The dog crate is a multi-purpose piece of dog furniture that is vital to every dog owner's home. The crate can be used as a tool for housetraining, protection from young human family members, a safe play area during unsupervised periods and a sanctuary for an overly-excited dog.
Housetraining
The crate is an important housetraining tool. When working on housetraining regularly take the puppy outside after meal or nap time. Refrain from playing with the puppy unless the puppy has defecated or urinated. If 10 minutes pass without success, return inside to the crate. Repeat in 10-15 minutes. Once the puppy is done remember that lots of praise will reinforce the idea.
Protection from excited toddlers.
If young children are present in a household with a new puppy they need to learn that all puppies need quiet time. Placing a blanket over a wire crate will show young children that the crate should be left alone.
Playpen for puppies when you're not home.
A puppy that is crated while the owner is away for short periods of time, such as running to the store or post office, will not only protect the owner's house but also the puppy. A crated puppy will not be able to chew on the furniture or soil the carpet. Should the puppy chew or soil where not permitted place the puppy back in the crate and give a stern warning.
Sanctuary for the over-excited pup.
It is perfectly fine to restrict the puppy's freedom and not allow it to have free reign inside the house. Sending a puppy to the crate will reinforce the idea that that particular space belongs to the puppy.
Once housebroken, leave the crate open during the day. It is quite likely that the puppy will recognize the crate as its space. Continue to confine the puppy to the crate while away from home, but not for extended period of time. Following an extended period of being confined be sure to provide plenty of exercise.
