All dogs are den animals that naturally seek out areas that are quiet and make them feel secure for resting. This is why family dogs often lie under tables, behind chairs, underneath a bed, or even in a dark closet. They are just following the natural instinct to seek out a "den." Dogs also leave the "den" to relieve themselves, so they will naturally not want to soil their sleeping area, and this is why a crate makes a perfect housebreaking aid. The crate also provides a safe place for your pup when you are unable to be there to watch them and keep them from getting into mischief. It also confines their chewing to the objects you place inside the crate with them, and it acts as a safe place for transporting your pup by car, so that they don't get tossed around. Most motels that allow pets require that they be crated while in the hotel room.

Introducing the pup to the crate:

It is very important to introduce your pup to the crate gradually. You do not want to force the pup into the crate, shut the door and leave. You want to make the first experience a pleasant one. First, place a blanket in the crate and let your pup explore the crate on his/her own. While the puppy is watching, place several pieces of "kibble" in the crate. If the pup goes into the crate for the food, give them lots of praise. If not, gently pick them up and place them in the crate, but do not shut the door. Make sure you pet the pup for reassurance if needed. Next, call the pup out and praise it. Do this several times and if the pup is showing no signs that this disturbs it, then try shutting the door, remembering not to leave it shut for too long. End the session by opening the door and praising the pup. The next time you feed your pup, feed her in the crate, leaving her inside with the food bowl and then close the door. When she finishes, she may begin to whine or bark to get out. This should be discouraged by striking the front of the cage door with your hands and in a firm, deep voice saying "NO." Wait for the pup to be quiet for about five minutes before you open the door and let it out. She should be taken outside immediately, so she can relieve herself.

After the pup becomes more comfortable with the crate, you can start increasing the amount of time she spends in it, but she should not spend most of her time in the crate. MOST of her time should be spent with you. However, let her spend periods of time there when you cannot watch her, when she is resting, eating, or traveling, and while she is being house-trained. Since dogs normally will not soil the area where they sleep, time spent in one will teach the puppy to "hold" herself.

If done properly, crate training will be an important aid in helping the pup adjust to it's new life in the home. The crate will actually become the pup's "den" and by leaving the door open, so that she may come and go as she pleases, will make her feel more secure in her new environment.