Establish Rules Right From The Start
Consistency is the key! If your puppy starts to cry when you put it in its crate, remember that you are in charge. If you give in, you will end up with a dog that has trained you instead of the other way around. Although a crying puppy can sound very pitiful, responding to its cries and taking the dog out of the crate actually rewards him/her for creating a fuss. You can inadvertently create a needy, neurotic dog instead of a valued addition to your home! 

What About Mishaps in the Crate?
If your Brittany does potty in his crate because he can't hold it, don't punish him or chew him out. Simply clean it up using a urine neutralizer (such as vinegar mixed with water or one of the commercial products sold for this purpose.) Put clean bedding in his crate and return immediately to your routine as though nothing has happened.

Dogs by nature like to keep their sleeping area clean, so the crate should not be large enough to allow him to eliminate in one part of it and sleep in another. If the crate is too big, you can temporarily partition it off with pegboard, plywood, or some other material until the pup has grown to fit its crate.

Crate Training Adult Dogs
It is usually easier and faster to crate train when the puppy is young, but you can use the same principles with an adult dog. Just as you would with a puppy, use the treat and/or favorite toy method to entice him until he will go readily into an open crate for a treat. Once he’s inside, have him sit or lie down in the crate for a few seconds before letting him come out. Keep this up as long as it takes for your dog to become comfortable with being inside the crate, then close the door for a short time, but stay and talk to him. When he has been quiet for a while, open the door and let him come out. You can praise him quietly while he is in the crate, but do not praise him when he comes out or he may think getting out is the desired behavior! Repeat this many times, gradually extending the length of time he's in the crate. Always keep it positive, but don't give in! Be consistent, persistent, and composed. Continue to build up the time he spends in the crate and your dog will ultimately come to regard it as a normal part of life.

Leaving Him Alone
Never crate a puppy or dog that is wearing a choke collar for they can accidentally choke themselves to death on such collars (hence the name.) By the same token, never crate a dog with a leash attached to the collar.

Never leave your dog or puppy alone with anything they can take apart because of the danger of choking. Rawhide chews and thin rubber toys can be especially dangerous to leave with unsupervised dogs. Squeaky toys can be dangerous because the squeakers can be removed and swallowed, creating a choking hazard. Brittanys seem particularly adept at tearing apart squeaky toys.

While thin rubber toys are not good, toys made of hard rubber are almost impossible to destroy and can be a safe option. One popular toy with both dogs and people is the Kong. Kong toys have a small opening on one end and you can put a little peanut butter or some kibble inside which keeps the puppy’s interest for a while after you leave. Nylabones are also safe as they do not come apart when chewed and are great for teething. Both Kongs and Nylabones are readily available at most pet supply stores.

Crate training right from the beginning can not only make your life more comfortable but, when you give your new Brittany a place to call its own, you can help make your puppy more comfortable as well. That’s why crate training is a win-win situation!

Important Note:
The crate should not be too big or there will be room enough to allow your puppy to eliminate without soiling its sleeping area. If the crate is too big, you can temporarily partition it off with pegboard, plywood, or some other material until the pup has grown to fit its crate.