If you keep the crate an integral part of his equipment, you will not be taken by surprise if after an injury or operation, the doctor tells you to keep him in a crate and only take him out on a leash three times a day.  Bones take up to four months to fully heal--if your dog is not accustomed to a crate, you will have a very difficult recovery time with him.

Pet stores can recommend the correct size of crate for your dog.

How to get your dog to happily jump into his crate - no secret here--this is a time to use food as a reward.  You already have your puppy sleeping in the crate and are also putting him in the crate from time to time with a chew toy.  As he grows, he will look forward to getting the chew toy.  So toss it in and give him the command, "Kennel," as he enters the crate.

When you have his crate in your vehicle, help him to jump up into it until his ligaments, bones, and muscles are strong enough to handle the big leap himself.  Toss a biscuit into the crate, and tell him to "Hup."  Your dog most likely will only put his front paws up.  In that case, help him by lifting his rear saying, "Hup," at the same time.  Keep helping in this manner and when your dog is about six months, he will start jumping easily on his own.

I always keep small-sized biscuits to give the dog when he gets into the crate.  After he is expecting the treat, he will happily jump into the crate and turn around to take the biscuit you hand him.  Then close the crate door and of course, tell him, "Good dog!"

The command "Hup" can be used anytime you want your dog to jump up or over.

Riding in the car -  plan short rides taking your pup to a nearby park where you can play or train.  In this way, your dog will associate fun things with riding in his crate.

Older adopted dogs not crate-trained can be nervous about getting into a car and may refuse to get in.  Train in the same manner--toss a biscuit onto the seat of the car, holding him by the leash.  When he goes for the biscuit, lift and give a tug on the collar, telling to him “Hup.”  Go very short distances to the play area.  Always keep him on a leash or lunge line and do not leave him alone in the car.

Problems with the crate - some dogs adjust quickly to the crate others do not. In either case good things need to be associated with the crate. Whenever the dog enters the crate give him a chewy, cookie or toy. Close the door and leave without saying a word to him.  No need to focus his attention on you. If your dog does bark and cry frantically after you close the crate’s door, then do the following:

Feed all meals in the crate leaving the door open so your dog can enter and exit the crate. However have the crate in a blocked off area such as the kitchen. After a few days start closing the door and see if he won’t settle down and take a nap. Follow the instructions given in the Housebreaking training tips. Always put him in the crate to ride to the park or wherever you train and play with your dog. Remember it takes a breaking in period for some dogs.

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