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As a veterinary technician, my favorite appointments to see are first-puppy appointments. The cuteness, the excitement of a new bond being formed, and the chance to snuggle with a puppy are all highly anticipated. These appointments, however, are not just for checking the puppy's health and ogling over soft ears and tiny paws. Client education is a huge part of the veterinary field, particularly educating clients with new pets.

One of the first and most important points that just about every veterinarian and their staff will stress is to crate-train a new puppy. Since crate-training is often viewed as cruel or unnecessary, owners can be reluctant to place their brand new baby in a crate all alone. Even owners who have had dogs in the past may be reluctant to resign their new puppy to a jail cell. I can attest from personal experience that, yes, it is heart-wrenching to listen to your baby whine and cry while all alone. I can also attest to the fact that if done correctly, crate-training will be the best thing you ever do for your new pet.

The idea behind crate-training stems from the fact that dogs are den animals in the wild. A den can be anything from a tunnel in the ground to a hiding spot created by fallen logs to a small cave. Dogs prefer to burrow into a den while sleeping, relaxing, or retreating from danger. In the absence of a crate, many dogs will take up residence in your bed, or on their own bed on the floor, or under a favorite chair at some point in their lives. Having a "den" makes a dog feel safe and secure. Providing a dog with a crate serves the purpose of giving him a comfortable den.

Aside from serving as a den, a crate also serves as a place for you to put your dog in the event that you don't want him underfoot or while he is still too young to be trusted home alone. You may think that you'll never want to lock up the tiny black ball of fun you just brought home, but when he grows into an 80 pound puppy who likes to jump on company and rip and tear through the house, you will probably reconsider. The beauty of a crate is that MOST dogs like being in them and will go willingly if trained right. This will benefit you in that you will be able to leave the dog home without worrying about chewed up furniture or puddles on the floor when you return.

Another benefit of crate-training is that it aids the process of housebreaking tremendously. Since the puppy will start to view the crate as its den, he will be reluctant to urinate or defecate where

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