Your Pets New Home
The most common misconception about a dog crate is that it is a cruel form of caging a pet. This is completely false. In fact, most expert authorities and veterinarians recommend dog crates as the best way to raise a puppy. As dogs are denning animals by instinct, they will actually find a crate to be a secure and safe sanctuary.
Why A Wire Crate?
A wire crate is recommended because it allows for proper ventilation and visibility. If a puppy cannot see where strange noises are coming from, it may become frightened and develop bad habits. Wire crates are also easily moved and will fold flat for storage. The portability of a wire crate makes it also useful for travel.
Positive Behavior Patterns
The most important benefit of crate training is the control of the puppy when it is left alone. When puppies are left alone and allowed to roam too large an area, they become anxious, and possibly destructive. Confining your pet to a crate will help eliminate these negative behavior patterns. As a pet owner, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing the dog is comfortable and secure and that your valuable household goods are protected.
House Training
A dog has a natural instinct to keep the area where he rests or sleeps as clean as possible. Most dogs will make an extra effort to control their own elimination when confined to a crate. If the owner encourages proper elimination in the proper place immediately after the dog is released from the crate, the job of house training can be quickly accomplished.
Selecting Your Crate Size
A crate should always be selected that fits the dogs needs when he is full grown. The dog should be able to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lay down in the crate. Do not select a crate that is too large as it defeats the purpose of giving the dog the sense of having his own enclosed den.
Where To Put The Crate
The crate should be kept in a semiprivate spot in the kitchen or family room. Always keep the crate away from drafts or direct heat.
Introducing Your Dog To A Crate
Within a short period of time, your pet will feel content and accept the crate as their own space or den. Before your pet is placed in the crate, be sure to remove both collar and tags to prevent possible entanglement. Introducing your dog to a crate must be done gradually. Start by keeping your puppy in the crate for intervals of 10 minutes while you are in the room. Gradually extend the pup's quiet time to about 30 minutes. As you dog matures you will be able to leave your pet in the crate for longer durations that should never exceed more than six to eight hours.
If you have further questions about crate-training your puppy, or about selecting the proper size of crate for your pet, please contact us by phone (800-503-7050) or e-mail (info@nationalpetcages.com).
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