Crate Training Your Puppy

If you think that training a puppy to use a crate is mean, you may want to think again. Crate training your puppy is a fast and effective way to housebreak him. In addition, the kennel will keep him safe when you aren't able to supervise him. You should purchase your kennel before your puppy arrives. Since your puppy will feel more secure in a crate that is just big enough for him to stand up and turn around in, you should avoid buying a big crate. In addition, larger crates enable your puppy to choose a potty corner and still stay clean, which makes housebreaking harder. Follow these simple steps to quickly crate train your new puppy:

* Put a fleece pad or a towel in the crate.

* Add a favorite toy so the puppy can amuse himself.

* Take your puppy for a walk.

* Place your puppy in the crate and praise him. Give him a treat.

* Leave him in the crate and ignore him if he fusses.

* Take him out after fifteen or twenty minutes, but do not make a big deal about it.

* Immediately, take him for a walk and praise him. Play with him for fifteen minutes to a half hour.

* Put him back in the crate and make a big fuss over him.

* Leave him in the crate a few minutes longer than the last time. Repeat these steps, gradually increasing the time he spends inside the crate.

Eventually, you will be able to leave your puppy in the crate for several hours.

Remember not to make a fuss over your little guy when you let him out, but do make a big deal about him going into the crate. This way, he will think that being crated is not something he should worry about.