PROPER USE OF A CRATE: Crates are a wonderful training tool when used properly. It is important that the crate not be overused and the dog should be taught to have a positive association to the crate. Beyond management while training proper habits, most dogs will need to be crated at some point in their lives – such as when boarding or when admitted for veterinary procedures. For this reason we recommend that all dogs are trained to love their crates. Also, crates come in handy for many situations -- feeding, sleeping (dogs like dens, when introduced properly), when company comes over, after a bath or after a wet dirty play time or because you have a dog who isn’t fully trained and you need a break from supervising. We recommend sturdy metal folding crates that are see through.

Here are 10 Tips for Teaching Your Dog to Love the Crate 1. Choose a central location where your dog will see the family often – such as the kitchen or family room. Avoid low traffic areas such as garages or basements.

2. Set up the crate and leave the door open – do not force your dog into the crate or immediately lock the dog in the crate. Let the dog go in and out of the crate on their terms at first. This builds trust.

3. Use some twine to tie your dog’s favorite chew toy to the back of the crate so he has to enjoy it in the crate (with the door open). We’ve found that Flossies work great for this.

4. Toss in some treats when your dog isn’t looking. Don't point them out -- let your dog discover the crate and the treasures inside on his own.

5. Start daily feedings in the crate. Walk to the crate with the food bowl; ask your dog to go in, once in the crate place the food in the crate. After he finishes, open the door.

6. At least once a day ask your dog to go in the crate and give a treat for going in and allow the dog to exit the crate immediately after. A treat could be a bone, a toy, a special cookie, a stuffed Kong, etc. Make going into the crate FUN!

7. Slowly build up the duration of time (starting with 5 minutes or less and gradually working up to longer periods of time) that you keep the dog in the crate, without ever exceeding 4-6 hours.

8. Put the crate or exercise pen next to sofa, rent a video and keep the dog confined next to you while he works on a stuffed Kong or other chewies (bully sticks, sterilized marrow bone, etc.).

9. It is always a good idea you give the dog something to do in the crate. Chew toys and work to eat toys make great crate activities.

10. Take your dog outside to eliminate as soon as you get home and immediately after allowing him out of the crate.

Is your dog soiling the crate? If you discover your dog is soiling his crate, the first thing to try is removing the pad or blanket for a week – the porous material may be triggering elimination. Be sure, also, that you are not stretching the dog too long between bathroom trips and forcing him to eliminate in his crate. Keep both the dog and the crate scrupulously clean. It would be prudent to have him checked for a bladder infection if he is urinating really often. Finally, a minority of dogs is just not inhibited from eliminating by crates or have lost their cleanliness instinct by being confined continuously.