by Kelly Dynes

Created on: January 31, 2007   Last Updated: May 03, 2007

Oh the joys of bringing home a new puppy! For the safety of the puppy and your home while you are at work, the best thing for a new puppy is to crate train them. If done properly and not used as punishment for the puppy, it will become a comforting haven for him that he will seek when he needs down time.

Provide a blanket or bedding to make it comfortable. Buy a crate that is large enough for him to move around in but not large enough for him to designate a "potty" spot and still be comfortable elsewhere in the crate. Some dogs will never "potty" in their crate, others will have accidents so an easy to launder bedding works best with a new puppy. And overtime as he trains his bladder to the time you are away, the accidents will stop. Try to keep a consistent work schedule and let the puppy outside right before you leave and as soon as you get home. Reward him with a treat and a lot of praise for doing his business outside.

Be careful about leaving toys in the crate with your puppy. Most puppies are chewers and can easily choke on the batting from inside stuffed toys. If you give the puppy a lot of attention and play time when you are home, he should be fine with napping through the time you are at work. If he is a new puppy, just from the litter, putting a wind up clock outside the crate will comfort him as the ticking simulates the beating of the mother's heart. Currently, I leave a radio on for my dogs and puppy while at work and that gives them comfort because they don't hear every noise and creak of a quiet home.

In using the above crate training, I have found that my three year old German Shepard, Sierra, will go to her crate to sleep on weekends while I'm home. She also seeks solace in it during storms. It is her "home" and she will go there when she needs some alone time from her four doggy siblings and her "people"! A crate does not have to be a negative experience for a puppy! Enjoy your new bundle of joy!

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