Crate or Kennel Training

• A new puppy will benefit from being placed in a crate or kennel to rest after play and to sleep at night. At first, the puppy will not want to be away from you and may cry, but soon your pet will find it is a place to rest and feel secure. Be sure to place the crate or kennel where it has plenty of ventilation. If you prefer not to use a crate or kennel, a pen or gate, used to contain the pet will work well. In the beginning, the puppy may eliminate in this area, but within a short time, your pet will not want to soil its sleeping area. It is important to clean the area and remove the smell when it does become soiled.
  
  

Dog Bed Materials

• Dog bed materials vary. Foam, orthopedic foam, cedar chips, fiber-fill or simple blankets and towels are all good options. Foam is comfortable and provides insulation for heat and cold. Orthopedic foam is good for dogs with arthritic conditions. Cedar chips smell nice, and are also good for ventilation. Fiber-fill is comfortable. Most of those materials mentioned have covers that may be removed and washed. Blankets or towels provide warmth and some cushioning. If your dog is a chewer, you may want to choose something durable, like a dog bed made of canvas and stretched across a metal frame. Make sure the size of the bed is appropriate. Your budget, in addition to your preference, will be your determining factors. The important consideration is that your pet should have bedding he knows is his alone.
  
  

Transitioning to a Permanent Sleeping Location

• Most crates or kennels are used when your pet is a puppy. Transitioning from the initial sleeping area to the permanent sleeping location is easy when the pet is familiar with his bedding, and sees it moved to another location. You may want your pet to sleep in the bedroom with you. Move the bedding from the crate/kennel, or pen to the location in your bedroom, or wherever the permanent sleeping area will be for your adult dog. If you have a workable corner in the new location, or a space up against a wall by your bed, this helps give the dog a secure, protected feeling. At first, there may be a slight bit of confusion, but closing the door of the kennel (if it is still available to the pet) will keep him from returning at bedtime. Putting up a gate, or closing the door to your bedroom will keep him contained, until he becomes comfortable with his new sleeping area.
  
  

Regular Routines

• Your pet will be happiest when he has a normal routine. When he knows what to expect, he feels secure. So try to let your dog sleep in the same location on a regular basis with the same bedding. This will help to make your pet a happy, secure and confident dog.