Want to raise a puppy without sacrificing furniture and shoes to puppy teeth? Do you plan to travel by air with your dog? Do you fear housetraining your new dog? Crate training may be for you.

Although it may seem cruel to keep a dog in a small crate, wild dogs will choose on their own to live in crate-sized dens. Your dog may also appreciate having his own space to retreat to, and the owner benefits are many.

First, crates can speed up the housetraining process by taking advantage of your dog's natural reluctance to soil his own space. Second, keeping puppies restrained in a crate while you are not around will keep them from destroying furniture and personal belongings while your back is turned. Finally, traumatic airline travel will be made easier if your dog gets to travel in a familiar environment - might as well get him used to a crate at home.


Familiarize your puppy with his crate first by making it comfortable with a soft pad and blanket. Lure him in by placing some of his favorite toys at the back of the crate, and leave the door open for a week or so to let him come and go freely. Put the crate in a the room where you (or your family) spend the most time, so that your won't associate the crate with loneliness. When you do get around to closing the crate door, make sure your puppy has a full water bottle (the type that hamsters use) available at all times.

It is very important that your dog associates the crate with safety and comfort. Don't force him if he does not get into it immediately - lure him instead with treats and toys. Leave little treats in side occasionally, so that he thinks of the crate as a place to find good things. And be sure to never punish your dog with banishment to the crate, since this will make him see it as a jail, not as his little secure castle.

Of course, all dogs, and especially puppies, need regular exercise, so don't just lock him in and leave him there. (Young puppies will need to get out around 10 times per day!) Large dogs may not be interested in crate training - as with puppies, don't force them if they don't want to go in. And finally, remove your dog's collar before enclosing him in the crate, since it is easy for wire mesh to catch a collar and at least panic your dog.