How to Crate Train a Dog

The proper use of a crate can keep your dog safe.

Many people decide to crate train their dog for many reasons. These reasons may include training, housebreaking, or even safety. One you decide to crate train you dog and you choose the crate, the next step is setting the crate up.

Things You'll Need

• Crate
• Bedding
• Toys
• Water dish
• Food dish

Instructions

1. 

   Decide where to put the crate in your house. Choose an area in your home where you and your family spend the most time. Be sure to place the crate out of reach of nearby objects.

2. 

   Now, decide what type of bedding is appropriate. It is not always a good idea to place a soft bed in a puppy's crate. He is likely to chew it and tear it to shreds. If you have a destructive puppy, it may even be best to not place any bedding in the crate until he gets older.

3. 

   Choose which toys to put in the crate. Toys are important to occupy and entertain your dog when he is alone. However, you must be careful which toys you give your dog access to when he is unsupervised. Tough rubber toys are ideal for crates.

4. 

   You must also decide if you want to keep food and water in your dog's crate. Dogs should have access to fresh water all day. However, if you are working on housebreaking your dog, leaving food in the crate all day is not a good idea.

Tips & Warnings

• When looking for a crate for you dog, keep in mind that buying a used crate can save you money.

• Using a crate is the perfect way to keep your dog safe when you aren't at home.

• Be sure the crate is not in an area where your dog can become overheated or chilled.

• Do not keep moving your dog's crate around the house. It is best to choose a spot and be consistent. Otherwise, your dog will become confuse.