Make sure children understand that this is the dog or puppies space only. Often children will want to play in the crate or climb on the crate - but this should not be allowed. Even if it looks amusing, this can cause anxiety for the dog or puppy.

The crate should never be punishment, meaning you should not discipline your dog or puppy by using the crate as a “time out“ place for bad behavior. This creates fear of the crate or a bad association with the crate. You want to form trust right away and keep that trust going, so to show your dog or puppy that their safe place is punishment will cause fear for them anytime you try and coax them there.

Crating your dog or puppy should be done for a minimal time period. Do not leave the dog or puppy in the crate while you are home, unless it is bedtime and you are choosing to crate during those hours. Leaving a dog in a crate for excess time will potentially cause anxiety. A dog walker should always be used if you need to crate for more then 4 hours. Please take time to consider this option if you know you will be leaving them in the crate for extended time periods.

Create a good association to the crate, such as receiving a snack in the crate for going inside. Saying “crate” and letting them go inside to receive a food treat create a good association fairly quickly. After a period of time, you will only need to say “crate” to get your dog or puppy to run inside for praise. You can even feed your dog in their crate, this is their space and they will associate all good things (food and rewards) to going inside their crate.

Crating is sometimes necessary and even if you do not like the idea of having to crate, in some cases, it can be beneficial for both you and your new friend. Try and always make crating positive and leave all training sessions on a good note. Frustration is easily picked by dogs and they will react accordingly - so end sessions happy - with praise and affection.

Select an appropriate sized crate. Often a crate can be too big or too small for their needs. A crate should be large enough to lay comfortably, turn around and stretch if they want - but should never touch their back in height, rear end to nose when standing. It should not be so big that they can jump around and play either. A crate too big will allow them to soil their area and not be effected. Use common sense and enjoy training them.