Concerning Crates
Confining your pup when you can't actively supervise him is essential. For confinement, you can use a crate or a safe room. While your desire might be to let the pup prance feely around your house, the confinement method serves for his own good. Left to his own devices, your Yorkie could end up in a dangerous spot.
Crates Are Not Cruel
Crates are not inherently cruel devices. You can use them cruelly by confining your dog for hours and hours, but any good owner knows not to do this. Instead, you should keep use of the crate positive and upbeat. Be cheerful when you crate your pup. Put a treat and a toy in there with her. And don't make a big fuss when you take her out, as if you're freeing her from bondage.
Additionally, never use the crate as punishment. Don't throw your pup in it in anger over some misdeed. Don't use it to keep the pup out of your way for hours because you're tired or don't want to be interrupted while you watch television. Only overnight should you use it for more than a couple of hours at a time.
If you're still doubtful about using a crate, consider this. The crate protects the pup from harm (chewing an electrical cord while unsupervised) and from mistakes (which you may then be tempted to punish). It's up to you how much you want to use it, but it's better than leaving a pup on his own to get into mischief.
Good Use of the Crate
For short-term confinement, such as while you're making dinner, put the pup in his crate. Put a treat or two in there, pop the pup in, and go about your business. Give the pup a chance to relieve himself first, and you should find the crate clean and dry when you return.
Most dogs are reluctant to soil their beds, and at least for the first few weeks, the crate will function like a bed for your pup. Unfortunately, dogs that were raised in the wire pens of puppy mills and pet shops had no choice but to urinate and defecate where they slept. They may have lost their natural desire to keep the bed clean.
Use a cue word or phrase when you put your pup in her crate, such as “Crate up” or “Go to bed.” If you use the same word or phrase consistently, and keep creating a positive experience, you'll soon have a pup that will run into her crate on her own when you say the cue. In fact, many adult dogs that have been crate-trained as puppies will retire to their crates when they want to take a nap or get away from too much hubbub. They see their crates as safe havens.
