leave the door closed for 10 seconds, then slowly increase the length of time. Don’t increase the time too quickly. If your dog becomes distressed you are doing this too fast.

Increase the amount of time he is in the crate slowly. First begin when your in the room. Then when your outside the room for a short time. Your puppy’s first really long stretch in the crate is when you are in another part of the house but not gone from the home.

Place the crate in an area where you and your puppy spend time together and leave the crate door open. Any time your puppy shows any interest in the crate praise him/her and give him a treat. Repeat this over and over.

You’ll find that your puppy will soon becomes very interested in his crate. Now you’ll want to praise him not just when he looks at the crate but when he walks into it. Continue doing this until your puppy starts stepping into the crate.

Now your pup should be popping in and out of the crate to work for his treats. Begin to hold off with your praise and treats until your puppy goes into the crate and sits down.

The final step is to have your puppy step inside the crate, sit down and then you will close the crate door (only for a few seconds to start with) and feed some treats through the door.

You are now well on your way to crate training your puppy. Be sure to remain calm, be patient and you’ll find crate training to be quite successful.