Dogs are comforted by small, enclosed spaces, and crate training is humane, not a punitive measure. As natural den dwellers, dogs value a secure place to nestle. Choosing a crate that provides sufficient space for the dog to stand, turn, and recline comfortably is crucial. Dogs generally refrain from soiling their sleep or dining areas, yet an oversized crate may cause a small dog to designate separate areas for sleeping and elimination. For an expanding Labrador puppy, it's advisable to acquire crates of two different sizes or one with a movable divider. In the absence of a crate, restricting your puppy to a confined space such as the kitchen or bathroom is recommended.

The perfect crate for a puppy should function as:
- A peaceful retreat for sleep.
- A quiet zone for dining.
- A safe haven for dwelling.
- A comfortable nook for relaxation.

Make sure your puppy is tired before crating. Use a straightforward command like "KENNEL" to indicate it's time to enter the crate, then reward with a treat, give praise, and close the door. Remember, puppies need playtime and bathroom breaks too. Maintain a regular schedule for outdoor trips to prevent over-confinement.

Should your puppy cry when first separated, it's advisable to ignore the crying; it usually stops within a few minutes. Only if the crying continues for more than 15-20 minutes should you comfort him, as he might need some reassurance or activity to expend energy.

If he cries at night, it's probably an indication that he needs to go outside. Patience is crucial, as it might take him longer to settle back down to sleep.

A general rule for nighttime crating is that an 8-week-old puppy can comfortably stay in the crate for 4 hours. A 10-week-old puppy should manage to last through a 7-8 hour night. Following this guideline can help prevent accidents.

Regarding when to stop crating, puppies slowly gain more freedom. The time to transition away from the crate comes when you no longer need to frequently correct behaviors such as "no, leave it" or "drop it" during the day.