Crates can be very useful in making you and your dog's life easier. When used correctly they operate a bit like a play pen for children. They should provide a safe haven for your puppy or dog and they should enjoy being in their crate. Crates are good for toilet training, keeping puppies safe when you need to duck out for a short period of time, and keeping them out of the way when you have visitors (small children or people who do not like dogs, for example). Some motels and holiday villages will allow dogs to stay if they are confined to a crate, so crate training can be useful in that respect (just make sure your pet pal is getting plenty of exercises). Here are some steps to make sure you crate train the right way;
Size Matters
Make sure you get a crate that will be an appropriate size for your pet when they are fully grown. Your dog should be able to turn around and stand up easily. Make sure you don't oversize however, or your pet may be able to squeeze their head out and get stuck or hurt.
Crate Climate
The crate should be placed where it is out of the way, but where the puppy can easily see you and it should have a blanket draped over the back and sides to make it "den like". The blanket can be folded back or cover the crate completely depending on the situation. There is a time and a place for both; a fully covered crate usually settles dogs very quickly while an uncovered one allows full view of activities that may be going on and provides mental stimulation. Always be aware of the temperature while your dog is in a confined space, especially if they are covered with a blanket.
Starting Out
Place your puppy's bed in the crate with a few safe chew toys. Let them get used to it and the idea of going in and out of it for a few days without locking your dog in. Give your dog some treats when they go in, and ideally give their usual dinner inside the crate (door open). This will allow your pup to associate the crate with something pleasant. The first few times you close them in, make sure you leave a treat for your dog and only leave them for a short while at first. Slowly increase the time your dog or puppy spends in the crate. Every dog will adapt differently and this process may take a different length of time for everyone but after awhile you should be able to lock your puppy in whenever you need them to settle down or can't watch them (e.g visitors arriving, becoming overexcited, biting too hard).
If done correctly dogs and puppy are often happy to spend hours in their crate, even if the door is open! However the more time you expect your pet to stay in the crate, the more time you will need to spend playing with and exercising them at other times of the day.
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