Create a cozy home-within-a-home for your pup.

No, a crate is not a doggy jail. In fact, it makes a wonderful living space for your dog. Its his own doggy cave where he can eat, sleep, and relax undisturbed.

And a crates a good solution for you too. It helps you housetrain your pet during the day, and you can rest easy at night knowing he wont wander your house restlessly or dig through the trash - and you dont 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 thats 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 thats big enough for your dog to turn around, stretch, and get comfortable - but not so big that he looks lost inside. If youve got a puppy, pick a crate that will fit his full-grown size. After all, you dont want to be buying a new one every month or two as he grows. While hes small, use a barrier to decrease the available space - if theres too much room hell eliminate in one end of it.

Introducing Your Dog to the Crate
Start out on the right paw by making your pets 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. Dont 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, dont 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, dont crate your puppy for more than three to four hours during the day. A puppy whos 10 to 12 weeks old just cant 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 hes 4 months old, he can spend five hours in his crate if hes been exercised.

One more caution: Dont ever use the crate for punishment - it should be a happy, safe place.

Keep It Clean
When you change your sheets, dont forget to wash your dogs linens too! He enjoys springtime fresh blankets still warm from the dryer just as much as you do. And if you neglect his bed, youll both start noticing a powerful doggy smell.

Periodically wash down his crate too. And if your dogs a mud magnet, expect to clean his bed more often.

A pet crate is great for nighttime, but after hes housebroken, its 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. Thats your dogs private space!