When puppies cry in the cage..

Here is what has worked great for me when crate training my new golden retriever puppy:

1. Cover the cage with a lightweight blanket (I use a bedsheet). THey like to have their own little enclosed space.

2. Keep plenty of air flow- I always keep the fan on just to make him comfortable.

3. Give him a toy he can only have in the kennel (not at night, of course).

4. If he screams at first, let him cry it out. It will not be long before your pup passes out.

5. If you pup is young, he probably can't make it through the night without going out to potty. If he is under 12 weeks and can't hold it through the night, that is normal. Crying when he needs to pee is normally OK.

6. Don't feel bad about putting your dog in the crate!!!!! As long as they are in there for under 3 horus durng the day and through the night they will be just fine. Most puppies need a nap or two during the day- this is the perfect place to put them. It is their own space. They will respect it.

7. Be patient. I've had dogs that will get used to it in a matter of days, and some that take weeks. Just give it time and expect to lose a teeny bit of sleep :)