Instructions
Put a soft blanket, a few of the dog's favorite toys and some treats into the crate. Place it in the living room and leave the door open so the dog will explore the crate. If the dog goes into the crate to explore, reward him in a happy voice by telling him how good he is.
Start feeding your dog his meals in the crate. If he seems fearful, place his bowl near the door. If he is comfortable with the crate, put his bowl at the back of the crate, and close the door. Open the door as soon as he is finished eating.
Lengthen the amount of time your dog spends in the crate. Give him a meal or a treat, and then let him stay in there for 30 minutes. Lengthen the time to three or four hours.
Encourage the dog to go into the crate on command. Let him see you throw a treat in and say something like "Go in your box." The dog should begin to go in on command.
Have the dog use the crate when you leave the house and at night. Keep the crate in your room at night so the dog does not feel totally isolated.
Steps to Crate Training
Dog crates can be used to housebreak a puppy. A crate can be the plastic type called a flight kennel, a metal cage or fabric on a rigid frame. The crate should be big enough so the dog can stand up and turn around. Dogs don't like to mess up their dens, but if the crate is too large, the dog may mess up one side, and then sleep in the other side.