Function

• The crate provides a type of den where your puppy can feel secure. Crate training helps teach your puppy a schedule because it will not normally potty in its crate. You must take it out frequently after naps, play, eating and exercise. According to Vetinfo, the appropriate amount of time for crating is about 30 minutes per month of age. When your puppy is asleep, the time can be longer.
  
  

Benefits

• A puppy does not understand it should potty outside and can only chew certain things. The benefits of crate training are removing access to potentially dangerous objects, keeping your floors unsoiled and belongings undamaged.
  
  Being used to a crate makes travel easier as, according to The Humane Society of the United States, it is the safest place for your puppy. Feeding your puppy in its crate can decrease food aggression or fighting with other pets during meals. Additionally, if your puppy needs boarding or a stay at the veterinarian hospital, his comfort in a crate can make the stay less stressful.
  
  

Time Frame

• The amount of time for training depends on the puppy, training consistency, health issues such as worms and your puppy's history. Many pet store and puppy-mill pets learn to eliminate in their sleeping area. Overcoming this may take much longer or require using a puppy pen or gated room instead of a crate.
  
  Most puppies learn to eliminate outside by six to eight months of age. Destructiveness depends on the breed, puppy proofing and other factors. Some unsupervised dogs may require crating for up to two years to avoid destructiveness. Even after training, a crate is useful as a sleeping area and occasional confinement, such as when open doors are necessary.
  
  

Considerations

• Provide safe toys to make the crate enjoyable.dog bone image by Edsweb from Fotolia.com
  
  Improve crate training by selecting a crate that allows room for turning around and lying down but without extra space for eliminating. To help avoid the puppy feeling lonely and increase your ability to see signs of potty needs, put the crate near you and move to your bedroom at night. Make sure the puppy gets enough exercise to avoid boredom.
  
  

Warning

• Your puppy does not understand punishment more than 10 seconds after the behavior, according to Vetinfo. Limit scolding for times you see your puppy doing an unwanted behavior and watch closely to help avoid accidents completely.
  
  Do not put toys or bedding in the crate that could be choking hazards. Never leave a collar on your puppy when it is in its crate to avoid accidental choking, according to Mary Woodward, canine obedience school owner and trainer.