Because there is so much press about abuses such as dog fighting and dog racing, many dog lovers are scared of the idea of confining a dog to a crate, or a small dog cage. Though abuses can, and do, happen, the crate isn’t meant as a place to incarcerate a dog. It isn’t a tool for punishment. Rather, your dog’s crate functions in much the same way as your kid’s bedroom.

In order for the crate to be a positive experience for your dog, begin the process of crate training on aday or night when you have time to stay at home and observe your dog’s behaviour. During the day, as an example, put your dog inside the crate for brief periods such as 15-minute intervals. A successful crating session has happened if your dog seems snug. If your dog whines or attempts to get you interested, ignore her, but take note. If it is’s simply a cry for attention, she’ll shortly learn that crate time is personal time, and will start to occupy herself or rest. If the whining gets worse, or doesn’t stop over 1 or 2 days of consistent crating sessions, there may be a deeper issue there, and you need to consult an expert.

After the session, allow your dog to resume her usual schedule of play and potty breaks. Crate her again each couple of hours or so, extending the period for five minutes each time. If she is doing well, you should be doing 30-minute sessions by the end of the day. If you run a home-based business this should be much simpler than if youhold a regular job.

That evening, put her to bed in the crate after she’s had her nightly potty break, naturally. She will probably fall asleep fast.

If she spends her 15-minute interval whining, simply continue crating her during the day in 15-minute intervals till she starts to feel at ease enough to stop attempting to get your attention. By bedtime, she probably will be relaxed enough to spend a night in the crate. If she sighs at this point, don’t worry - particularly if she is very young. A young puppy will continue to be subject to separation anxiety and missing her mom. Successful crate training will provide comfort and stability during this difficult transition period.

The crate may also be a valuable tool when it comes to housebreaking your dog. It’s a rare dog that may go potty when confined to asmall space. Like humans, they find the idea of soiling themselves pretty disturbing and will avoid doing so if possible. For that reason, if youare crate-training and potty-training at the same time, take your dog outside to use the bathroom after each crate session. Give her five or 10 minutes to do her business and give her praise when she does.

If youare using the crate especially to potty-train, you may need to recrate her after a nonproductive potty break. When she goes in the yard , however , praise her lavishly and release her to play.

Some people who use crates for their dogs leave the crate door open when the dog isn’t inside, to give the pooch access to it. Remember, the crate is a great thing. It is your dog’s room. The fact that your dog selects to spend time there on her very own is a very good sign. This will turn into a place of security and will supply reassurance for you and your dog.