At first blush, crate training would appear to be a difficult endeavor. However, it turns out that dogs are naturally predisposed to lie down in a small, sheltered area. With a bit of effort and persistence, you can coach your dog into entering a crate and lying still for hours at a time. The most important aspect of this training involves making the crate suitably comfortable for a canine inhabitant.

Begin by placing a dog crate mat inside, and top it with a few old blankets or other soft materials that your dog already knows about. The more familiar you make a puppy’s den, the quicker he adapts to crate training. Make sure that the dog relieves himself prior to putting him in the crate for any extended period, and always double check that there’s a fresh supply of food and water within reach.