Crate training a puppy is an easy way to keep track of your new little rascal, making sure he isn't using every corner for a bathroom, and making chew toys out of anything he can sink his teeth into.
Getting him used to his crate can be a game, just like everything else in his puppy world.
Toss treats into the crate for him to enjoy, leaving the door open, to help him learn it's a fun place.
Offer his first few meals in his crate, and you'll have him thinking, "Wow! A hotel and a restaurant!" If you haven't tried a Kong yet, you need to check it out.
Stuff one of these hollow chew toys with kibble, put it in the crate, and your pup will soon discover his crate is a great place for his favorite hobby--chewing! He'll probably fall asleep from all that chewing, making it easy for you to quietly close the crate door.
Just make sure you're nearby when he wakes up the first few times, so he doesn't think you've deserted him.
Quick Tips for Crate Training a Puppy Though crate training puppies isn't complicated, here are a few guidelines that can make it easier for both people and pups:

• After your pup has happily accepted his crate as his "pup-size" home, he should spend most of his time there unless he's under your close supervision (to prevent accidents).
  
• Make sure someone is handy to take Puppy Pete outside to potty frequently, and to give him plenty of play breaks.
  
• As your pup gets older, you can allow him longer periods of time outside his crate, but still under your careful supervision.
  
• Crate him whenever you leave the house, to keep your pup and your house safe from harm.
  
• Remove his collar before crating him, so he can't catch his collar on the crate and strangle himself.
  
• Don't reward barking and whining by letting him out.
  That only trains him to make more noise! Wait until he's quiet again before you open the door.
  Don't worry--he'll catch on quickly.
  

Sleeping Arrangements Where should you keep your puppy's crate? During the day, he'd like to be near the action in your household so he doesn't feel alone.
At night, he'll sleep better knowing you're close by, so move the crate to your bedroom or have another crate situated there.
That also makes it easier for him to tell you when he needs to go potty during the night.
If you use a crate with wire sides, covering the top of the crate loosely with a large towel or blanket will make it seem more like a cozy den for your pup.
Just drop the covering at night for sleeping, and during his daytime naps, as another way to tell him, "Night-night!" Traveling with your crate-trained pup is a snap, too.
Just bring along his "home away from home" and you'll all happily settle in, wherever your travels take you.
Once you try these easy tips for crate training a puppy, you'll wonder how you ever managed any other way.