ACCIDENTS IN THE CRATE: If your puppy messes in his crate while you are out, do not punish him upon your return. Accidents will occur; it's inevitable so please be patient and your puppy will learn where the appropriate place is in time. Simply wash out the crate using a pet odor neutralizer. Do not use ammonia-based products, as their odor resembles urine and may draw your dog back to urinate in the same spot again. Vinegar and water solution works wonderful to eliminate odors. It is wise to remember that they need to "go out" after eating, sleeping, playing, drinking, and sometimes in between. A Note about Crating Puppies under 4 months of age: Puppies have little bladders or sphincter control. Puppies under 3 months have even less. Very young puppies under 8 weeks should not be crated, as they need to eliminate very frequently (usually 8-12 times or more daily).Alternative Method of Confining Your Puppy: Outdoors: Purchase an outdoor kennel (we recommend placing it on cement as to prevent your dog from digging out).

INTRODUCING THE CRATE TO YOUR PUPPY: Your puppy will associate his kennel crate with comfort, security and enjoyment following these guidelines:

It is advisable first to crate your pup for short periods of time while you are home with him. In fact, crate training is best accomplished while you are in the room with your dog. Getting him used to your absence from the room in which he is crated is a good first step. This prevents an association being made with the crate and you leaving him alone.

Occasionally throughout the day, drop small pieces of kibble in the crate. While investigating his crate, the pup will discover edible treasures, thereby reinforcing his positive associations with the crate.

In the beginning, praise and pet your pup when he enters. Do not push, pull or force the puppy into the crate. At this early stage of introduction only training methods are suggested. Place a small dog biscuit into the crate. Then call your puppy and say "Kennel" in a friendly, encouraging voice and direct your pup toward his crate. When the puppy discovers the treat, give enthusiastic praise. The biscuit will automatically serve as a primary reward. For now, your pup should be free to leave his crate at all times during this “game”. Later on, your puppy's toy or ball can be substituted for the treat. You may also feed him in the crate to create the same effect. If the dog hesitates, it often works to feed him in front of the crate, then right inside the doorway, and then finally in the back of the crate.

Overnight exception: You may need to place your pup in his crate and shut the door upon retiring. (In most cases, the crate should be placed next to your bed overnight. If this is not possible, the crate can be placed in the kitchen, bathroom or living room.)

NEVER use the crate as a form of punishment or reprimand for your puppy or dog. This simply causes the dog to fear and resent the crate. If correctly introduced to his crate, your puppy should be happy to go into his crate at any time.

CHILDREN & THE CRATE: Do not allow children to play in your dog's crate or to handle your dog while he/she is in the crate. The crate is your dog's private sanctuary. His/her rights to privacy should always be respected.