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What is a dog crate?
A dog crate is metal or molded plastic/fiberglass cage. Its purpose is to guarantee confinement for housebreaking, security, training and travel. Dog crates have been used by veterinarians, trainers and breeders for years.
Why crate?
A crate used in a correct and humane manner has many advantages for you and your dog.
You can housebreak your dog more quickly. You have a safe place to confine the dog when you can’t be home or are too busy. You have a secure way to travel with your dog.
The dog can enjoy the security and privacy of a “den” when tired or ill. It can avoid punishment from problem behavior. The dog can be kept in the house safely when no one is home. The dog can be conveniently included in family outings and vacations instead of being left behind at home.
A dog crate can make it possible for you to enjoy your dog and allow your dog to become the well behaved companion it craves to be.
What size crate?
The crate must be large enough for the dog to stand, lay down and stretch out comfortably. When obtaining a crate for a growing puppy, you must estimate his/her adult size. It is always better to have a crate that is too large than too small.
The crate is not recommended fro a dog to be left in alone all day on a regular basis. But some dogs learn to adapt, if that is the intention. The dog must be well exercised before and after crating, given lots of personal attention and be allowed to sleep near its owner. Water should be made available in clip-on bowls or water bottles.
If a puppy is to be left in a crate for a period longer than four hours, it must be used as a playpen area at one end for sleeping and newspapers on the other end for elimination. Use clip-on bowls for dry puppy food and for water.
When using the crate for housebreaking a puppy, the crate should be partitioned off to make an area just big enough for the puppy to lay down comfortably and not be left in the crate for longer than three to four hours at a time. The puppy will not want to eliminate it its “bed” so it will try to “hold it” until he/she is allowed out of the cage. When the puppy is taken out of the cage, it should immediately be escorted outside. As soon as it eliminates, the puppy should be rewarded with praise or a small treat. The puppy should be given adequate exercise and attention when out of the crate. It should be placed back into the crate when he/she cannot be properly supervised. Again, this should not exceed three to four hours. Overnight you may either remove the partition in the crate or put the crate with the door open in a small enclosed area (laundry or bathroom) with newspapers down. Once the puppy is capable of bowel/bladder control, it can be crated overnight. As the puppy grown, move the partition to give the puppy adequate room.
When the puppy is six to eight months old, you may wish to leave the crate door open at night or when someone is home or even when the puppy is alone briefly. If there are no problems for tow to three weeks, you may want to remove the crate and just leave its bedding in that spot. If any future problems arise, you can replace the crate.
Crating an adult dog is very similar except the adult dog may not readily accept the confinement. Gradual introduction may be required. Set the crate in an area where the dog will feel a part of the family, but also offers some privacy. Secure the door open so that it doesn’t scare the dog, and allow the dog to explore the crate. Encourage him/her to go in by putting treats inside. Praise the dog enthusiastically when he/she goes in the crate. When he/she enters the crate with little or no reservation, place his/her bedding inside the crate and encourage him/her to lie down and relax, using treats if necessary. Continue this for several days, closing the door behind him/her for brief periods of time. Do not expect the dog to enjoy the crate. Your goal is acceptance of the crate. As soon as you feel the dog will remain quiet in the crate, he/she can be left alone in the crate. You may want to leave a chew toy with the dog. If you are still uncertain of the dog’s acceptance of the crate, leave the dog alone only an hour or so at a time. Extending the time period gradually until the dog will remain quiet in the crate.
Note: Some dogs will not accept the confinement of a crate due to age or previous traumatic experiences. Some breeds will not tolerate or soil a crate. Crating is always worth a try, but if the dog is frantic or completely unaccepting of the crate, do not force the use of it.
Crate tips
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October 03, 2009
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