Types

• The most common crates are strong, rectangular metal cages that are usually collapsible and have two doors, one at the end and one on the side. They are available in a range of sizes to accommodate all dog types and breeds. Plastic crates such as those used by airlines and fabric-sided crates are also available. Playpens are another option when you need to restrict a dog’s movements but don’t wish him to be as closely confined as in the crate.
  
  

Uses

• Dog crates are used primarily for house-training and can speed up the time it takes to house-train a puppy. When the right size crate is used, so that the puppy has just enough room to stretch out and turn, he can’t soil at one end and retreat to the other. Puppies and dogs don’t like to lie in their mess, so they are encouraged to control their bowels for as long as they’re in the crate.
  
  

Purpose

• Adults dogs and puppies alike can be successfully trained to use a crate when introduced to it gently and with positive reward training. Puppies who like to chew can then be confidently left alone for short periods without coming home to ruined furniture and clothes. Adult dogs who need house-training or other behavioral rehabilitation can be retrained. Not every dog will take to the crate and you should never force a frightened or anxious dog inside.
  
  

Basic Crate Rules

• The crate should never be used for timeout or punishment, otherwise the dog will come to fear and hate the crate. Make sure the dog’s experience of going into his crate is associated with something good, like a treat or a favorite toy. The idea is to build up positive reinforcement while reducing resistance. Introduce the crate slowly and gradually, over days or weeks if necessary, building up the length of time the dog spends inside. Never leave a dog alone in a crate until you’re certain he won’t panic and possibly injure himself trying to get out.
  
  

Advantages

• Once your dog is crate trained, traveling with him becomes so much easier. When a dog will accept being put into a flight carrier for a few hours or will happily snooze in his crate during a long car journey, everyone gets to relax.
  
  

Considerations

• Once the puppy or dog can be trusted in the house, the crate can be left open and the dog allowed to choose when he goes into it and when he comes out.