Click the link to see the Dog Crate Training Recommendations by the Humane Society:

Click the link to see Dog Crate Training Tips by the American Dog Trainers Network:

Dog Crate Training Summary: 

Some people still view a dog crate as cruel and inhumane.  If a dog crate is used properly it can be a very effective tool for potty training your dog and speed up housebreaking as well.  Dog crate training has gained popularity in the last couple decades.  It has proven to be a highly effective tool when training a new puppy or adult dog.  If used correctly, a dog crate can be a place your dog can retreat to relax and seek security when he is feeling stressed.  Not all dogs will respond to a dog crate in the same way.  Some dogs love their dog crates from the beginning  while others refuse to have anything to do with them and will do everything in their power to avoid their crate.  Some will find ways break free from their crate - even at the risk of hurting themselves in their attempt to escape.  It is so important to encourage your dog to view the dog crate as its den, retreat, or bedroom.  This is why it is important to understand the purpose of crate training for both puppies and adult dogs.  The more knowledgeable you are about dog crates and their purpose, the more likely it is that your dog will love its crate!

Advantages of Using  a Dog Crate for Training Purposes:

You can enjoy peace of mind when leaving your dog alone, knowing you have much better odds that nothing will be destroyed and that he is comfortable, safe, and not developing bad habits when he can't be supervised.

You can housebreak your pet more quickly by using the close confinement to motivate your pet to wait until taken outside, since dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.

You can travel with your pet without risk of the the dog getting loose or lost or distracting you while you're driving.  Your dog can enjoy the security and privacy of den of his own where he can retreat to when feeling tired or stressed.  Your dog can avoid much of the fear and confusion caused by your reaction to problem behavior.  Since he can more easily adapt to staying in unfamiliar places as long as he has his familiar "security blanket" along, your pet can be included in family outings, instead of being left behind alone.

Purchasing a Dog Crate:

For training purposes we recommend a wire crate with a removable plastic or metal pan. This is perfect for both puppies and adult dogs since it is very durable and easier to clean.  Also, wire crates offer the most ventilation as well as unobstructed view of what’s going on outside his crate.  If you are purchasing a dog crate for a small puppy, then you will want to keep his full grown/adult size in mind.  By taking into consideration the projected adult size of your dog's breed when purchasing your crate, you will not have to purchase a new one to accommodate his adult size. 

Most of our wire dog crates not only have a plastic dog crate pan that slides out for easy cleaning, but they also come with a wire divider panel for the dog crate.  Why is wire crate divider important?  Because, the more room you give an untrained puppy, the greater the chance that it will go potty in the crate.  Dogs never want to soil where they sleep and therefore the crate should only be big enough for the pup to stand up and turn around.  The divider panel allows you to make the large crate as small as you need and increase the amount of space your puppy grows.   Another plus is the portability feature, the crate is collapsible (folds up) for easy transport. One crate - one cost!

How Much Does a Dog Crate Cost?

The cost of a crate can range from $40 - $200+ depending on the type and size of the dog crate you select.  We highly recommended that you purchase the largest crate needed for the adult size of the breed of your dog.  Then block sections of the crate off during training in order to avoid the cost of having to purchase more than one dog crate as your puppy gets bigger.

Possible Costs of Not Using a Crate:

These are expensive things around your house that could easily get destroyed by not using a crate to properly train your dog:  Your sofa, chairs, rugs, walls, woodwork, shoes, phone wires, computer wires, jewelry, books, TV remotes.  All these items can be potentially hazardous to your pet.  Vet bills are very expensive--that is why many people woul rather confine their pets rather that leave him where he can get into lots of mischief.

 

Where Should You Place Your Dog’s Crate?

Most people try to put their dog's crate in the corner or out of eye sight because it isn’t all that appealing to look at.  When crate training, the crate should be placed in the most central/highest traffic area of your home.  This will allow you to continue to interact with your pet and help him not to feel isolated or alone.

Preparing Your Dog's Crate:

Setting your dog crate up for your dog is as important as the crate you choose.  The pup should be as comfortable and as safe as possible while it is relaxing in his new den.  Toys, treats, and bedding may be included but all of these items need to be checked for choking hazards.  Most dogs are prone to chewing, so the toys and treats you select to leave in his dog crate should be specifically for chewers.  Depending on your dog’s personality, the bedding may range from old towels to a high-end dog crate bed.  Please remember to check all items before leaving your furry pal alone in a crate with them.  Items that can come off pose a choking hazard are those toys that have eyes or parts that your dog could chew off and swallow or choke on.  We have learned a number of times that even those beds that look like they are tough, have no chance of survival when placed in a closed space with an aggressive chewer.