Q: What is Crate Training? A: Many dog owners, breeders and veterinarians recommend dog cages (also known as crates) as the best way to train a puppy. The dog crate is your pet's home. It is his sanctuary where he can go and be alone. Like your puppy's relatives, he instinctively seeks the safety and security of a "den." Even though we might see the crate as a very limited or very confining space, the dog sees it as a secure haven. When puppies are left alone and allowed to roam your house, they become anxious and often bored. By utilizing crate training you create positive behavioral patterns (i.e. housebreaking) and reduce fear and insecurity. You will find that crate training makes it easier to travel with your puppy. In order for crate training to be successful there are several things you need to remember: You must have a positive attitude toward crate training. Be sure to purchase a crate large enough for an adult dog to stretch out comfortably. The placement of the crate should be in an area away from drafts and direct heat, but near the family (i.e. kitchen or den). Place the puppy in the crate before bedtime, nap time or whenever you need to go out and offer him a treat. Then shut the door and leave. As soon as you take your puppy out of the crate, take him immediately to your chosen outside elimination spot.. Praise his performance and go directly back inside. The puppy will then be able to make the association that this is what you want him to do when you first take him outside. Don't give in! You are not being cruel. At the first sign of any resistance, use a firm voice and say "no" or "quiet." Your puppy will settle down after about three to eight attempts at emotional responses. After the puppy has been quiet inside his create for about ten minutes, let him come out. Do not immediately praise the puppy as this can reinforce the desirability of leaving the crate. Wait for about an hour and crate your puppy again. Extend the puppy's quiet time to about thirty minutes. Gradually extend your absent periods and before long you can be gone for several hours. Provide soft, washable bedding and a chew toy for your puppy in his crate. Do not put a water bowl inside the crate as the puppy will spill it. If the puppy wears a collar, be sure to remove it to prevent possible entanglement.