There are different types of labradoodle training that you can introduce to your pet. A very effective form is crate training. However, many people think it is cruel to crate a dog. The reality is, when used properly, crating a doodle is not only an effective and rewarding teaching method for housebreaking; it is also something your pooch will enjoy very much. Dogs are den animals and by providing him with a secure place of his own, this is where your pooch will feel the most relaxed, and he will not wish to soil his space.

Of course, you need to make sure you have a good size crate for labradoodle training, and only use it with positive intentions. The following is a breakdown of crate size:

• Standard - 42 or 48 inches depending on how large your standard

• Medium - 36 inches

• Miniature - 36 inches

In essence, your labradoodle should be able to lie down, sit, stand and turn around with ease. Since crates can be pricey and you may not wish to purchase more than one, you can obtain the size your dog will need when he is fully grown and use this for labradoodle training when he is a puppy. However, you will need to shrink and/or section off the crate while he is a pup, because if the space is too large, what will happen is your pet will end up sleeping in one area, and eliminating in the other.

The following are tips in regard to using a crate:

• Be patient and let your pooch enter the crate on his own. To help provide him incentive, give him a few small treats and place a larger and more irresistible one in the crate, so he has to go in and get it.

• Let him examine the crate, and praise him when he is inside.

• Do not close the door on him at first, you don't want to let your pup think you have led him into a trap. He will not want to go back in if he thinks of the crate as a cage.

• Once he is used to going in and out, close the door on him, and remain in the room. Only keep it closed for 5 minutes. Continue to do this and extend the length of time you keep him in there. Eventually, you will want to start leaving the room for short periods once you have reached this level of labradoodle training.

• Do not keep a puppy 10 weeks or younger in a crate for longer than 30 minutes at a time. At 4 months you can extend the time to an hour, and between 6 months and a year, you can leave your pup for 2 -3 hours. You should never keep your full grown dog crated for more than 5 hours.

• Do not leave your dog's collar on when he is in the crate as it could get caught and he could strangle himself.

• Place the crate in a warm and social environment (I.E. kitchen, living room, family room, etc.). Canines are social creates and do not like being cut off from their family.

• Purchase a metal crate for your dog not a plastic one. Labradoodles are powerful chewers, and if motivated, your doodle will be able to chew through the bars or any other plastic piece.

• Put a flat cushion, blanket, towels, or other type of padding on the bottom of his den, and give him a few special toys to make it more comfortable and enjoyable.

You may find that using a crate as part of your labradoodle training will be one of the best things you ever did for yourself and your dog. It will teach him to not eliminate in your home; you know he is safe and not getting into mischief when you are not home; he can travel by car safely; and he has a space that is all his own.