| If you are thinking about crate training your new | | | | the crate of his own accord and laying down. Do not |
| puppy, these tips will to make the process easier, | | | | force him. |
| both for you and for your dog. | | | | 6. Furnish it with some chew toys, a bowl of water, |
| 1. Buy the dog crate before you bring your puppy | | | | tasty treats, a comfortable blanket and an old t-shirt |
| home. This will give you time to arrange the crate | | | | or other piece of clothing that has your scent on it. |
| and get it ready for your new pet. | | | | 7. Always feed your dog in his crate. You want the it |
| 2. Make sure you get the right size for your breed of | | | | to be connected with pleasant things such as food, |
| dog. It should be about 1 1/2 times the length of | | | | toys and tasty treats. |
| your fully grown dog with enough room for your dog | | | | 8. Never put your dog into the crate with his collar |
| stand up, turn around stretch and lay down on his | | | | and/or leash attached. They can get caught on the |
| side. Follow the crate manufacturers guidelines if you | | | | sides and become a strangulation hazard. |
| are unsure about the size. | | | | 9. It should never be used for punishment. Doing so |
| 3. If your dog is still a puppy, it will be too big for him | | | | will cause your puppy to reject the crate and make |
| for now. Buy one with dividers so you can reduce | | | | the task of crate training a puppy much more |
| the size of the crate to the size guideline above. Or | | | | difficult. |
| make your own divider with a piece of plywood. | | | | 10. The crate is an invaluable tool when |
| 4. Do not place it in the garage or in some far corner | | | | housebreaking a puppy. Dogs will try not to soil their |
| of the house, at least until your dog is crate trained. | | | | crates and will attempt to hold it till you take them |
| Place it in a high traffic area of the house on the first | | | | out. Take your puppy outside for a potty break |
| day. Move it to your bedroom at night. | | | | every hour initially and then every two hours after |
| 5. Do not close the door until your puppy is going into | | | | the first few days. |