This set of crate training tips deals with the worst crate training screw-up - crating during the day for 8-10 hours and then crating at night. A lot of new dog owners buy a crate, become instant control freaks, and crate a young dog for 18 hours a day.

And these owners think it's the right way to use the crate! It's not - this article explains crate training tips to address this situation.

The Common Scenario
You work, so you put a new puppy in a crate all day. If you realize he won't make it through the day, you get Uncle Fred or Neighbor Gloria to let him out in the middle of the day.

When you come home, you let him out, feed and play with him a while, and then back into the crate so you can make dinner or go out. Then he goes outside before you retire for the night and back into the crate for the all nighter.

The Fallout
Whew! Wonder why the pup is a raving maniac when you let him out of the crate?

And a word of caution - what do you think is happening to the 18 hour a day crated puppy's muscles? Muscle atrophy and weight gain can happen quickly!

Crate Training Tips For Reducing Crating Time
Here are the suggestions to reduce crate time:

1. Exercise the pup before he gets crated for the day and the night. Half an hour twice a day is a good benchmark. Let him run, fetch, and play.

2. Ask Uncle Fred or Neighbor Gloria to spend quality time with pup for an hour or so. If that's too much of an imposition, hire a dog sitter for the midday recess. Or do it yourself if you can make the time.

3. When you come home, make the puppy the first priority for at least an hour. And leave him out of the crate until the overnight crating. Leash him to your belt loops if you have to.

Questions To Ponder
Ask yourself this question - how long would you feel about being imprisoned 18 hours during a 24-hour period? And if you think 18-hour crating is okay - WHY did you get a puppy?

These crate training tips will help reduce crating time by a few hours. Hopefully, both you and your pup will benefit.