A crate makes a wonderful living space for your dog. It's his own doggy cave where he can eat, sleep and relax undisturbed.
And a crate is a good solution for you, too. It helps you housetrain your pet during the day, and you can rest easy at night knowing he won't wander your house restlessly or dig through the trash - and you don't have to share your bed. Crate training can also help prevent nighttime puppy piddling. After all, no one likes to sleep in a puddle.
What to Look For
Pick a crate that is durable but comfortable. Crates come in a variety of materials, including heavy molded plastic, fiberglass, and wire. Ask your veterinarian or trainer what type he recommends.
Some wire crates collapse so you can move them around the house easily. And molded plastic crates are great for airplane travel if your dog will ride in the cargo bay.
Pick a crate that is big enough for your dog to turn around, stretch, and get comfortable - but not so big that he looks lost inside. If you've got a puppy, pick a crate that will fit his full-grown size. After all, you don't want to be buying a new one every month or two as he grows. While he is small, use a barrier to decrease the available space - if there is too much room he'll eliminate in one end of it.
Introducing Your Dog to the Crate
Start out on the right paw by making your pet's crate cozy. At the very minimum, he needs a warm, dry blanket. You can add mattresses or pillows and place a towel or blanket over the cage to give your pet more security.
When you bring your dog home for the first time, introduce him to the crate by putting a treat in it. Let your puppy enter the crate on his own and when he does, praise him. You can feed him in the crate the first day and close the door for a few minutes. Encourage him to enter the crate several times during the day, and as he becomes more comfortable, increase the amount of time you leave him in it.
Your pet will still probably stage a protest when you place him in his cage for the night. Don't take him out! If he learns crying works, he will cry louder the next night. And if you ever let your pet join you in bed, don't expect him to leave.
You can ease his distress by placing a blanket or a stuffed toy from his original home in the crate, so he can smell something familiar. Also consider giving him a hot water bottle filled with lukewarm water and wrapped in cloth. Snuggling with the warm lump will remind him of his littermates and may calm him.
In the beginning, don't crate your puppy for more than three to four hours during the day. A puppy who is 10 to 12 weeks old just can't hold it any longer. So plan to come home and let your puppy out for at least one potty break during the day - or find a friend or a dog walker to help you out. Once he is 4 months old, he can spend five hours in his crate if he has been exercised.
One more caution: Don't ever use the crate for punishment - it should be a happy, safe place.
Keep It Clean
When you change your sheets, don't forget to wash your dog's linens too! He enjoys springtime fresh blankets still warm from the dryer just as much as you do. And if you neglect his bed, you'll both start noticing a powerful doggy smell.
Periodically wash down his crate, too. And if your dog is a mud magnet, expect to clean his bed more often.
A pet crate is great for nighttime, but after he is housebroken, it is better not to keep your dog in his kennel all day. He needs time to roam, although he may slip back in the crate for a nap. And make the crate off-limits for everybody else. Thatis your dogis private space!