With expert advice from AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson & obedience instructor Maralyn Redford

Many people think that crate training a puppy is mean. However, crate training your puppy is a fast and effective way to housebreak him and the kennel will keep him safe when you aren’t able to supervise him. In fact, according to American Kennel Club spokesperson Lisa Peterson, “The biggest mistake a new puppy owner can make is not using a crate. People who don’t know better think its cruel, but its the best way to build confidence in the puppy.”

You should purchase your kennel before your puppy arrives. Don’t buy the biggest crate you can find. Your puppy will feel more secure in a crate that is just big enough for him to stand up and turn around. Also, a crate that is too big makes your puppy more prone to having accidents in the crate, since he can choose a potty corner and still stay clean.

Follow these simple steps to quickly crate train your new puppy:

* Put a fleece pad or a towel in the crate.
* Add a favorite toy so the puppy can amuse himself.
* Take your puppy for a walk.
* Place your puppy in the crate and praise him. Give him a treat.
* Leave him in the crate and ignore him if he fusses.
* Take him out after fifteen or twenty minutes, but do not make a big deal about it.
* Immediately, take him for a walk and praise him. Play with him for fifteen minutes to a half hour.
* Put him back in the crate and make a big fuss over him.
* Leave him in the crate a few minutes longer than the last time.
* Repeat these steps, gradually increasing the time he spends inside the crate.
* Eventually, you will be able to leave your puppy in the crate for several hours.

Remember not to make a fuss over your little guy when you let him out, but do make a big deal about him going into the crate. This keeps him from crying and whining when he is crated.

Finally, if you aren’t convinced you should crate train your puppy, there is another important reason for crate training - travel. According to obedience trainer Maralyn Redford, “A crate can become a puppy’s portable home and keep him safe when you can’t watch him. A dog that is comfortable in a crate has a portable home, and you can take him anywhere safely.”

In lesson two, we will cover taking your new puppy to the veterinarian.

Until then, don’t forget to give your puppy plenty of hugs and kisses,
Katelyn

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