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For your new dog or puppy, a crate can limit their access to your home until it learns a few of your rules.  A crate will limit unwanted items from being chewed and will cut down on “doggie accidents”.  A crate can also be used as a way to transport your dog safely.

If you properly train your dog, the crate will be thought of as a safe and welcome place. It is important that the crate is just large enough to allow your dog room to stand and turn around, but not too large, as your dog may use an extra large crate to relieve themselves in. 

If your Puppy or Dog is a chewer, you may also want to take into account the construction material of the Crate. Wood Crates are not recommended during training. Instead, choose a wire or plastic crate.  After your Pet is trained, you may want to purchase a Designer Wood Crate to compliment your decor.

In addition, remember, you should always provide your dog with water, there are spill-proof bowls made for crates that are a great idea. And NEVER TRAIN A PUPPY WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE.  They may be uncomfortable and it will make the process difficult for you and your puppy.

To start the training process follow the steps listed below.  The length of time it will take to train you dog will depend on several factors, his or her age, temperament and its experiences.  Do not use the crate as a form of punishment, it is supposed to be a place your dog will want to go to willingly.  It is always a good practice to start slow and work gradually, and have a lot of patience!  The results should be very rewarding for both of you.

Step 1:
You will want to put the crate in an area of your home where the family spends a lot of time.  Put a towel or dog cushion in the crate and coax your dog into the crate by using a calm and reassuring voice.  Make sure the door is secured open so your dog does not feel trapped and will not hit anything that will scare your dog.
Place a few treats near the crate to encourage your dog to spend time there, then gradually move the treats closer to the front of the crate and then inside the crate.  If your dog does not go all the way inside, do not force it.  Stop placing any treats outside the crate, only inside as a way to persuade your dog that if it wants a treat, it must go inside.  If treats are not working, try this method with a favorite toy.
Step 2:
Once the introductory phase is over, start your dog’s regular meals near the crate that will reinforce the idea that this is a welcome place.  Start placing the meals further inside the crate, just as you did with the treats and toys.
When your dog is comfortable entering and eating in the crate, start closing the door.  At first, only keep it closed when it is eating.  Leave the door closed a little longer with each successful feeding.  If it starts to whine, you might have increased the time too quickly, therefore shorten the time.  If it continues to whine, do not let it out until it has finished the meal, otherwise it will think that whining is a way out of the crate.
Step 3:
After your dog has been eating meals while confined without any anxiety, you can move on.  Start putting it in the crate for short periods while you are home.  Use a treat and a command to let him know to enter the crate.  Once it has, praise him and give him the treat.  Sit quietly near the crate for 5 to 10 minutes without giving your dog any attention.  Then start moving to another room for a short time.  When you come back to the crate, sit quietly for another 5 to 10 minutes before opening the door.
Repeat this process a few times a day, each time increasing the periods of time you are gone.  Once your dog will sit quietly with you out of sight for 30 minutes, you can begin leaving him in the crate for short periods while you are gone, or letting him sleep that at night.
Step 4:
Once your dog is spending 30-minute intervals without getting anxious, you can start leaving for extended periods of time, but start slowly.  Use treats and stay near the cage for 5 minutes or so, then leave.  Refrain from making a big deal when you leave and try not to be gone for extended periods.  Also, leaving it in the crate for a few minutes when you return it will never associate the crate with being alone.

Additional information for proper crate training

Crate training for bedtime:
Use the same command a treat routine at night.  It may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom for starting nighttime training, especially if you have a puppy.  They sometimes need to be let out at night and you do not want to imply social isolation.  Once your dog has a few successful nights, gradually move the crate to your preferred location.

Signs That Your Dog is Spending Too Much Time in the Crate:
Do not depend on the crate to be a solution for unwanted behavior.  If used improperly your dog may feel trapped or neglected, therefore do not keep it in there too long.  For example, do not leave it crated all day and then expect it to be comfortable in there all night.  They also recommend that puppies under 6 months old should not be crated for more than 3 hours because they have limited bladder control. 

 By following the recomendations discussed above, you can train your puppy or dog to love their crate.  They will soon learn that this space is their own and you both can enjoy peace of mind when you must leave your Pet alone.