Crate Training Puppy or a Dog - this article will attempt to provide the new puppy or dog owner with information about crate training puppy or a dog and assistance in choosing a dog crate or kennel.

Why Crate Training?

Dogs have a natural desire for a den-like enclosure and a crate can satisfy this need. Dogs or wolves are den animals that feel protected and comfortable when sleeping in a covered area and the security of the den has a calming effect.

Thus, the crate becomes home for the dog. It is also an effective housebreaking tool, helps keep young dogs safe and reduces separation anxiety. Dogs who are introduced to crates at an early age grow to prefer the crate to rest in, or as somewhere to go when they need a break. Note: Crates should NEVER be used for punishment.

Leader of the Pack

Dogs are pack animals and as the leader of the pack, you decide when to put your puppy in the crate and when to take it out. Through this process, your puppy learns that you are the leader, which makes learning other skills and training easier since your puppy knows it can trust you.

crate training puppy

House Training

Dogs and puppies have a basic desire to keep their den clean and will avoid peeing or pooping where they have to sleep. The idea with the crate is to make it the puppy's den, it's safe haven and comfortable place to sleep and relax. Buy a crate with a divider, as discussed below, and gradually increase the room available to the puppy as it grows.

Plastic or Wire? This depends on the main purpose or use of the crate?

If the crate is for commercial travel (airline), then a plastic kennel is required. Trains will accept wire.
For home use, the choice is more flexible. Steel Wire Crates have more ventilation, more visibility, fold flat for storage and offer versatility that plastic does not. They are also less obtrusive and tend to blend into the surroundings more than plastic.

What Size is Correct?

The correct crate or kennel size is one that will accommodate the dog when it is full-grown. Different breeds need different sizes and the chart below is a guide to the recommended size for typical sized breeds. Ideally the crate should be about 1.5 to 2 times the length of the body as an adult.

Keep in mind that while a lot of puppies start out similar in size, they grow at very different rates as they mature. An adult dog needs room to stand up, stretch and turn around in the kennel, so correct sizing is very important.

What is a Divider For?

The divider is used to cut the area available to the puppy within the crate that is sized for when it is full grown. Dogs instinctively will not foul where they sleep, so cutting down the available area is a key housebreaking tool. Dividers are easy to use, effective and because they are made from the same design as the rest of the kennel they match the look of the kennel. They are also safer and more dependable than a home made barrier.

Note: Quality manufacturers automatically include a Divider as it goes hand in glove with the training intent and purpose. Lesser quality brands will charge extra for the divider, typically $15-25. Tip: When you see an inexpensive crate with add-ons for the Divider, plastic tray, etc., take a close look at the strength of the welding. Also, squeeze two of the crate wires with your hands (when nobody is looking). If you can bend that wire, walk away.

The Doors?

All crates should have a door on one end (or both). The door will fold out of the way allowing unrestricted access and eliminating accidental closing of the door. When crate trained, the door can be left open all of the time allowing the dog easy and unobstructed access to its' home.

Better models have more features - the Precision Great Crate has a door on the end and a door on the top with the smaller crate sizes, so that you can drop your small dog into it. The larger crate models have a door on the side which is handy for putting it into the back of your SUV. Precision Great Crates include a divider and a plastic floor tray. They are precision welded and made from high tensile steel with satin black epoxy finish.

Plastic Tray?

The plastic tray, which should be included, is made of flexible, non-toxic, non-porous plastic. This material is typically selected by the manufacturer for safety reasons, as well as the durability of the material.

Be Advised Though - the tray material will not be chewing proof. Dogs, in particular puppies, need to chew and appropriate toys and chews for the dog should be provided when it is in the crate.

Care?

The crate should be kept clean while it is in use with a non-toxic cleaner or disinfectant such as Nok Out Odor Eliminator. They should not be left outside for long periods of time and should be checked regularly for anything that may cause injury to the animal.

Other Reminders

Crates are homes for dogs; they should NEVER be used for punishment.
They are not designed to restrain unhappy or aggressive animals, and in this situation, an injury to the animal could occur.
A strong dog forced into, or not properly trained to stay in a kennel, may escape.
Always put the puppy on the opposite side of the divider from the locks.
If the dog fouls in the crate, clean up immediately and wash out all of the affected materials.
Never remove or modify the locking system.
Check regularly for anything that may cause injury to the animal.

Length	Width	Height	Model	Dog Size	Breed Example
22"	13"	16"	Mini	15 lbs	Miniature
24"	18"	21"	Small	25 lbs	Dachshund
30"	21"	24"	Medium	40 lbs	Beagle
36"	24"	27"	Intermediate	70 lbs	Boxer
42"	28"	31"	Large	90 lbs	Rottweiler
48"	30"	33"	X-Large	110 lbs	Great Dane

Birds, Cats, Dogs Canadian Small Animals