Crate training a puppy

Many new dog owners balk at the mere mention of the training crate. However, crating a young dog on a humane schedule will teach him bladder and bowel control, and helps protect him from his normal puppy instincts to chew through everything in his path.

Crate training basics

The crate serves as a quiet place where your pet can rest and chew on appropriate hard rubber toys or sterile bones stuffed with goodies. Think of it as his territory, or private bedroom. The size of the crate is based on the size of your dog. There should be enough room for him to stand up, turn around in a small circle and lie down; it is not an exercise pen. Size is of utmost importance if you plan to use the crate as a housebreaking aid. If there is room for your pup to soil and then lie high and dry away from the mess, the crate cannot serve its purpose. As for style, wire-type crates are preferred, but if you plan to do a lot of air travel with your pooch, you should opt for the molded plastic variety.

Introduce your pet to the crate as soon as he arrives home. Start by enticing him in with yummy treats and toys. The rule of thumb for crating sessions is no longer than one hour per each month of age, up to 9 hours maximum. Before and after each session, make sure you engage your dog in at least an hour of aerobic exercise. But before you can leave your dog confined for the long stretch (the average work day, for example) he must be accustomed to his crate. A pooch who panics when left alone could cause damage to the crate or to himself. And finally, you should never, ever crate your dog when he's wearing a correction collar, which could easily get caught on something and choke him.

Crate training only in moderation

While the crate can be a lifesaver, ASPCA experts caution against relying too heavily on crating when your dog is very young, as puppies need lots of human contact and feedback. At 3 1/2 to 4 months of age, most puppies can be crated overnight for about 6 hours, but keep in mind they probably do not yet possess that kind of bladder control during the daytime. Younger dogs crated at bedtime will need to be brought to their papers or outdoors at least once in the course of the night.

Crating is recommended as part of the workday routine until your dog is about 18 months of age. When it's time to wean him off, proceed slowly. Start by leaving him alone for just a few hours at a time, and think twice before allowing a curious adolescent free run of the house. He may be perfectly behaved for a few weeks, and then one day you might come home to find that the chewing demon has returned.

Even as your dog grows out of puppyhood, it's smart to keep the crate in a cozy spot in your home. Remember, the crate is his special room, and he'll appreciate his own space in which to rest and relax.