Crate training involves teaching your dog to spend time in a dog crate - a plastic, wooden or wire enclosure. Many dog owners worry that this is cruel, but in fact, once they are used to it, most dogs really enjoy spending time in the crate.

The crate simulates the den environment of a wolf, so not only is crate training humane, it actually draws on natural canine behavior.

When should you start crate training? On the first night you bring your pup home. You should of course have already bought a crate, and hopefully you got one with a sliding panel. Adjust the panel so that you give the puppy just enough space to lie down and turn around. Don’t be tempted to give the pup more space than that.

Don’t put a blanket and pillow in the crate, rather use a soft towel which is better at absorbing any spills.If you got your pup from a breeder, ask if he has a strip of bedding which has her mother’s scent on it. The scent will help to pup relax and settle in quicker.

Often dog owners put the crate in some secluded corner of the house - this is a mistake. Remember that dogs are social animals and thrive on interaction. Pick a spot where there are plenty of comings and goings, so the puppy doesn’t feel left out.

For the first few weeks, you should put the crate in your bedroom at night. Expect a ruckus at first. Remember, she’s just a baby, taken away from her family and put into a place filled with strange sights, smells and sounds.

Don’t over compensate though. If you come running every time she cries, you’ll end up having a lot of sleepless nights.

Before you know it she’ll be quite happy to sleep in her crate. As she settles into the household you can start thinking about moving her out of your bedroom at night. She won’t like this at first and won’t be afraid to let you know it, but hang tough and she’ll soon accept the new situation.

Soon the crate will be her favorite spot in to whole house, and you’ll find it’s where she prefers sleeping.

Another benefit of crate training is that it makes potty training so much easier. Dogs are hygienic animals. They will not ‘go’ in their sleeping area. So crate training teaches your puppy to ‘hold it in’, from an early age.

Bear in mind that she won’t be able to control her bladder like an adult dog, so don’t leave her unattended in the crate for longer than a hour.

When she kicks up a fuss take her outside straight away. You’ll reap the benefits when you start potty training later on.

Read more about crate training puppies, dog breed info, dog health and other interesting dog information at dogsanddogtraining.com.

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