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The most
common misconception about a dog crate is that it is a cruel form of
caging a pet. This is completely false and, in fact, a dog will actually
find a crate to be a secure and safe sanctuary in the same manner as a
wolf enjoys the comfort of a den for resting and
eating.
A Crate is an Investment . . . Not an
Expense!
Compared to
the cost of replacing furniture, plants, carpet and other personal items
that may be destroyed when a dog is allowed to roam a household
unsupervised, the expense of a crate is very
economical.
A Crate is a Training Tool
Next to the
training collar and leash, the dog crate is the training tool most
recommended by professional dog trainers, groomers and veterinarians. Once
accustomed to the dog crate, unfavorable behaviors such as house soiling,
destructive chewing, digging, unnecessary barking and howling can be
avoided. Since the dog’s habits will be much easier to regulate by using
the dog crate, discipline for misbehavior will be less necessary, which
will allow a stronger dog and owner
relationship.
When Can I Start Using a
Crate?
Immediately!
The sooner the better, no matter what age your dog may be. Ideally, a
puppy should be introduced to a crate at an early age. In fact, many
reputable breeders will already have a puppy familiar with a crate before
the puppy is introduced to a new home, which makes that transition much
easier for both the dog and new owner. But a dog at any age can be
introduced to crate training.
How Can a Crate be Used to Avoid
Accidents?
A dog’s
natural instinct is to keep the area in which he rests as clean as
possible. Most dogs are very resistant to being near their own waste and
therefore will make an extra effort to control their own elimination when
confined to a crate. By the owner encouraging elimination in the proper
place immediately after a dog is released from the crate, the pet quickly
learns when and where to “take care of business.” This is a proven method
of house training recommended by nationally known
trainers.
How Can Other Behavior Problems be Solved by Using a
Crate?
Most
behavior problems such as destructive chewing, are due to the boredom of
an unsupervised dog. If allowed to continue the behavior, it quickly
becomes a habit that is difficult to change. By using a crate during the
owner’s short-term absences, the dog is simply not able to misbehave.
Instead he will rest quietly in his crate.
Why a Wire Crate?
A wire crate
is recommended to allow the dog visibility of surroundings as well as for
proper ventilation. Wire crates are easy to move and store and can be
cleaned with soap and water.
What Size of Crate Does a Dog
Need?
When
selecting a crate for a puppy, go ahead and get one that will fit the
dog’s need when he is of full size. There are divider panels available for
larger crates to use for a puppy. The dog should be able to stand up, turn
around and lay down comfortably in the crate. Your pet should not feel
cramped; but do not use a crate that is too big, as that will defeat the
purpose of giving the dog the sense of having his own enclosed
“den”.
Where Should The Crate be
Located?
The crate
should be placed in an area that is easy to supervise. Since dogs are
highly social animals, the crate should be in an area of the household
where the family spends most of their time. The crate should not be put in
an isolated area. At night, the bedroom is an ideal place for a crate so
the dog can feel the security of being near his owner. Wherever the crate
is placed, it is important that it not be in a draft or direct heat. Some
dogs feel more secure when a towel or blanket is draped over the top and
sides of the crate.
What is a Dog Crate?
A safe home
for your pet. Why do dogs tend to sleep curled up under your kitchen
table? Because they are naturally a denning animal. A dog crate is your
pet’s den.
How Do I Introduce My Dog to a
Crate?
Within a
short amount of time a dog will accept a crate as his own. The owner
should be sensible when first introducing the dog to the crate, taking
care to remove both collar and tags. Make his first few experiences short
in time and very pleasurable. Use praise whil the dog is in the crate, to
assure him that this is a comfortable place to be. Gradually, the amount
of time the dog is left unsupervised in a crate can be extended. Within a
few attempts over two or three days, most dogs will enter the crate
willingly and quietly settle down for a nap. It is natural for your pet to
bark or cry when getting used to his new den.
Additional Points:
- The age of the dog must be
considered when crate training. Each individual dog varies but as a rule
a puppy can control elimination through the night as early as two to
three months of age.
- It is also important to
regulate a puppy’s feeding schedule so that you can take into
consideration when and how often he must be allowed to relieve himself.
It’s important to establish a timely routine so the dog’s body functions
can adjust to when he will be released from the crate.
- As a dog gets older, the
amount of time he can stay in the crate can be extended but should never
exceed more than six to eight hours.
- A dog can be fed in a crate,
although the bowl should be removed as soon as the dog finishes eating
so it is not in his way.
- Once the puppy or dog no
longer has the habit of chewing, a washable blanket or some other form
of bedding (check out our great Snoozzy Bed!) can be put in the bottom
of the crate for additional comfort.
It is important
that the use of a crate not be abused. Every dog needs a certain amount of
exercise and should be allowed the opportunity to socialize daily with his
human family.
Do Not Use a Crate for
Punishment!
As in all
forms of dog training, humane treatment is necessary when using a crate. A
crate should never be over-used nor should it be utilized as a form of
punishment. A crate will be most useful to you and your dog if it is
regarded as a special retreat area and not as a punishment.
For Safety, Remove dog collars and tags
before
allowing dog to enter crate or
pen. |
