The crate is an invaluable training aid. Confined to his crate while his owner is out of the house, the puppy can't destroy or soil anything and you'll know he can't hurt himself. He really welcomes this security when left alone. A crate is also essential for car travel.
There are basically two kinds of crates. An 'airline crate' is made of hard plastic and has metal bar air vents on the sides and a metal-bar door. It is called an airline crate because it is what you would use to take your dog on an airplane trip. The most common brand is called a Vari-Kennel. You can also buy a crate that is made solely of wire with a removable tray at the bottom for easy cleaning. This is the kind we use. These crates allow for easy visibility and good air circulation. You can throw a blanket over the crate in the winter for warmth if needed. Most wire crates fold for easy portability.
Your puppy will be used to a crate already – we start crate training as soon as possible. The crate should be big enough for him to turn around and lie down. Bigger is not better. If the crate is too big, he'll use one corner to eliminate and the other for sleeping.
Set up his crate in a corner, preferably in the kitchen or wherever you spend most of your time with him. Move it into your bedroom at night so he has the security of having you near him. A gate across the door of the room is a helpful adjunct to crate training. Put a blanket, old rug, or soft towel in the crate, rather than expensive cushions - at least until he is past the chewing stage. Further security is achieved by placing a blanket or towel over the top and sides of the crate, making it a real "den", especially at night. Choose a toy he really likes and make it his 'crate only toy'. Be sure the toy is one that he can't chew up and maybe swallow. A marrow bone or a hard rubber toy is a good choice. A Kong toy with some cream cheese or peanut butter smeared inside works well too.
Feed the puppy in the crate so that he has only a very pleasant association with it. Never punish him with the crate, or "force" him into it. If he flops down to sleep elsewhere, just gently pick him up, place him inside and shut the door until he is awake. He will be too sleepy to care and will be getting the proper association.. Soon he will seek the crate automatically when he is tired, and will run in and wait when you are preparing his meals.
Use these frequent periods to advantage, and don't hesitate to confine him to the crate several times a day for short periods of time, especially when you are too busy to watch him. This is important until he is housebroken and also for his safety. Puppies like and need to chew, but chewing the cord of a lighted lamp can result in immediate and painful death.
Always confine him in the crate when you are out of the house! He may howl in resentment at first, not because he's in his crate, but because you are leaving him behind and he knows it. Leave him a bowl of fresh water if you'll be gone for more than a few hours. A coop cup, which attaches to the side of the crate, is a good choice as there's less chance he'll spill it. Give him a marrow bone or his crate toy. Don't worry and don't weaken, he will settle down as soon as you are gone.
Dogs are not safe loose in a car. There are many reasons for this. They can interfere with the driver, go flying at a sudden stop and injure themselves, or get loose in the event of an accident. If there is a loose dog in the car and you have an accident, law enforcement and medical personnel will be delayed in getting to you. If possible, keep an extra crate in your vehicle for your dog so it's always available.
Learning this type of discipline is a vital part of his young life. Always remember to remove any collar when crating him - a collar can become caught in the mesh and badly frighten or injure your dog. Confine your puppy to his crate all night and solve the housebreaking problem very quickly. Remember - give no liquids and very little food late in the evening. One of the greatest advantages of the dog crate is that the dog won't soil it unless he is desperate because it is his den!
The dog crate, intelligently and properly used, can spell real happiness for both dog and owner. A good collapsible wire crate lasts forever and is so very worthwhile, the cost is soon forgotten. A real bargain considering its many advantages!