When to Avoid Crate Training Your Puppy or Dog

It is never recommended that you crate your puppy or dog if he is too young to have sufficient bladder control; has diarrhea or is vomiting; has not eliminated shortly before being placed inside the crate; has not had sufficient exercise, companionship and socialization; or is experiencing severe separation anxiety when left alone. Also, do not crate a puppy or dog when temperatures reach an uncomfortable level. Never leave an unsupervised dog on a terrace, roof or inside a car during warm weather. Cold water should always be available to puppies, especially during warm weather.

Accidents in the crate -- If for any reason your puppy messes in his crate while you are not home, do not discipline him upon your arrival. The crate may be too big or you may not have let your puppy out soon enough. Try stuffing the crate in order to make it smaller. When cleaning up the crate, it is recommended that you use a pet odor neutralizer. You should not use an ammonia-based product as the scent bears a resemblance to urine and may induce your pet to relieve in the same spot.

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