Introduction to Puppy Crate Training

Just like wolves, dogs are den animals. Tight, enclosed spaces provide them with comfort and security. This is why you will often find your puppy under a table, a chair, or anything that can surround him. Blame it on the genes!

A dog crate can serve as your puppy's bedroom, a refuge or a place for training. And since dogs don't mind spending reasonable amount of time in a crate, training a puppy will not be as difficult as you may think.

Here is a short introduction to crate training...

Types of Dog Crates

The two most popular types of crates on the market today are wire crates and plastic or, as they are also called, airline crates.

A Wire Crate

In my opinion, a wire crate is better suited for crate training because it…

• Provides better visibility to your puppy
• Provides better ventilation
• Is easier to clean

Here is an example of a wire crate: a Designer Color Wire Homes from Kennel Aire.

It's a see-through crate made out of thick wire that you can assemble in minutes, without any tools.

An Airline Crate

Airline crates are fully enclosed and are made out of durable plastic. Use this type of crate if you need to transport your puppy by plane.

Here is a Portable Kennel from Petmate.

It's easy to assemble and comes in many sizes and colors.

Best of all, it meets airline regulations for domestic and international pet travel.  

One advantage that an airline crate has over a wire crate, other than ability to transport puppies by plane, is that it provides a better sense of security to your puppy.

If you would like to learn more about various types of crates, including some I did not mention here, check puppy crates page. I'll also show you…

• What to look for before you buy a crate
• Why the size of the crate is so important

I'll even show how you can save money when you buy a crate for a large breed puppy.

Crate Training Can Reduce...

Accidents during Housetraining

Unless your puppy has no choice, he will not eliminate near an area where he eats or sleeps. Use this fact to your advantage when house training puppy .

Of course, after you release your puppy from a crate, put on his dog collar and leash and take him to his usual place for "business".

In addition to puppy potty training, you can also use a crate for housebreaking a dog that was never housebroken as a young puppy.

This house training eBook is probably the best source of information on house training, and it covers crate training in great detail.

I strongly recommend it.

Separation Anxiety

Many puppies suffer from separation anxiety when left home alone. A usually well-behaved puppy can suddenly become destructive. Needless to say, this can be a very costly behavior.

Crate training a puppy will help you to get rid of this behavior.

Check dog separation anxiety page for more tips and suggestions on curing this behavioral problem.

Please visit puppy crate training for more information on crate training. I'll show you how to…

• Shorten the training time
• Make your puppy enjoy his time in a crate
• Use a crate to minimize the damage to your household