| Many first-time dog owners say they would never | | | | The reason crates work so well for most dogs is |
| put their new dog in a crate. I often hear people say, | | | | that dogs are hard-wired as den dwellers. When they |
| "I will never keep my baby in a cage!" My response | | | | want to feel safe, they seek out a small, enclosed |
| is, "Would you allow your baby to be home alone | | | | area where they know they are protected on all |
| with full access to windows, electrical appliances and | | | | sides. Crates don't overly confine your dog either, |
| various household cleaners and other unforeseen | | | | since they would normally only lie around and nap |
| problems?" The answer, of course, is no. | | | | when you're not around anyway. |
| Once a dog is comfortable and confident being home | | | | Make crate time more fun for your dog by giving |
| alone, many people can have a dog out in the house | | | | them a special toy or treat that is special to being in |
| while away with no problems, just as you can leave | | | | the crate. A hard-rubber, hollow chew toy stuffed |
| an older child home alone once they've demonstrated | | | | with canned dog food and frozen solid makes a fun |
| the ability to handle that responsibility successfully. | | | | treat that lasts a long time. Test out any bedding |
| Until that time, though, a crate is mandatory (for the | | | | you leave in the crate, though, and make sure that it |
| dog, at least). | | | | isn't something your dog will tear up instead. No |
| In addition to keeping your dog safe, the crate also | | | | bedding, especially for pups who are still learning their |
| makes a great training aid. Potty training a new | | | | potty training, is often a better bet. |
| puppy (or an untrained adult dog) is much faster | | | | Most of all, make sure you work on crate training |
| when you use a crate. Dogs will try not to 'go' while | | | | with your dog while you are home. Put the crate in |
| they are in the crate, so if you take your dog | | | | an out-of-the-way place where you can listen for |
| straight outside after being in the crate for a while, | | | | trouble unseen by your dog. If your dog misbehaves, |
| you can quickly set up a potty schedule at which | | | | correct them and check back later. Once they get to |
| your dog can succeed. Crates are also easily cleaned, | | | | a point that they can behave quietly in the crate for |
| and are a great place for your dog's favorite bed | | | | an hour or so, they should be good to leave alone |
| even if you eventually leave the door open when | | | | with no problems. |
| your dog is home alone. | | | | |