How To Crate Train Your Puppy Or Adult Dog
Make sure you have a crate that is the proper size for your puppy (or dog). For housetraining purposes you want a crate that is big enough for your puppy (or dog) to stand in and stretch out, but if it's too big they may use one end of it as a bathroom. Once your puppy (or dog) is completely housetrained you can get a larger crate that will give your him more room. Most dogs like a crate that is just big enough for them to stand and turn around in. A crate is like a dog's den. It's a safe place. If it's too big it's no longer cozy and safe for them.
When you first get a crate, allow your puppy plenty of time to explore it with the door open. The crate should become a fixture in your home. Let your puppy go in and out as he pleases. Place treats and toys in the crate to encourage your puppy to think of the crate as a friendly place. You can even feed your puppy meals in the crate a few times to help him get used to it.
Make sure the crate has a soft crate pad in it. If your puppy wants to take naps in the open crate, that's great.
Begin by putting your puppy in the crate with the door closed for just a few minutes, and stay where the puppy can see you. When you open the door, praise your puppy and reward him lavishly.
Gradually build up the time to 10-20 minutes while you go about your tasks in the home, but let the puppy see and hear you. Try not to fuss or be anxious about the puppy. Praise the puppy and reward him when you open the crate, but don't offer him pity. He's been a good boy, but don't feel sorry for him. (Big difference!) You want to encourage him to feel good about staying in the crate, not make him feel sorry for himself.
Whenever you leave your puppy in his crate, make sure to remove his collar for safety reasons, and give him something good to chew on. This will make his crate time more enjoyable.
Eventually, leave the house for 30 minutes. Return and praise and reward your puppy.
Remember, as with housetraining, you shouldn't leave a puppy in a crate for long periods of time. Puppy bladders are small. Even adult dogs shouldn't be crated for long periods without someone to check on them.