Crate training is simply putting your dog into a crate at times when you cannot watch him every second during housetraining, you leave home, you want him to sleep, you need him to be or feel safe, you are traveling with him (even to the vet), or you need more
control over his behavior.
Crate training is important for dogs that will
be left alone for periods of time or who will
be boarded at a place where they will be
crated. It is useful for restricting your new
dog from access to various areas of the
house. This will be helpful in keeping him
from soiling those parts of the house while
he is being housetrained. It will also keep
him from chewing things he should not
chew until he gets past that stage of life.
Crates are a big help while traveling as well.
There are several types of crates – wire, plastic, nylon fabric, and combination. Some are collapsible and some simply come apart in two pieces.Before asking your dog to enter the crate, ALWAYS take him to his potty place, use the cue word you’ve chosen to mean ‘go potty’ and give him ample time to potty.
Some important facts about crate training:
• Puppies should not spend more than 2 hours at a time in a crate.
• Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise and time out of the crate.
• Do NOT crate him all day while you are at work AND all night.
• Dogs should never be in a crate more than 8-10 hours of any 24 hours.
• The crate is a POSITIVE, happy, safe place. Keep it that way