Table of Contents

About This Book.

Conventions Used in This Book.

What You’re Not to Read.

Foolish Assumptions.

How This Book Is Organized.

Icons Used in This Book.

Where to Go from Here.

Chapter 1: Crating and Kenneling Basics.

What You Need to Crate-Train.

The crate — duh.

The right attitude.

A training plan.

The Benefits of Crate-Training.

House-training goes more smoothly.

It protects both dog and home.

Traveling is safer and easier.

A Whirlwind Tour through the Positive Training Method.

Punishment-based training vs. positive dog training.

How the method works.

Chapter 2: Playing Goldilocks: Finding a Crate That’s Just Right.

Picking the Right Type of Crate.

Plastic crates.

Wire crates.

Other types of crates.

Sizing Up the Situation for Your Dog.

The ideal size.

What to do when you’re buying a crate for a puppy.

Investing in Crate Accessories.

Mats or bedding.

Attachable dishes.

Chapter 3: Picking a Spot and Setting Up House.

Where, Oh Where Can My Little Dog (Happily) Be.

Nearer, my dog, to thee: Finding the perfect place.

Lullaby and good night.

Readying Your Dog’s Home within a Home.

Lining the bottom with comfy bedding.

Tossing in a couple of toys.

Adding a "security blanket" if your dog needs it.

Chapter 4: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crate-Training Your Dog.

Crate Training, Easy as 1-2-3.

Step 1: Tie one on — The open-door policy.

Step 2: Encourage exploration.

Step 3: Lure her in.

Step 4: Shut the door (but not for long).

Step 5: Leave the room.

Step 6: Build up her tolerance.

Step 7: Keep crate love alive.

Solving common crate-training problems.

It’s 11 O’Clock: Do You Know Where Your Dog Is?

Timely Matters: Be Reasonable!

Limiting crate time: How much is too much?

Managing breaks when you’re gone all day.

Chapter 5: Using the Crate to House-Train Your Dog.

House-Training Basics.

Use a crate.

Choose a bathroom area: Indoors or outdoors.

Take into account the training your dog has already had.

Outdoor Training for Your Dog.

Training your puppy to go outdoors.

Outdoor training for adult dogs.

Indoor Training for Your Dog.

Scheduling bathroom breaks.

Keeping your indoor potty area sanitary.

Avoiding Problems and Responding to Mistakes.

Provide adequate supervision.

Be consistent.

Expand her concept of "home".

Chapter 6: Beyond House-Training: Other Uses for the Crate.

A Safe Way to Travel.

Rules for road trips.

Traveling by air.

After arrival: As a home away from home.

A Way to Minimize Mischief Opportunities.

Destructiveness when left alone.

Praise and correction.

Other Ways a Crate Is Useful.

As a bolt hole.

As a way to keep order in a multi-dog household.

As a place to heal.

Chapter 7: Alternatives for When a Crate Just Isn’t Working.

Confining Your Dog to a Small Area Inside.

For potty-training.

For safekeeping.

Me and My Shadow: Keeping Your Dog Close By.

Exercise Pens .

Chapter 8: Ten Tips for Crating Your Dog.

Think of It as a Den and Not a Prison.

Gradually Introduce Your Dog to the Crate.

Get the Right Size Crate.

Put the Crate Where Your Dog Can Still Be Part of the Family.

Make It a Good Place to Be.

Balance Crate Time with Family Time.

Don’t Use the Crate as Punishment.

Staying Calm about Accidents.

Sticking to the Schedule.

Managing Snacks.