Many puppy owners use a crate when housebreaking the dog. It also helps to keep puppies from being destructive when the owners aren't home. A crate should be small enough to keep the puppy from walking around too much, but there's no reason that it must feel like a punishment. Many puppies grow to like their quiet time in their crates.
Instructions
Introduce your puppy to his crate in small increments. Start with short periods of time in the crate to get him used to being alone and inside the crate. The first few times in the crate can be as short as five or 10 minutes, spaced throughout the day. This lets the puppy know that even though you are out of sight, you will be back later to take him out of the crate.
Give the crate a comfortable surface. Place a tough cushion in the crate to make the bottom soft and comfortable. Vets usually recommend that a towel or soft cushion not be used in a crate because a puppy will likely chew on whatever is in the crate. A towel presents a choking hazard because of the long fibers that make up towels. A soft cushion presents a choking hazard as well as a potential mess when the stuffing is pulled out.
Keep the crate near you the first few times that the puppy is placed inside it. Many puppies become fearful or bored if they are alone. With a crate nearby, the puppy will still be able to see his owners. Some puppy owners like to keep the crate next to their beds so that the puppy will see that they are nearby during the night.
Leave the puppy something engaging to do when in the crate. At night, toys or treats may be a distraction from sleep. But if the crate will be used during the day, the puppy may enjoy it more if there is something to chew on or play with inside. A dog toy that has a treat inside it is something that puppies can play with for hours and be rewarded with as a snack.