You can crate train your puppy without making him hate his crate. Your puppy should look at the crate as a little safe home for him. If you take time and have patience, your crate training will go well.

First you need to purchase a crate. Make sure it is the right size. The puppy should be able to turn around in the crate and lay down comfortably.

If you already have a crate that is too big, you can put a piece of cardboard in it to divide it into a smaller compartment. Then as your puppy gets bigger, you can move the cardboard divider as needed.

Your puppy might not warm up to the crate right away. Give him time to smell it all over and get comfortable with it. You might want to put in a favorite toy or blanket in the crate so your puppy will be encouraged to investigate it.

You should not force anything, or your puppy might get scared. Don’t push or pull him into the crate. This only destroys the trust your puppy has in you.

When the puppy is inside the crate, speak a command that you will always use for the crate. Every time he goes into the crate, use the command. Give puppy praise too, and he will be happy to go inside.

Now you can start working on closing the door of the crate. Eventually your puppy must get comfortable with being in the crate with the door closed. Don’t do this on the first day. Wait until your puppy is comfortable going in and out of the crate.

Then when puppy is inside the crate, close the door for a minute or two. Then open it again and let the puppy come out if he wants. When he goes back in, repeat the command and praise the puppy again. Keep closing the door for longer periods. Work up to about a half hour with the door closed.

Your puppy might whine a little when he is shut in the crate. Don’t worry, and don’t open the door. If you open it when he is whining, he will think that whining will always get him out of the crate - not the lesson you want him to learn! Just tell him to be quiet. Wait until puppy is quiet before you let him out.

Using the crate in this way is not being cruel. You are teaching your puppy. Puppies are very cute, and it’s tempting to give in to a little whining. But you will be sorry if you do, once your dog becomes an adult and still whines whenever he is in the crate.

Don’t use the crate for more than six hours at a time. Don’t use the crate as a babysitter. Your puppy is too young to be left alone for long periods and he needs socialization.

Getting your puppy used to the crate has many advantages. You can leave him in the house without worry if you have to go out. And it is great for travel, since it will give your puppy a familiar place to be while he is in the new surroundings.