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Place bedding such as a towel or blanket inside the dog's crate to make a soft and comfortable bed. If you find these moved to the side then remove the bedding to see if he likes the flat surface of the crate instead. Put toys in the crate to the back. Put some treats in at first, too. If your puppy is going to be in there for any length of time provide water in something that will not tip over.
Dog Crates come in two types.
Molded plastic or wire. Molded plastic are better for travel because they are lightweight and can be split in half. Your then can use the bottom half for a bed. Using a wire type the dog can see out and there is more air circulation. It can be folded and stored easily. They can cost between $35.00 and $150.00.
The crate should be large enough for an dog to stand, sit and stretch out in. If you don't want t buy a smaller one for your puppy now and a larger one when your puppy grows then get a larger one and something to block off end of it. If you don't he will use one end for a bathroom and the other for sleeping, etc.
Place the crate in an area where you and your family are. Even move him around with you. Taking the crate with you into your bedroom at night gives your puppy comfort and if he cries you can stick your finger inside and sooth him.
You need to introduce your puppy to his crate correctly. Put special treats and toys inside so your puppy will investigate and start getting comfortable being in it. Don't shut the door yet but tie it back. Praise him when he goes in! Let him go in and out on his own for several days.
Once you think he is comforable being in his crate latch the door. Praise him for being inside. Start with short times while you are at home with him. Try mixing shorter and longer time periods, like 5-15-10 minute intervals. Don't take him out if he is fussing just wait till he is quiet, then praise him and take him out. Don't rush the process, it's takes patience.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.
Don't use the crate as punishment because he will learn to fear and hate the crate.
Don't let children bother your puppy when he is in his crate - that's his place!
Watch the temperature if at an uncomfortable level don't put in him the crate.
Let your dog go to the bathroom before shutting him in.
If your puppy cries a lot when he is in the crate, it's too early to crate him or he has separation anxiety.
Don't put your dog in crate if he has diarrhea, is vomiting, or has a high temperature.
Puppies under 9 weeks need to eliminate usually 8-12 times a day so they shouldn't be crated. Even puppies under 4 months have little bladder control so ask breeder or vet their advice on your puppy breed.
If you want to leave a collar on your puppy in the crate use a break away type otherwise collars can get stuck on crate.
Give your dog enough excercise when crating him.
If he has an unavoidable accident just clean and disinfect his crate and bedding.
Don't leave puppy or dog in crates to long. Except for overnight don't leave them in more than 5 hours at a time.
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