To many pet owners, crating a dog, even for a little while, seems like a terrible punishment. But take heart. Dog don't have the same reaction to the crate as humans.
Crate training helps with housebreaking, teaches overactive dogs how to be still, and helps nervous dogs feel safe.
You may not want to introduce your puppy to the crate the day that you bring him home. But you will need to start soon, because crate-training should start when the puppy is still young. Although there is nothing more comforting than cuddling up to your puppy on the couch, it is wise to introduce him to a crate for a short time everyday. Your puppy will not chew the house up when you're gone if you leave him in the crate until you return. At the same time it protects your belongings from the unrepentant damage of puppy teeth.
Some dogs do better if crated. Some breeds that are known to be hyper are proven to be calmer in old age if they were crated as a puppy. For pets with anxiety, a crate can create a safe environment.
When implemented correctly, a crate can create the puppy's own space. It becomes a place they can go when the environment becomes too stimulating or when they are just tired. Experts say not to use the crate as a punishment, but they may independently go there themselves to calm down.
If your dog lives outside and doesn't have to deal with such issues as housebreaking and being left alone in the house, learning how to behave in a crate can still be beneficial. There are still times when even the outdoor dog will need to be placed in a crate, such as a kennel, the vet's office, at a grooming center. If he is already comfortable with spending some time in a crate, then those experiences will be less traumatic for him.
When selecting a crate, measure that it is at a minimum, a half of a foot bigger than your dog is expected to be when he is fully grown. It must be large enough so that he can comfortably stand and turn with ease. Crates come in several varieties including folding or stationery metal for the house or garage; plastic when traveling with your pet, soft-sided crates to cushion the hurt or injured animal, and there are also crates made to look like furniture. Which ever crate you choose, make sure your dog has enough light and circulating air to keep him safe, secure, and happy.
Crate training helps with housebreaking, teaches overactive dogs how to be still, and helps nervous dogs feel safe.
You may not want to introduce your puppy to the crate the day that you bring him home. But you will need to start soon, because crate-training should start when the puppy is still young. Although there is nothing more comforting than cuddling up to your puppy on the couch, it is wise to introduce him to a crate for a short time everyday. Your puppy will not chew the house up when you're gone if you leave him in the crate until you return. At the same time it protects your belongings from the unrepentant damage of puppy teeth.
Some dogs do better if crated. Some breeds that are known to be hyper are proven to be calmer in old age if they were crated as a puppy. For pets with anxiety, a crate can create a safe environment.
When implemented correctly, a crate can create the puppy's own space. It becomes a place they can go when the environment becomes too stimulating or when they are just tired. Experts say not to use the crate as a punishment, but they may independently go there themselves to calm down.
If your dog lives outside and doesn't have to deal with such issues as housebreaking and being left alone in the house, learning how to behave in a crate can still be beneficial. There are still times when even the outdoor dog will need to be placed in a crate, such as a kennel, the vet's office, at a grooming center. If he is already comfortable with spending some time in a crate, then those experiences will be less traumatic for him.
When selecting a crate, measure that it is at a minimum, a half of a foot bigger than your dog is expected to be when he is fully grown. It must be large enough so that he can comfortably stand and turn with ease. Crates come in several varieties including folding or stationery metal for the house or garage; plastic when traveling with your pet, soft-sided crates to cushion the hurt or injured animal, and there are also crates made to look like furniture. Which ever crate you choose, make sure your dog has enough light and circulating air to keep him safe, secure, and happy.
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