| There are several questions to be answered in | | | | goes against the reason why the crate is used in the |
| choosing a crate for your dog. | | | | first place. In order to only use one crate for your |
| The first question is - Why use a crate? Crates are | | | | dog from its days as a puppy until it is full grown, |
| the fastest, easiest and most humane way to | | | | buy one that has a divider so you can adjust the size |
| housebreak a puppy or dog. This is of course if they | | | | to match the size of your puppy as it grows. A piece |
| are used properly and not used for abusive reasons. | | | | of cardboard or plywood will do the same job as a |
| It is genetically program in to dogs to sleep in dens. | | | | divider if your crate doesn't include one. |
| This means that they will instinctively try to find | | | | Next - Should I buy a Plastic or metal crate? The |
| small, comfortable places for shelter and security. A | | | | answer depends on where the crate will be used. |
| crate will play on the dogs natural instinct to keep its | | | | Generally metal wire dog crates are best for use in |
| den clean and to find an alternate place to 'relieve' | | | | your home. They are usually more roomy and open |
| itself. By keeping a puppy in a crate, it teaches it to | | | | for the dog and are sturdier so they will withstand |
| control its bladder until you let it out and lead it to | | | | the movement and activity of your dog. The metal |
| the place where it can relieve itself. Mature dogs use | | | | create will more than likely last as long as the life of |
| a create as their "own" place where they can go to | | | | the dog. Plastic crates are more suited for travel and |
| get away from the activities of kids, other pets and | | | | usually the only type accepted by airlines. They are |
| anything else that it may want relief from. It is never | | | | also a bit more closed in and not as open for the dog |
| to late to use a crate. Even dogs with old habits can | | | | to see out. |
| be introduced to a crate to assist in breaking bad | | | | Last - Should I buy accessories? You should always |
| habits. | | | | be sure to keep appropriate dog toys in the crate. |
| Next Question - What size crate should I get for my | | | | This help to entertain the dog if needed and it will |
| dog? The trick is not to get a crate that is too big or | | | | help prevent teething puppies from chew on its |
| too small, but is just right. What is just right? A | | | | crate. A dog crate should also have some form of |
| properly sized create should be just big enough for | | | | bedding in it. This will make it warmer and much more |
| your dog to stand up, turn around, get comfortable | | | | comfortable for your dog. The last accessory to |
| and lay down in. If you choose a crate that is too big | | | | consider may be a crate cover which will make the |
| for your puppy then, it can relieve itself on one side | | | | crate seem that much more like a den and more |
| and sleep on the opposite side to the mess. This | | | | secure feeling for your dog. |