I crate train all my dogs…Not because they spend their time in a crate but if I need to crate for a trip, or if one is hurt or sick, it is handy to know that they are fine with staying in a crate.
I use a wire crate and use a size appropriate for the dogs size.
I put nice bedding (usually old pillows and a blanket) in the crate. (I change pillows on my beds about every 4 months…instead of throwing them away the dogs use them)
I start my puppies in a large crate as a litter. So my puppies are use to the crate when they leave here.
But my dogs each have a crate and they sleep in them in the winter time on the carport or in the basement depending on weather.
For a puppy I put them in a small crate in my bedroom away from my bed but where they can see me. I put them to bed at my bedtime, and take the pup out if it needs to go potty. (Pup will whine) I take the pup in and out of the bedroom on leash! (Accomplishing 6 things) Teaching the pup to walk on leash, letting me know “hey I gotta go potty”, and manners walk nice in and out along with sleeping near and bonding to me, and to potty on leash. Plus a very important thing every time I leave the pup in the crate I say “Stay” be good dog.
I do all this for 60 to 90 days with a pup. It makes a world of difference. It is the foundation of all my work I do with the pup for the rest of its life.
Then the pup goes outside with my other dogs! Same thing there just outside on my carport or in my basement.
This simple routine if followed will make training your dog easier. And the good thing…It works with a dog of any age!
Puppy A, Kay