When a crate is used properly, it ties in directly with your dog's instincts to have a den as the core area of his/her territory.  A crate is a sanctuary for your pet.  From the puppy's or dog's view, it is not so much that he cannot get out, but rather that humans cannot get in.  Consider a crate as your puppy's crib - his own bed, a sanctuary where he knows he belongs and is secure.  A parent with a baby wouldn't resist using a crib.  A crib is not unkind to a child; neither is a crate unkind to a dog.

The crate is a useful tool when house-training your dog - whether he is a puppy, adolescent, or adult.  His instinct is not to soil his den.  A crate is also valuable during periods of chewing since it prevents household damage.  It can be used as part of an overall obedience training program or simply as a way of confining the animal when his behavior is frustrating.  It can prevent him from getting into trouble whether someone is at home or not.  When you travel with your pet, the crate provides security, comfort, and safe feelings in a strange place.

Puppies usually accept a crate in a short time.  Set it up in an area near family activity such as the hallway or kitchen.  Be certain it is away from drafts and direct heat sources.  Place a few toys, a towel or a familiar blanket and an article of your old clothing inside.  You can construct a partition (within larger crates) for your puppy so there is just enough room to lie down or sit up.  It must never offer more space than necessary or it loses its secure quality.  As the puppy grows, increase the space by moving the partition back. 

Establish a "crate routine", closing the puppy in at regular one or two hour intervals.  His own chosen nap times will guide you and whenever he must be left alone for up to three or four hours.  Give him a safe chew toy and be sure to remove collar and tags which could become caught.  Do not put water in as it will spill.  Even if things do not go smoothly at first - DON'T WEAKEN and DON'T WORRY.  Be Fair, Frank, Friendly, and Firm in the belief that you are doing your dog a favor by preventing him from getting into trouble while left alone.

Your dog's association with the crate should become a positive one.  Never use the crate as a punishment!  Please talk with one of our staff regarding any questions or concerns when using a crate.

Do:

• Praise puppy for proper behavior

• Spend time with puppy

• Feed puppy a well-balanced diet at regular hours

• Keep puppy clean and groomed

• Provide puppy with proper identification (collar with tags, tattooing and/or microchip)

• Provide puppy with safe and comfortable shelter

• Provide puppy with all the water he/she can drink every day

• Show consistency in your training

• Give puppy safe toys and chewables

• Obedience train - teach puppy to be a good citizen

• Use the "Four F Rule": Fair, Frank, Friendly, and Firm

It is absolutely imperative that you follow the above "Do's" if you want to have a mature dog that is well adjusted, happy, and eager to please.

Do Not:

• Paper train

• Reward aggressive behavior

• Hit or yell at puppy

• Give puppy bones that can splinter (chicken, pork, ham, steak, or chops)

• Give puppy personal items to use as toys or chewables

• Take puppy out in public without proper collar or leash

• Allow puppy to roam the neighborhood at will

• Allow unsupervised play with small children

• Leave puppy unattended in parked car

• Lose your temper (see "Four F Rule")