Crate Training can be one of the best ways to train a puppy. It teaches him about what can and can't be done inside the home.

Crate Training can be one of the best ways to train a puppy. It teaches him about what can and can't be done inside the home.

But there are some things you have to know first before you decide to crate train your puppy.

First things first, make sure the puppy does not have too much room. It shouldn't be tight in there, but the puppy shouldn't have enough room to completely eliminate one end of the crate and stay on the other side.

Choose a crate that has enough room for the puppy to be able to lie down as well as the ability to turn around. That's more than sufficient. Also DO NOT use any kind of harnesses when the puppy is in the crate. This means no collars or leashes. That only comes on when he is out of the crate.

To get the puppy in the crate, try coming up with a phrase that he can get accustomed to hearing like "go to your room", or "go to your house".

If he has a hard time getting in the crate, with one hand grab his collar and with the other hand, have one of his favorite treats, and just kind of guide him in the crate with the treat.

Don't force it. Never use the crate as a form of punishment. I know when the puppy is acting up, it may seem like a good idea, especially to get him out of your hair, but if you did that, the dog would always think that he is getting punished every time he goes in the crate.

That's not the goal of puppy crate training. Also don't use a towel to put underneath the puppy at the beginning of the crate training, as a lot of people tend to do that.

First off, the puppy might just tear it apart. As well, as it gives him a valid reason to take a pee, because the towel will soak it all up. Also, don't just put the puppy in the crate when you are not home.

The puppy should be in and out of the crate, both when you are home, and away.