| As any dog owner will tell you, dogs absolutely love | | | | a puppy and you are unsure how large he/she will |
| to curl up in a special place where they feel secure | | | | grow, get information on the average adult size for |
| and safe. This is an instinctive hangover from the | | | | your dog breed and then account for the worst case |
| days when Wolves built 'Dens'. This behavior is often | | | | scenario. It is better to have a crate that is too big |
| referred to as 'Denning' and it is essential that your | | | | than to end up with one that leaves your dog feeling |
| dog has somewhere to feel safe. This can often be | | | | cramped and confined. |
| achieved through the use of a dog crate. Before you | | | | Once you have bought your crate, you will need to |
| rush out and buy a dog crate, there are a few things | | | | let your dog know that this is going to be her special |
| that you should know. | | | | place. The easiest way to achieve this is to introduce |
| It is easy to view a dog crate from a human | | | | your dog gradually to it's new crate in small easy to |
| perspective. To us, a dog crate may look like a prison | | | | manage steps. |
| or confined space but to your dog, it may represent | | | | As with any dog training method, bribery seems to |
| something completely different. If introduced | | | | be the order of the day. Sit next to the new crate |
| correctly to your dog, a crate may become a safe | | | | and call your dog to you. When she comes, give |
| haven, somewhere your dog can retreat to for | | | | plenty of praise and give your dog her favorite treat. |
| some alone time. When family life is getting too | | | | Next, try placing one in the mouth of the crate and |
| much, having a bolt hole for your dog is vital. | | | | repeat the same process of lots of praise and |
| Dog crates come in many different shapes and sizes. | | | | positive reinforcement. The third stage is to throw a |
| Manufacturers have produced very diverse products | | | | treat into the cage and allow your dog to venture in |
| to satisfy the market. Your average crate will be | | | | to get it. When you do this, issue a command like "In |
| made of a durable thick plastic with vents or | | | | your kennel" so that this may be used as a way to |
| openings around the sides to allow ventilation so that | | | | get your dog into her crate later on. |
| your dog can breathe easily and also these prevent | | | | The final stage that will cement the new crate as a |
| the build up of condensation. Due to the fact that | | | | special area is to have your dog eat her meals either |
| the dog crate may be used in the home, you can | | | | in or at the mouth. Associating the crate with food |
| now buy decorative ones and even ones that double | | | | will instill an automatic sense that this is a special area |
| as a side table. | | | | for your dog. Gradually your dog should start using |
| In addition to plastic crates, there are aluminum ones, | | | | the crate under her own conviction until eventually, |
| wicker and plush soft ones with a fleece lining. | | | | you may have trouble getting her out!! |
| Whichever type you choose, you need to consider | | | | One essential thing to remember though is to NEVER |
| the size of crate that you may need. If your dog has | | | | leave your dog in it's crate for more than six hours |
| some growing to do, or has specific needs due to | | | | as boredom can lead to behavioral problems. Also |
| disability or injury, you need to account for this when | | | | consider that if you have a puppy, you should |
| deciding on a size. As a rule, your crate should be | | | | remove the puppy from the kennel to relieve itself |
| large enough that your dog can stand up and turn | | | | regularly. |
| around with at least four inches to spare. If you own | | | | |