We highly recommend crate training your new puppy!  Having your dog crate trained helps the potty training process. Instinctively your puppy will not want to relieve themselves in the same place where they sleep. A crate is your dog’s den and acts like its own room. It is a place where your dog can go when they want to sleep or if they need a break from the activity in your house.

The crate should never be used for punishment. You should very rarely have to force your dog in a crate. Train your dog to go into it’s crate when you say “Crate”. For this behavior to continue, give positive reinforcement (verbal praise, petting, a treat etc.) whenever your dog successfully goes in their crate on command especially for the first two years. A crate also provides a safe place when you can’t supervise the puppy.  Buy a crate that will fit your dog at their projected weight, but get one that has a divider (or use a box or make a barrier) so that the crate grows with your dog.  If it’s too large, you puppy may use one section as a bathroom and one as a bedroom.