Puppy Crate Training

Crate training takes time and patience, but it is beneficial to both the puppy and owner. Dogs enjoy having a den-like area that is their own private space, and dog owners love to have a safe place to keep their dog when they can't keep an eye on him. Dog crates are made of various materials, including plastic, fabric and wire mesh, and they can be purchased in most pet stores.

Things You'll Need

  • Blanket or towel
  • Dog toys
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a crate that is the correct size for your dog. It will need to be large enough for the dog to be able to stand up and turn around in it, but not so large that it won't feel cozy and safe. For your growing puppy, purchase a crate that will accommodate his full adult size and block off a portion of it so that he won't be able to go to the bathroom at one end and sleep at the other. Furnish the crate with toys and a soft blanket or towel.

    • 2

      Introduce your puppy to the crate by placing it in a frequently used area of the house, such as the family room. Leave the crate door open so the dog can sniff and explore it, and use treats to encourage him to go inside. The dog may be reluctant at first, but if you persist in tossing treats into the crate and encouraging him, he will eventually go in. Give him plenty of praise when he enters so that he'll know he's done the right thing.

    • 3

      Feed your dog in his crate. If he is not yet comfortable going all the way inside, place the food bowl next to the crate or as far inside of it as he is willing to go, then gradually place the bowl farther inside each day until the dog is going all the way in. Once he's regularly having meals inside the crate, close the door while he eats. At first you will want to open the door as soon as he's finished eating, but you can gradually work up to keeping him inside the crate for about 10 minutes after eating.

    • 4

      Begin to crate the dog for longer periods of time. Call him over with a treat, and encourage him to go inside with a command such as "kennel." Praise him when he goes in, and close the door and sit by the crate for 10 minutes. Leave the room for a few minutes, and return and sit for about five minutes longer before letting him out. When the dog is comfortable with staying in the crate while you are out of sight, you can begin crating him when you leave the house.

    • 5

      Move the crate to your bedroom at night and put the dog inside while you sleep. Placing the crate near your bed will help the dog understand that it's time to go to sleep and will also allow you to hear him when he needs to go out during the night. Once your dog has learned the bedtime routine, you can begin to leave the crate in its regular location instead of moving it to the bedroom every night.