| For those of you who own a dog, especially a puppy, | | | | and give you peace of mind that he will not destroy |
| you will know how important training is. Without | | | | property while you are away. |
| training, the dog will become a nuisance and the | | | | From these ideas it is easy to see how useful a dog |
| enjoyment of having your own pet will be lost. Of | | | | crate can be. The crate is usually made of plastic or |
| course, training could involve a swat and stern words. | | | | heavy welded steel wire. The steel wire can be |
| But thanks to the creation of dog crates, training can | | | | covered with a colored coating to eliminate rusting |
| also be less physical. | | | | and to make it more attractive. Of course, dogs do |
| For example, you took Fido out for a walk but he | | | | not have cones in their eyes so they are unable to |
| didn't do his business. When you bring him in, there is | | | | see color. But a colored box, whether plastic or steel, |
| no playing until he succeeds; you don't want a mess | | | | makes it look less like a jail cell and more like a home. |
| on the carpet. Instead, he is caged in his dog crate | | | | Pink dog crates are the most popular. |
| for ten minutes, then taken outside to try again. He | | | | How large should this crate will be? The basic rule is |
| soon gets the idea that play is a reward for | | | | that the crate does not need to be larger than is |
| obedience. | | | | necessary for the dog to lie down, stand up, and |
| These helpful crates are also used for protection | | | | turn around. If your puppy grows rapidly, instead of |
| both ways. Let's say an over-zealous toddler wants | | | | getting a crate that is too large, try swapping |
| to pull Fido's tail and you want to give Fido some | | | | without another pet owner. A crate that is too large |
| private time without his need for hiding. The crate | | | | will make the training less successful. Some dog |
| now becomes a refuge, a sanctuary from the | | | | crates have dividers to make the crate smaller and |
| children. On the other hand, some puppies get | | | | to allow for Fido's growth. |
| excited and the child is the one needing the | | | | The better dog crates have at least two doors, |
| protection, even from larger dogs. It works that way | | | | making it easy to get your pet in and out no matter |
| as well. | | | | where the crate is. Some even come with a third |
| Perhaps your dog cannot be trusted while you are | | | | door on top, and this is especially helpful when Fido is |
| away and no room in the house would make a safe | | | | still a puppy. |
| haven. It will keep him from getting into big trouble, | | | | |