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" Housebreaking a dog using a crate can be perceived as cruel. However, if done properly, crate training provides security and comfort to your dog. Follow these dog training steps to get your pet ready for a crate.   Why crates work  Before you buy a crate, it is best to understand how it will help to housebreak your dog. Dogs are born with a strong desire to sleep in a den. A crate is a great man-made substitute for a den -- and dogs won&amp;#039;t want to soil where they sleep. Crates let you use this natural instinct to your advantage, helping you teach your puppy how to hold it between potty trips outside.   Take your puppy out for 10-15 minutes on a leash when on bathroom breaks. A leash is important, because it reinforces to the dog that it is outside for a reason -- to go potty. If the dog doesn&amp;#039;t go in that time, bring her back inside, and put the puppy back in the crate for five minutes with the leash still on before taking her outside again. This tells the dog that something is amiss and hopefully, will send the message that time outside is for potty breaks. Continue the pattern until the dog goes to the bathroom. WebVet says to expect a puppy to need bathroom breaks every two to three hours during the day, and at least once or twice overnight. With each passing month, your puppy may well need fewer bathroom breaks.   Enforce the positive attributes of the crate  Because crate training can be a long, frustrating process for your pet, it&amp;#039;s important to keep your dog calm and cooperative by associating the crate with something positive. Pad the crate with soft, comfortable blankets, and place it in an area of your home that will be conducive to relaxation for your pet. Instead of forcing a hesitant dog to enter her crate, lead your pooch to her new den by creating a path of treats that stops at the back of the crate. Always speak to your dog in an uplifting tone when she is in or near the crate.   Introduce mealtime in the crate  Once you have acclimated your dog to her crate, begin feeding her meals while she is inside it. Gauge your dog&amp;#039;s comfort level; if she&amp;#039;s still a bit hesitant, keep her food dish and water closer to the crate door. If she&amp;#039;s freely wandering within the crate, place her bowls toward the back. When your dog gets into the habit of comfortably eating inside the crate, begin shutting the crate door, increasing the length of time you keep it closed each day.   Fight the rescue impulse  After your dog has accepted the crate as her dining area, begin further crate training. Do not give in to the temptation to let her out each time she pleadingly barks or whines. She should finish her meals inside the crate.   Prepare to leave her alone  Before setting out for a short trip outside your house, lead your dog to her crate by enticing her with treats. Make sure she&amp;#039;s surrounded by positive reinforcements such as treats and toys, and be sure you have not left her in the crate for longer than 20 minutes before taking off. Start out slow; pick up dinner and come back home. Gradually work your way up to when you will go to work and leave her in her crate. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/a3948/dog-training-101-the-ins-outs-of-crate-training-79116/>