The information on this page was also written by my mentor, Donna Conroy. Thanks Donna.

One of the most useful devices for raising a puppy is a dog crate. Throughout his life it will be a safe place to travel in a vehicle, his home-away-from-home when in unfamiliar surroundings and a refuge when he is in need of peace and quiet.

Properly used, this device can aid in house-training puppies, possibly save hundreds of dollars in damage to household goods, makes traveling with a dog far easier and provides a quiet place for puppy to sleep, undisturbed.

Separation Anxiety

When separated from their social group, most puppies whine, bark or howl. These sounds are referred to as distress vocalizations, yet many pet owners inadvertently elicit these behaviors by placing the pup in solitude, in a barricaded kitchen, basement, garage or other unoccupied area of the house. By using a crate, the separation reflex is inhibited by taking advantage of several other canine tendencies which are:

To bed down in a sheltered, den-like atmosphere.

To bed down with, or in the presence of others.

To learn through association.

Furthermore, placing him in a crate will allow him to remain close to wherever you are. He can sleep in your bedroom without worry of house-soiling or damage to your belongings. When you are too busy to supervise your untrained puppy, you know that he is safely out of mischief in his crate.

When traveling, a dog is safer riding in a crate, much as children are safer with seat belts. You will also find yourself welcome at hotels and motels that would not otherwise allow pets if you have a crate trained dog.

Recommended Procedure

Preferably choose a plastic crate. It should be large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in.

Introduce the pup to the crate by placing several treats around and in it. Feed the puppy a few meals in the crate with the door open.

Well before bedtime, put the pup in the crate and offer a treat. Close and lock the door.

Leave the room, but remain close to listen to the pup's reaction.

At first sign of whining, thrashing about, etc., interrupt the pup with a sharp command to 'BE QUIET', or slap the crate if he persists.

Usually the puppy settles quietly after three to eight attempts to solicit your attention. DO NOT RELEASE HIM WHILE HE IS CARRYING ON. Once he is quiet for about 10 minutes, release him without talk or fuss.

Repeat procedure in 35 to 45 minutes.

A special toy should be provided for him while in the crate. If a blanket or rug is used, be sure the pup is not chewing it. Leave his collar off.

When bedtime arrives, the pup will have associated being quiet with being in the crate. Having the crate in your bedroom while you sleep will also comfort him. If he awakes in the night whining, take him out to relieve himself. If he protests about returning to the crate, use the command and slap the crate as you did earlier. By about four months of age, he should be able to make it through the night without need to empty his bowels or bladder.

Precautions

A young pup should not be confined for more than four hours during the day. Making a pup 'hold it' for too long a period could cause urinary infections, make him very uncomfortable and force him to eliminate in his crate.

The crate door can be left open once he is accustomed to using it, as most puppies will voluntarily go there for a nap or to escape the wrath of whatever you might be yelling about.

Discourage children from playing in the crate

This is puppy's very own, private place to which he can escape when youngsters become too much for him to cope with. A crate should be regarded as his haven for peace and safety. Common sense will assure that it always is.