A crate is an essential piece of equipment for a pug owner. Your pug will use it as a bed, car seat, and a place of refuge when he's pooped. You'll use it as a housetraining tool (a process we'll discuss in Chapter 9), and as a way of preventing destructive behavior. The pug that is crate-trained has a portable den, allowing him to feel at home wherever he is.

Some people worry that crating a dog is cruel, but dogs are den animals, so they are comfortable curling up inside a crate when it's bedtime or for a nap when you can't be around to watch them. When your pug is in his crate, he can't get into trouble, so you don't have to get mad at him for destroying something. It's a win-win situation.

Your pug's crate should be just large enough for him to stand up and turn around. This provides a cozy feel and — in the case of a puppy — ensures that there's not so much room that he can potty in one corner and sleep in the other. The Varikennel 200 or a similar size in another brand should work well for a pug.

Types of Crates

With the growing number of uses for crates have come innovations in crate design. You can find wire or plastic crates, collapsible soft-sided crates, crates that fit beneath airline seats, and crates that roll on wheels through airports and show grounds. Accessories such as designer covers, cushions, and mats turn them into cozy beds. By taking a few minutes to think about how the crate will be used, you can decide which one best meets your needs.

Wire crates fold easily for storage, and they provide more ventilation than a solid-sided plastic crate. If necessary, they can be covered for warmth or privacy. It's also easy to see inside them to check whether the dog is restless or resting. Plastic crates provide a cozy, denlike atmosphere. Most plastic crates come apart for storage, and some come with wheels for easy transport.

Introducing Your Pug to the Crate

Whatever model you choose, it's important that your pug like the crate. Feed the dog in the crate, and give a treat whenever you put him in the crate. To really encourage your pug to want to go in the crate, place his dinner inside of it a few minutes before mealtime and then shut the door so he can't get inside. That way, he'll be eager to enter the crate.

Place the crate in an area that gives your pug a good view of everything that's going on, such as the living room or kitchen. Move it to your bedroom at night. A pug-size crate is easily portable, so this shouldn't be difficult. If your budget allows, you can have one crate in the family room and one in the bedroom. Some people have a crate in every room. To learn more about the uses for crates, see Chapters 9 and 18.