It is a good idea to start off with a cardboard box for your puppy’s first bed, as he can chew this when he is teething and it does not really matter – cardboard boxes can be changed as need be.  If you wish to restrict him to have one chair only, then his bedding can be put on this and he will soon learn that it is acceptable to use this place and not others.  You may have a few nights of broken sleep whilst he gets accustomed to sleeping on his own.  An old clock with a loud tick or leaving the radio on very quietly may comfort him, but please be patient. 

Once he has stopped teething you can consider a permanent bed for him and there are many different types available but, as Setters seem to be very good at chewing bedding, consider carefully.  Probably a heavy duty plastic one will last much longer than a soft one made from material.

Another idea is to buy a large indoor kennel (cage) and this is fine as it can be used as his bed, with the door left open during the day.  He can be closed in for very short times during the day if you have to go shopping.  Puppies and older dogs actually find cages safe and secure.

Providing your puppy or dog with an indoor cage, takes advantage of a dog’s natural need for a den-like ‘home’.  It is also effective in house-training because of a dog’s natural reluctance to soil its own sleeping place.  Indoor kennels can also help to reduce separation anxiety, prevent destructive behaviour such as chewing furnishings and potentially dangerous or valuable household items. 

Most dogs which have been introduced to the kennel cage whilst still puppies, grow up to prefer their cage to rest, in particular when they are tired and want their own space or territory.  A cage, or your dog’s bed,  should never be used for the purpose of punishment.

Try where possible to locate the cage near to you when you are home.  This will encourage your puppy or dog to go inside it without feeling lonely or isolated when you go out.  A room that you use regularly is best, such as a lounge or kitchen.

At first, leave the cage door open so that your dog can go in and out of the cage at will.  Place a piece of cardboard or towel between the cage bottom and the slide out tray to prevent it from rattling.  Never make a toilet area in your dog’s cage, you are using it to house-train him.  Think of your cage as an enclosed bed.

The perfect bedding is veterinary fleece bedding.  This type of bedding is specifically designed to be hypoallergenic and machine washable at hot temperatures and dries very quickly.  Often recommended by breeders and vets, it is very safe and helps to keep your dog warm and dry.

Place your puppy’s favourite toys and dog treats at one end, opposite the opening door.  These toys may include, a Kong, Nylabone, ball, or a cotton bone.  Toys should always be inedible and large enough to prevent them from being swallowed.

A small hook-on water dispenser should be attached to the cage if your puppy is to be confined for more than one hour in the cage.

So that your puppy associates his/her kennel cage with comfort, security and enjoyment, occasionally drop small pieces of dry food or dog biscuits in the cage.  Whilst investigating his new cage, your puppy will discover edible treats, so reinforcing his positive associations with the cage.  Also feeding him in the cage has the same effect.  If the dog hesitates, it often works to feed him in front of the cage, then just inside the door and finally right in the cage.

At first, praise your dog when he enters.  Do not force the puppy into the cage.  Induce your puppy into his cage with a small toy or treat.  Overnight, remember to leave the cage door open so that your puppy can get out to go to the toilet on any newspaper you have left him.

The cage could be located in your bedroom at night, or if not possible, then in the kitchen.  It is advisable to first of all cage your puppy for short periods of time while you are home with him.  In fact, cage training is best accomplished while you are in the room with your puppy.  This prevents an association being made with the cage and being left on his own.

A Few Key Points to Remember

• Always be sure to allow your dog the opportunity to ‘relieve’ himself outside before leaving him.
• When your puppy is quite young, be prepared to get up early in the morning to take him outside.  Always stay with your puppy and praise him when you get the required result.
• Always use the same language, such as ‘Be clever’, then he will always associate the words ‘Be clever’ with going to the toilet and will often perform on command.
• Very young puppies may have an occasional accident.  Do not make a fuss, just be prepared to clean it up.  They quickly learn to go outside if you are consistent.
• If you decide to use a cage then never use it as punishment.  You need your puppy to be happy to go into his cage at any time.
•  A dog cage can be used at any time in a dog’s life.  Many pet behaviourists recommend a cage even for older dogs.
•  A cage is an aid for training a dog.   Never leave a distressed or poorly dog in a cage.
•  Do not leave your dog in direct sunlight, or in a conservatory, or anywhere he may overheat.

He should have his own toys to chew and it is a good idea to give him his own ‘shoe’.  This can be used as a substitute if he picks up one of yours.  Use the instruction ‘LEAVE’ removing the shoe from his mouth and replacing it with his own toy.  Praise him when this has been done.  It is a good idea to practise taking away his toys with the above instructions and then giving them back, in order for him to understand that he must give up anything when he is instructed to do so.  This will avoid the problem in later life when he may have something quite valuable and does not want to relinquish it.

You must be extra careful with any remote controls, electric cables and telephone lines whilst your puppy is going through his teething stage.  Make sure none are available for him to get at during times when he is left alone or even while your back is turned. Not only are they potentially dangerous to your puppy but the damage done can be very expensive to repair.