The Pet Crate can be your dog's best friend. The crate acts a place of safety and is one of the most effective methods of training your dog. The number one rule, when crate training your pet, is to give him your undivided attention when he is out. This means there can be No watching television, No cooking in the kitchen, No talking on the phone, No taking a nap, No house cleaning, No leaving him alone in a room and No doing anything else that might cause a distraction. Remember, your dog being out of your sight could be all the time your dog needs to get into trouble. If you can only spend 10 or 15 minutes a day with your dog, make sure your dog has all of your attention.

A pet crate is a safety net for your dog. The crate will protect him from chewing live electrical wires, chewing plants or consuming foods that could poison him. Crating will prevent your dog from becoming strangled by electrical cords. Make certain that the bedding in the crate is free from holes to avoid your dog becoming entangled. Any hole can become large enough to strangle a pet. You, as a responsible owner, can leave the house knowing that your pet is in a safe place.

Never use the pet crate as a tool for punishment. Putting the pet into a crate after he has been scolded will send and reinforce the wrong message. The dog will become fearful and associate bad memories in relation to his crate. This will result in your pet not wanting to enter into his crate, the place that should be a safe and positive location. Ensure that the pet crate a positive experience and associated with good times. Place treats and or age appropriate toys in his crate and offer him verbal affirmations. When you first start to crate train your dog, offer him treats and or toys that will coax him to enter in the crate on his own. This is not a one day event and should be repeated for up to a couple of weeks. For a list of age appropriate toys, be sure to read the labels or ask your veterinarian for suggestions.

When house breaking your pet, use a pet crate. It will work in most cases! Most animals do not want to sit or lay down in a soiled place. At regularly established times, take the dog outside to a designated area for them to potty. This is important so that the dog will know where he is to use the bathroom. Be consistent and use the same command EVERYTIME. Use phrases like “GO POTTY” or “GET BUSY”. Do not speak or praise your dog until he has completed his task. Do not permit your dog to play until he has relieved himself. If the pet does not use the potty, take him back to his crate and confine him for another 10 or 15 minutes and then repeat the procedure. It is always best to have your dog on a leash during training. While in training, only permit 5 to 10 minutes of outside potty time. Remember to reward him when he does potty in the designated area. Verbally praise your pet and allow him to walk around the house in your presence. Do not rub his nose in his mess if he makes a mistake, but immediately take him outside. Clean the area with an enzyme solution. Ask the pet store for environmentally friendly solutions. Keep the pet on the same schedule with a set feeding time. Take all water away at a designated time, for example 7:30 in the evening, just as you would a child whom is potty training. If accidents persist or you suspect any health issues, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Remember, keeping your dog in a pet crate is not pet abuse.  Canines in the wild live in small areas called dens that are similar to a crate in that it is a place of safety.  The den or crate will permit the animal to stand up and walk around in.  A responsible owner will not leave his pet in a crate 24/7 and knows that exercise and some time away from his crate is a healthy experience.