CRATE TRAINING
Crate training is highly recommended for you new puppy. There are several reasons that we are crate training proponents.
One of the major benefits of crate training is the safety and security of your pet. Once your puppy has become accustomed to the crate, he will always feel safe there. It is their haven when they need a little "down time". Your pet's privacy in the crate should be respected, and the crate should NEVER be used for any punishment of any kind.
Another issue to consider is that there may be a time when you dog will have to be in a crate. An extended visit to the vet, or a trip to the breeder, for example. These are places where a crate trained dog is a true asset. Or, if you ever find it necessary to travel with your pet when they must be restrained. A little work now will provide your dog with confidence and comfort in a crate.
Crate training is a relatively easy process when done properly. First, never use the crate as a place to put your puppy when he has done something bad. This action sends a message to your puppy that the crate is the "bad" place. You want your puppy to enjoy his crate, so only good things happen there. When placing your puppy in their crate, use lots of treats. Give him treats to coax him in and make sure that there is something to chew on while he is in there.
Now, some tips on crate size. The crate you start with needs to limit the puppy's space. The puppy needs to have enough space to lie down, stand up, and turn around. If you allow too much space at first, the puppy's natural sense of cleanliness will still allow it to use one corner of the crate to do it's business and one for sleeping. So, until your puppy accepts the crate as it's den, keep it a little on the small side. Or, get the larger crate that will fit him when he's grown, but use a divider to make it smaller during this training period. Given the expense of a crate, we like to start with a crate that will accommodate your Mal as an adult. You can reduce the size of the crate by placing a cardboard box inside to take up space. As your puppy grows, remove the box to make more room.
Remember, you Mal puppy is a baby. They are not physically able to control elimination for more than just a few hours. Be diligent and help your puppy keep it's crate clean and soon, you'll have a dog that is comfortable in the crate.