Crate training is not rocket science. It will take time and patience, but when used consistently, can be an effective and safe way to contain your pet at home or anywhere that you travel. As a professional pet sitter for over 10 years and being involved with rescue and fostering many puppies, I believe you are getting some of the best tried and true methods available for crate training your dog. If you make it a pleasant experience for him every time, you will have a happy and well adjusted dog!

It is best to start your puppy at a very early age and if your lucky, the breeder had already begun the process. This way they will view the crate as a safe and friendly place to be whether you are at home or out for the day. It is also a very useful training tool in housebreaking your pup, as dogs generally do not like to sleep and potty in the same area.

I have always had good luck with wire crates that have the partition in them to expand as the puppy grows. I place newspapers on the tray and then a sleeping pad at the front so if they do have an accident they won’t be stepping in it, hopefully. You don’t want to make the area too big, the idea is to keep it smaller so he won’t want to soil his crate. As long as he can stand, turn around and lie down, that’s fine. You can buy a water cup or bottle that attaches to the bars and only give a small amount if he’s confined to it for more than 4 hours. I also use treats each and every time I put a puppy or dog in the crate. Use a really special tasty treat like dried beef liver cubes, they’re small but delicious, and before long they will be racing to it (if they are food focused like mine are) to get the goodies. During the day when I’m gone for longer periods, I use KongÆ brand chew toys stuffed with frozen peanut butter or yogurt, or I give them a hard chewy like a bully stick or cow hooves that can keep them busy for hours.

A puppy should never be left in his crate for extended periods. My rule of thumb is to use their age as a guideline. For example, 2 months, 2 hours. 3 months, 3 hours, 4 months, 4 hours and so on. If you can’t come home to let him out regularly, hire a pet sitter or choose a responsible person such as a neighbor or relative to come in. Another option would be to confine him to a gated room with the crate open with the newspapers out on the floor, but you will still need to have someone come in and take the puppy out, they are very much social creatures and need their humans! Leaving a radio or TV on while you are away can be very soothing to your pet when left alone, especially for an anxious dog. I have also found that anxious dogs do better in a plastic travel crate with sides or covering a wire crate partially with a blanket. A young puppy will most likely cry and whine when left in the crate until he gets use to his surroundings and routine, after all he is a baby! Try to remember puppies grow quickly and it won’t last forever! Don’t give in to it, do whatever you have to do. Wear earplugs or an Ipod, you must persevere! I have no problem keeping the crate in my bedroom for convenience and safety, just don’t be tempted to bring the puppy to bed with you or you will sabotage the whole process and end up with a dependent (and probably spoiled) pup. Only take him out if you know it’s time for a potty break. If he’s quiet, leave it that way! I also don’t leave any water in the crate at night and I don’t feed after 8 pm. Try to get the puppy outside as late as possible before putting him down for the night. Keeping him busy playing and wearing him out during the day will help you both get a better night’s rest. It’s important that your puppy gets the mental and physical stimulation it needs from you to be a well adjusted dog. A bored ignored lonely dog can turn destructive, insecure, stressed, and develop separation anxiety and behavioral problems down the road.

Even if you’ve done everything correctly, a dog still may not want to have anything to do with the crate. Such is the case with older dogs who may need more time to train using the same techniques. Dog crates are a wonderful way to keep your house and belongings intact when you’re not at home and at the same time provide a safe, secure, and private place that belongs to him. If you’ve tried everything and feel you are still having trouble, it may be time to seek the assistance of a professional trainer.