Many new pet owners ask about the possibility of crate training their dog. Usually they have been told to do so by the breeder or by friends and neighbors, but they feel guilty about 'locking up' their new friend. In order to understand why crate training is recommended by so many dog lovers, we must stop anthropomorphizing and begin thinking like a canine.

Canines instinctively sleep in small enclosures, where they feel safe. An appropriate crate can satisfy this need for a dog. This can help reduce the development of separation anxiety, prevent destructive behavior when you aren't able to supervise, and protect your puppy from household hazards like poisons, electrical wires etc. At the same time, crates help you quickly house train your puppy because most dogs will not soil the area in which they sleep.
Dogs can use crates throughout their life. As I look back, I realize that my dog's separation anxiety began shortly after she 'graduated' from her crate and I took it away for aesthetic reasons. Now I recommend that dogs keep their crate so they will always have their safe haven to retreat to in times of change, storms, loneliness etc. This works well as long as the crate is
never
 used as a place for punishment!
I prefer the Vari-Kennel type crates because they are approved for airline use, are easily broken down and, because their sides are more solid than a wire mesh crate. The solid sides, with air holes of course, provide a more den like atmosphere. Wire mesh crates can be used, but you may need to drape a sheet over the crate to provide more solid walls. You can even get some gorgeous crates that look like baskets or double as end tables. These may be useful if you have limited space or need to put the crate in the living room.
I use a towel for bedding in most cases, but if the puppy is chewing or urinating on the towel, remove it. Always provide water in the crate. Many kennels come with plastic door mounted bowls. Fill these with water and freeze them. The water will slowly thaw during the day and reduce the risk of spillage. Alternately, you can mount a rodent style water bottle in the crate.
Each time the puppy or dog is placed in the crate, provide him with his favorite toy. Reserve the use of this toy solely for the crate. Kong toys filled with peanut butter or dog toothpaste work well for this purpose. This treat-filled toy helps coax the pet into the crate and gives him something to do while you are not able to supervise him.
Place the crate near you when you are home. This will encourage him to use his crate and not associate it with being away from you. Also, it is easier for you to pop him into the crate if you have to abandon your supervision to check on the stove, focus on homework, bathe a child etc.
Begin using the crate while you are home. Drop some kibble in the crate and encourage your dog to find the treat in his 'room'. Try not to force a dog into a crate, enticing methods help him associate the crate with comfort, safety and fun.
Everyone asks, 'How long can I leave him in his crate?' The answer you get will vary depending on who you speak to, but here are some good guidelines.
Puppies younger than 9 weeks will have to urinate a lot, so they should have access to a place to urinate every hour during the day. If you are home, this should be outdoors on a leash. However, if you must be at work during this time in your pup's life, leave the door of the crate open and have puppy pads or newspaper available.
Pups 9-14 weeks old can stay in the crate for up to 3 hours, so by this time, you can as them to 'hold it' while you run some extended errands. By 15 or 16 weeks, they can probably stay in the crate with a lunch time trip to the outside. After 17 weeks, it is reasonable to ask pups to stay in their crates for 6 hours at a time.


Dr. Katherine A. Saenger, DVM, owns Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital and Boarding Kennel (www.beesferry.com) and is a former board member of the Charleston Animal Society (formerly John Ancrum SPCA.) If you have questions about pet behavior or health, or suggestions for column topics, e-mail her at vetsaenger@bellsouth.net, and watch the column in coming weeks.
 for her responses. )