We all need a special place to call our own.  Your dog is no different.  Part of raising a healthy dog is providing it with its own sanctuary, and crates are the perfect solution.  Both puppies and adult dogs can be easily trained to enjoy the comfort of a crate.

Crate training is neither cruel nor unfair provided that you provide sufficient exercise and opportunity for elimination.  Crate training is a safe and compassionate alternative to unsupervised wandering throughout the home.

There are many benefits to crate training your dog:

1.                  Security for your dog

2.                  Safety for your dog

3.                  Help with training proper chewing and elimination behavior

4.                  Prevention of costly damage due to inappropriate chewing, elimination and investigation

5.                  Happier relationship with your dog with less discipline for the dog and less frustration for you

The first step of successfully crate training your dog is purchasing the appropriate crate. The most important factor to consider is size.  Your dog should have enough room to stand and turn around when it is full grown. There are two basic types of crates, plastic airline kennels and collapsible crates with tray floors.  Some dogs may adapt better to a small room within your home or to a playpen.  Remember that the crate should not be overly large with respect to the size of your dog.  Think of the crate as your pet's "den".

Next, you must decide where you will put the crate.  Remember that dogs are social animals.  You want your pet to enjoy the crate so it is best to place the create in a room where you and your family spend a lot of time.  Avoid dark, isolated areas that will make the crate a poor place to be.  Remember that the crate should be a positive enjoyable place. Never use it as punishment, however, do use it to prevent problems such as inappropriate chewing and elimination.

Introduce your pet to the crate gently.  Place the crate in a location where you and your pet spend time.  Leave the door open and place a few treats and toys inside the crate to motivate your pet to enter voluntarily.  Once your pet will enter freely, it is time to close the door.  Leave your dog in the crate for increasing lengths of time and do not reward your pet for crying or whining by letting it out of the crate.  Rather, wait until it quiets down, then let it out.  Make sure that your dog has had plenty of exercise and opportunity to eliminate prior to placing it into the crate.  As soon as your dog is allowed out of the crate, take it outside to play and run and to eliminate in an appropriate place.  Remember to take the opportunity to praise your pet for this "good" behavior.

Finally, the crate is the safest way for your pet to travel.  Begin with short trips and gradually increase travel time.  Try to make all trips a positive experience and they will enhance your dog's feelings about its crate.