Instructions
The crate should be just large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around inside. Dogs won't soil the area where they sleep. A crate that is too large may cause the dog to eliminate in a far corner. When training a small puppy, get a small crate, then gradually increase the crate size as the dog grows. Some animal shelters rent crates, so if you have a dog that will need two or three crate sizes as it grows, this could be an option.
Introduce your dog to the crate. Place the crate in an area where you and other members of your household spend lots of time. Place treats near the crate, then inside it to encourage the pup to go in. If the dog refuses to go in the first time, don't force it. Keep placing treats inside the crate until the dog will go all the way inside. This may happen immediately, or it could take a couple of days, depending on the dog. If you are training the dog to use the crate outside, stay near the crate during the introduction period.
Feed your dog in the crate. Start by placing the dog's food near the entrance of the crate, then move the bowl farther inside with each subsequent feeding. Feeding in the crate will give the dog a positive association with the crate. Once the dog is comfortable eating its meal entirely in the crate, close the door behind it while it's eating. Open the door immediately when the dog has finished eating. Extend the time with the door closed until the dog stays in the crate 10 minutes after eating.
Lengthen time spent in the crate. Once the dog is comfortable eating its meals in the crate and staying in for short periods without displaying anxiety, train the dog to enter the crate on command. Call the dog to the crate, and place a treat inside to encourage the dog to enter. Praise the dog as it goes in, and close the door. Sit by the crate for 10 or 15 minutes, then leave the area for a short time. When you return, let the dog out of the crate. Repeat this process, leaving the dog in the crate while you're out of sight for longer periods each time.
Leave your dog in the crate when you're out for short periods. Once the dog will remain quietly in the crate for more than 30 minutes without you being there, crate the dog when you have to run short errands. Don't make a big deal about leaving or returning home. Continue to crate the dog while you are home so he won't associate the crate with your leaving.
Crate the dog overnight. It's best if you can put the crate in the house in your bedroom for the first few times you crate the dog overnight, especially if it's a puppy. Once the dog is comfortable sleeping in the crate all night, you can gradually move the crate to a permanent location outside. If the dog is crated overnight outside, make sure the crate is in an area where you can hear if the dog is in distress. See that the dog has gone outside to eliminate before crating it for the night.
Crate Training an Outside Dog
Crate training is beneficial for all dogs, whether they will spend most of their time inside the house or outside. The crate appeals to the dog's natural instinct to "den," and provides a safe, comfortable environment that makes dogs feel more secure. Crate training is the best method of housebreaking your dog. Training your dog to use a crate also comes in handy for traveling or transporting the dog to the vet. The crate is invaluable when you need to leave your dog alone inside, so you won't return home to an accident or damage to your possessions. To properly crate train your dog, it it is best if you can perform some of the process inside the house -- particularly overnight training. Leaving a dog in a crate outside alone could make the crate seem like a punishment, and make the dog reluctant to enter the crate.