Crate-training puppy doesn’t have to be stressful

Dear Cathy: I have a 5-month-old golden retriever puppy and am ready for her with a crate, toys, water and food dishes.

I have been reading suggestions on where and when to crate her, and when and when not to close her in the crate. Some suggest next to my bed, which in my case is possible, but not practical. Some say keep her and the open crate in a small cordoned-off area where she can see me most of the time.

Any suggestions? — Jeffrey, Holtsville, New York

Dear Jeffrey: Always start with the crate in your bedroom for the first week. If the crate won’t fit, put it in the family room and sleep on the couch for a few days. The idea is to be near her to lessen her anxiety.

After the initial adjustment period, put the crate in an area that is not high-traffic, but near where you hang out most of the time, such as the main living space of your home. Never seclude a dog in a crate in another room. If your dog can’t see you, she may develop separation anxiety.

As far as time in the crate, a puppy shouldn’t be in a crate for more than a few hours at a time, with plenty of time in between for play and exercise.

If you’re using the crate only at night, a late nighttime pee should carry most large breed puppies until the wee hours of the morning. If you are using the crate during the day, then she will need a break every few hours to go outside and relieve herself.

Do not leave her in the crate most of the day and all night. It can be very hard on a puppy or dog to be crated all the time. If you are away for hours at a time, hire a pet sitter to come by and play with her so that she has plenty of exercise and outdoor time.

Teach her to go into the crate when you ask by saying “kennel” or “crate.”

Finally, make her crate a special spot by feeding her in there or giving her treats or special toys. Once she learns this crate is her special space, which may take a few months, you will be able to leave the crate door open and she will go to it just to hang out or take a nap.