USE OF DOG CRATES WITH PUPPIES
There are many books and internet resources that discuss crate training in depth. Please find out how to use a crate properly. Here are just a few highlights on crates and their use.
Puppies less than four months of age have little bladder or sphincter control. Puppies less than three months have even less. Very young puppies less than nine weeks should not be crated for any extended period of time, as they need to eliminate frequently, 8-12 times or more daily.
Puppies should never be left alone for long hours in a crate. Making arrangements for someone to check in on your puppy, let her out to exercise and eliminate and feed her, should you be at work or away for longer than a few hours, will be important to her comfort and well being.
Crates are excellent tools to safely confine puppies and young dogs to prevent development of bad habits such as soiling in the house or chewing furniture or other inappropriate items.
Crates can be a helpful part of housebreaking a puppy. They should never be used as a substitute for scheduling an adequate number of necessary breaks out of doors for the dog to relieve themselves.
Collars and crates: Always remove your puppy or dog's collar before confining in the crate. Even flat buckle collars can get struck on the bars or wire mesh of a crate. If you must leave a collar on the pup for identification when you crate him, use a safety "break away" collar.