Things You'll Need
- Crate
- Soft towels
- Chew toys
Instructions
Proper Training
Select an appropriate kennel or crate. The kennel should be large enough for your puppy to comfortably lie down in, but not too large. Many wire crates come with dividers so you can adjust the living space as the puppy grows. Take into account the size and strength of your pet--a kennel that might easily contain a delicate poodle will be torn apart by the weight of an Australian cattle dog leaning against the wall.
Set up the crate in an area that will give your puppy some privacy and quiet time. Line the bottom with towels to make a sleeping area, and put in one or two chew toys.
Establish a routine. Dogs are creatures of habit, and making kennel time a part of the daily routine will help introduce the crate as a welcome part of the schedule. Decide when you will feed your puppy, play with it and when it will be contained in the crate. Introducing your puppy to the crate for short periods during the day and all night long will help it not only get comfortable in the crate, but to learn to control its bladder and not relieve itself where it's sleeping.
When you release your puppy from confinement in the crate, immediately go outside or to an area where you would like it to relieve itself. Make sure to praise it when it does as you wish; this will reinforce the idea that the crate is not a never-ending punishment, and reminds it that you're still there to let it out when the dog needs to go.
Reward your puppy with praise and petting around the time you both confine it to the crate and release it. This, too, will reinforce that going into the crate is not a punishment but a retirement to a safe, comfortable place.