1. A metal, collapsible crate with a tray floor works well, as long as the crate is large enough for the dog to stand, turn, or stretch out. Some dogs feel more secure if a blanket is draped over the crate. A plastic travelling crate or a homemade crate can also be used. Fllaypens or barricades may also be successful as long as they are indestructible and escape proof.
2. Because dogs are social animals, an ideal location for the crate is a room where the family spends time, such as the kitchen or den, or bedroom, rather than an isolated area such as the laundry room or furnace room.
3. For the crate to remain a positive, enjoyable retreat, the dog should never be placed in the crate for punishment. If time-out is used as punishment a washroom, laundry room, or basement can be used for social isolation.
4. A radio or television may help to calm the dog when it is alone. They also help mask environmental noises which can stimulate a dog to vocalize.
5. Introduce the puppy to the crate as soon as it is brought home and as early in the day as possible. The crate should be left open so that the puppy can voluntarily enter the crate for food, water, toys, or shelter. By making all crate experiences pleasant, the puppy should feel secure and comfortable in its crate.
6. Choose a location outdoors for the puppy to eliminate. A short direct route is best. Take the puppy to the location, wait until the puppy eliminates, and reward the puppy lavishly with praiseor food. Aftersome play and exercise, place the puppy in its crate with water, a toy and a treat and close the door.
7. Leave the room but remain close enough to hear the puppy. It is normal for pups to cry or whine when separated from their 'pack'. Escape behaviour and vocalization are to be expected when a dog is first placed into its crate. If the escape behaviour is short or mild, ignore the dog until the crying stops. Never let the puppy out unless it is quiet. This leaches the puppy that quiet behaviour will be rewarded and that crying cannot make the owner return.
8. Punishment may be necessary if crying does not subside on its own. For punishment to be successful, it must be harsh enough to stop the behaviour and withdrawn as soon as the dog is quiet. A shaker can (a scaled can filled with coins or marbics) can be tossed at the crate when the pup barks. Other types of punishment include water sprayers or loud sounds (alarm, air horn, Barker Breaker, PetAgree). If possible, the owner should remain out of sight when administering punishment. By plugging in an alarm, tape recorder, water pik beside the crate and turning it on by using a remote control switch each time the dog barks, the dog can be taught that barking leads to punishment whether the owner is present or not. When the barking ceases, the punishment is stopped. Bark collars and alarms that go off automatically each time the dog barks are also available for persistent or difficult problems.
9. Place the puppy in its crate a few times before the end of the day. Each time, increase the time that the dog must st in the crate before letting it out. Give the puppy exercise and a chance to eliminate before locking it in the crate.
10. At bedtime, the dog should be exercised, locked in its crate, and left for the night. Do not go to the dog if it cries. Remote punishment can be used to deter crying. Alternately, the crate can be kept in the bedroom.
11. If the pup sleeps in one end of its crate and eliminates in the other, a divider can be installed to keep the puppy in a smaller area.
12. Never leave the puppy in its crate for longer than it can control itself or it may be forced to eliminate in the crate. If the pup must be left for long periods during which it might eliminate, it should be confined to a larger area than the crate. As the puppy gets older, its control increases and it can be left for longer periods in its crate.
13. When the puppy is indoors, it must be constantly supervised for any signs of elimination. If the puppy begins to sniff the floor, circle or squat, it should be taken directly outdoors to its elimination spot and rewarded if it eliminates. If the puppy is caught in the act of eliminating indoors, the owners should administer an appropriate punishment (a harsh NO or punishment device) to reduce the chance of the puppy eliminating in that location again. Very harsh punishment should be avoided or the pup may be reluctant locliminate in front of the owner anywhere, even outdoors. Immediately take the puppy out to the proper location, and give a lavish reward if it eliminates. If the puppy eliminates in an inappropriate local ion an(i ii(i ptinislimeiii is iciniinisfered (luring elimination, the puppy will likely return to that location to eliminate. Only with constant supervision can the owner catch the puppy in the act every time it eliminates in an inappropriate location.