Crate training a puppy can be valuable for a number of reasons. Being able to rest calmly in his crate is a skill that will serve your puppy well down the road. At the vet, when traveling, and if your puppy is ever ill and restricted on activities are times when a crate can really help your little pooch. In addition, a crate trained puppy is easier to teach rules to as well as train in other behaviors because he already knows how to understand what you want. Here are a few tips that may help you with the process of crate training a puppy. Crate training a puppy is about routine and rules. If you do it properly, there should actually be very few if any problems with the process. First of all, it is usually best to have the puppy spend time in the crate in your bedroom while you sleep. You can always start letting him out as he reaches adulthood, but for the purpose of crate training a puppy you should start with night time.

Used correctly, puppy crate training is a great way to house train a puppy or dog. BUT it's often misunderstood and used incorrectly. Follow these 7 sure-fire tips for success.

#1. When initially introducing your puppy to the crate, proceed slowly and gradually until she becomes accustomed to the crate. It should be a safe secure place for your puppy. It should never be associated with punishment.

#2. Set up a dedicated toilet area. A small gravel area in your backyard works fine. Or if you live in an apartment, you may need to consider a dog potty tray, pads or pile of newspapers in the house. Always take your puppy there on a leash.

#3. Confinement periods should be short. It's purpose is to develop proper bladder and bowel control. Young puppies will not have this control.

#4. You need a routine that suits the puppy. During the day, the puppy will need to eliminate approximately every two hours for a two month old puppy, every three hours when it's three months old and every four hours when it's four months old.

#5. Put her in the crate around half an hour before she is due to eliminate.

#6. When you let the puppy out of the crate, put her on a leash and take her immediately to the toilet area. If there's no action, put her back in the crate for another 10 to 15 minutes, then take her back to the toilet area.

#7. Your puppy should only be confined to the crate when you are at home. It must never be used to lock up your puppy so that you can forget about her.

The Key To Success: :Successfully crate training a puppy is about getting him to understand that when he is in the crate alone, nothing bad happens. In fact, good things may happen. He may get food in his crate or even some of his favorite toys. Never make the crate a punishment or somewhere the puppy has to go forcefully. Additionally, don’t put him in there when he is sleeping. If he wakes up suddenly confined, it can really create problems.

Make it a Pleasant Experience: Crate training a puppy is easier when the puppy finds the crate enjoyable. Make it a good place to take a rest, since puppies need plenty of sleep. Put a few of his safest chew toys in the crate along with a treat or two that will help him feel comfort and go sleep well. If your puppy enjoys the crate and can sleep there through the night, it will be better for you and him both. Crate training a puppy is not hard, but it does take a little know how and a lot of patience. If, though, you take the time to follow the tips above and make the experience a good one for your puppy, you will find yourself with a dog that understands rules and offers you few behavior problems.