Crate-training feeds a dog’s denning instinct. A dog should view his crate as a place of comfort, security, and privacy. And how can this be achieved? Of course, with proper training and lots of positive reinforcement. Crate training should be a positive experience for dogs.
During housetraining, the time spent by a puppy inside his crate will teach him to hold it in until he is brought to the potty spot outside in the yard. Puppies that are younger than 3 months old can stay inside the crate for 2 hours, gradually increasing the time when the expected behavior is displayed. if he starts whining, you can give your puppy some chew toys to distract him. When you take him outdoors to the potty spot, be quick to offer positive reinforcement when he does his thing in the potty spot. Letting your puppy spend some time outside his crate to play is also an opportunity for physical and mental stimulation. But if the trip to the potty spot was not successful, return the puppy inside the crate and try again in 10 minutes until he does his thing.