Confinement can help your dog learn proper house training and can prevent destructive chewing, according to Melanson.

To help your dog learn to love her crate or enclosed area, start by feeding in there, with door open. Then toss treats in and let her get them on her own. Do not close the dog in at first; after she has gone in a few times, feed her treats as she stands at the doorway before coming out.

Use plenty of praise and the verbal cue ‘crate up’ as you toss treats in now. Close the door for a moment and feed a few treats through the door. Gradually work up to the dog spending longer time periods there and give the dog a good chew, such as a stuffed Kong, for longer time periods. Your dog will learn to love the ‘den’ feel of her crate and will probably often choose to sleep in there on her own.