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Crate training your puppy is exactly that - training. It is not harsh to train a puppy with a crate. It gives them structure and security in their young lives. Dogs want to please their owner and any training they receive will be to their benefit and yours.

Putting your puppy into a crate is mainly for elimination control or bladder training. Dogs will not want to do their bathroom duties in the area where they sleep, so confining them for short periods of time at first, increasing their time in the crate as they get older, is training them to hold their bladder longer.

Crates can be purchased so that they grow with your puppy and you won't have to buy additional crates. There are dividers you can buy that can be inserted to make the space small, and then the dividers can be moved to increase the area as your puppy grows into a mature dog.

If the only time you put your puppy in the crate is because of behavior issues and you use it for discipline, or you just don't want to deal with the activity of a puppy and you want to confine him, then crating your puppy is cruel and harsh. It is also abusive if you confine them all day in a crate. Dogs cannot reason, therefore they do not see the connection between bad behavior and confinement.

Dogs have inherent qualities to live in 'dens', and be with 'his' pack. His shelter should be a place where he wants to be, where he feels safe and secure, where he feels like it is his own space, and where he feels like it is his 'den'. You are the leader of his 'pack', so he will want to be near you as much as be can. He does not want to feel isolated.

When you first introduce your puppy to his crate, it should be done slowly. Place the crate where he will be able to see you and be near you. At first, lock the door open so he can go in and out freely. Hopefully he will decide on his own to explore the new space. If he needs some encouragement, you could place a treat in the crate, or a favorite toy.

Once your puppy is comfortable being in his own space, you can start closing the door for 5 minutes, then 10 minutes, and begin to increase the time as he is comfortable being in there for up to 2-4 hours maximum. The older your puppy gets, the longer you can extend the time to assist him in learning bladder control.

If the puppy whines or barks a lot while he is in the crate, do not let him out until he quiets down because you will be encouraging bad behavior. Usually at night, the only exception to letting him out is if you feel he needs to go outside and relieve himself. That should be the only time he would want to get out, as long as you give him plenty of personal time, and he knows that you will let him out on a regular basis, knowing he will only be confined for short periods of time.

Keep the crate in an area where you are - your office, near the kitchen where he can see you, or in the family or living room. He will want to be where you and the family are so he can see you, because dogs are social animals.

A crate can either be moved into your bedroom at night or you could have a separate crate in your bedroom. That way you will know when your puppy needs to go outside to take care of bathroom duties. Another suggestion is that you could place a baby monitor near his crate, if it is not in your bedroom. This will allow you to hear the puppy should you need to take him outside.

Crates will be a place where they can go to be away from stress like small children, a lot of guests or an unfamiliar guest, other pets, or even a thunderstorm. Crates should become their shelter away from the storms of his life.

Putting your puppy in his special 'den' can also be used for short periods of time so they don't' get into trouble while you are away, but never for all day.

Puppies need constant training which will take a lot of your patience and time. If you love your dog, your dog will love you. He will feel protected and cared for, and he wants your approval. Yelling, scolding or any harsh treatment of your dog will never bond you with your pet. It will be obedience by fear instead of love, and could cause your pet to become stressed which will only cause more bad behavior.

Love your pet. Pamper your puppy. Speak kindly to him. Your patience is the key to crate training. It will usually take several months.

Remember: You invited your pet into your world; they didn't ask to come to your home. Obedience training takes time, so proceed slowly and consistently, and you will bond with your dog for a life time of pleasure and companionship.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian nor do I have any formal training in any medical field. This article is not to replace the advice of your veterinarian. I am only providing options and ideas that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian.