Wild dogs, foxes, wolves, and bears all sleep, live and raise their young in a den. Whether it is a cave, an abandoned building, a hollowed out area on the side of a hill or a temporary refuge in the dense branches of a tree, dens provide shelter from the elements and security from other animals or humans.

Domestic dogs still prefer the secure feeling of a ‘den’. Dogs seek out makeshift spots in their house that have den-like qualities to sleep or get away from their busy family for a few minutes. During times of stress such as  thunderstorms , fireworks, band practice or intense arguments amongst family members, dogs have been known to climb into linen cupboards, crawl under tables or beds, and even inadvertently lock themselves in dark bathrooms, all in an attempt to find the security of a den.

Although often thought of by many dog owners as a ‘cage’ versus a den, crate training is the perfect solution to many of the challenges of living with a canine. A crate represents a den to our four-legged family member and, when trained properly, will seek one out to sleep, relax or as comfort during those stressful thunderstorms or firework displays. Dogs relate the crate to the security and shelter of a den – not a bad gift to give your beloved pet!

When deciding on a crate, take into account the size or eventual size of the dog, the dog’s energy level and where the crate is going to fit in the house or vehicle.

• The rule of thumb for sizing a crate is large enough for the dog to stand up comfortably and turn around. Crates for everyday use should be at least one size larger then that for the comfort of the dog. For airline use, too much room is actually a detriment for the dog because the excess space makes it more difficult for him to stay warm and, if there is any turbulence, the chance of injury is greater in a crate that is too large for the dog.
• Growing puppies offer a challenge – a large or giant breed puppy may need several crates until it reaches his full size. Part of the benefit of crate training is how it aids in house training (see below), however, if an eight-week-old Mastiff pup is placed in his adult size crate, the crate will actually be detrimental to potty training because of the extra space. Only buy a crate that is one size larger then the pup so there is ample room to grow, but not enough room to have both a bedroom and a bathroom within his ‘den’. Keep the smaller crate(s) in good condition and you will find you sell it for near the purchase price when you place an ad on Craigslist or through your local pet store.
• The next consideration is less obvious – the energy level of your puppy or dog. High-energy dogs or teething puppies will chew through soft sided material or wicker crates. Plastic crates are best for puppies as the smooth surface is hard to grab a hold of and while metal wire crates are strong, they do not give the same sense of security as the solid sided plastic crates offer.
• Although all crate producers refer to the various sizes by small, medium, large and giant, each manufacturer has slightly different measurements. There is also what are called Poodle crates – they are taller then average to fit not only the tall, lean Standard Poodle but also to accommodate his fluffy topknot. Decide where the crate is going to go in your home or the largest dimensions that will fit in your car and take these measurements with you when buying the crate. If the crate is going to be in a prominent spot in your house, wood crates are not the eyesore of the plastic crates and the flat top means they make a wonderful side table or bedside table. Many wood crates also have a non-skid rubber matt on the top and a spot on the side where a grooming arm attaches so that the crate doubles as a grooming table. This is a great combination if you are own a breed of dog that needs regular brushing and do not want to store a  grooming  table.

With a dog’s natural instinct to seek out a den-like area to sleep, crate training is not difficult when done correctly right from the beginning. Where people run into trouble is when they buy a crate and, without introducing the dog slowly to the concept of being ‘crated’, put the dog into it while they go to work for eight to ten hours. This method only brings complaints from the neighbors and a dog that refuses to go anywhere near the crate from that point on!

Whether you are training a young pup or an adult dog, the principles of crate training are the same. The steps are as follows:

• Place the crate where you want it, take the door off (or with a wooden or wire crate, prop the door open so that it cannot accidently close shut) and allow the dog time to have a good sniff. Place a comfortable, cozy blanket and his toys inside, then leave him to adjust to the new addition for a few hours.
• Begin  feeding  him inside the crate but make sure the door is off or stays open so that he can come and go as he pleases.
• Once he is comfortable with being inside the crate and starts to use it as his bed, begin shutting the door for a few minutes at a time. The first few times you shut the door on him, leave him with a few cookies buried in the bedding so that he is distracted and entertained. If he starts to fuss, get him to calm down or sit before you let him out. NEVER let him out until he stops crying or pawing the door!
• When he is happy to stay in the crate for a few minutes at a time, leave him longer, gradually increasing the time. Leave him with a treat such as a chew or a bone to keep him quiet and entertained – you always want to make sure he associates the crate with good things and not being ‘locked up’!

Eventually, you will be able to leave him all day in his crate without him making a sound. Crate training is a vital part of sharing your home with a dog – it keeps him safe when you are unable to supervise him and it keeps your home safe from a bored dog! Inside the car, van or SUV, crates are an excellent way of guaranteeing your dog’s safety while driving and keep the wear and tear of fur, nails and dirt from the dog park off the upholstery. Acclimatize him to the movement of the vehicle by taking him to the park inside the crate so that he associates both the car and the crate with fun and adventure!

Crate training and house training go hand in hand. None of us can watch our puppy at all times and because pups naturally wander off to find a place to pee, a minute of distraction can turn into a mess to clean up. When you are unable to monitor your puppy or through the night, knowing that your pup is safe and dry in his crate prevents accidents from happening, aiding in a good night’s sleep. When he wakes up, immediately take him outside and congratulate him when he squats to pee. The same goes for when he finishes eating – whisk him outside within a minute of eating or drinking and keep him out there until he does his ‘business’ (usually only a few minutes at most). During a play session when he is more focused on the other dog, you or his toy then his bladder, take him outside for a break every fifteen minutes. Preventing the ‘accidents’ before they happen, consistency and praise will see him house trained within a few weeks!

Crate training is an important part of your dog’s overall happiness as well as your own sanity. Do not think of it as a cage but rather like a safe, secure playpen for your pooch!