Many people think that dog crates are cruel. They look like a cage,  and the idea of locking a dog away in a cage isn’t very nice. I must admit, I thought the same, until I started learning more about crates. Now, my dogs and I all love our dog crates!

Dog crates are very useful for puppy toilet training. Puppies don’t usually soil their sleeping area, so if you let your pup rest in his crate and take him out regularly to eliminate, you’ll find he’ll very quickly learn where he can and can’t go to the toilet. It’s also a safe place for your puppy to sleep at night, to stop him chewing on things he shouldn’t have access to. It’s a great alternative to the laundry room for your puppy’s sleeping area.

Wire Dog Cages, Folding Dog Crates, Portable Dog Pen

Dogs are quite happy to spend time in a crate because it’s a safe secure den for them. They enjoy resting in a familiar place, and it becomes  a place they can retreat to when they’re stressed. For example, when the family has visitors, they can go to their own space where they know they won’t be annoyed.

Crates are also very handy for when you go on vacation, especially when you are camping. Your dog can have his own familiar sleeping area, and you know he’s safely confined and won’t escape and get lost in a strange neighborhood.

You’ll see many crates around the periphery of a dog obedience or agility competition field. Trainers know their dogs are secure in their crates, and they can watch the other competitors in the ring without worrying about their dog’s safety.

Select a crate that is large enough for your dog to turn around in, and he should be able to stand up and lie down comfortably. A plastic base is easy to clean, and a lot lighter than metal when it comes to moving the crate around. It’s nice if you can put a soft mat in the crate to make it comfortable. You may also want to leave his favorite toys in the crate with him, but do make sure he’s not a chewer.

To teach your dog to enjoy his crate, take your time and make it a fun positive experience.  Initially put his food in the crate, and let him eat there with the door open. When he’s happy to be in there,  start to close the door for a few moments, and give him a treat for staying calm. Keep doing this, leaving him in the crate for longer and longer periods.

Don’t overuse the crate. It’s not a good idea to leave your dog crated for hours at a time. They need more space than that if you need to leave them for long periods.

Also, never use the crate as a punishment. If you’re angry and need to put your dog in his crate, you can still put him there gently and calmly. Don’t do anything that will make your dog fearful of going in the crate.

If they’re used correctly, a dog crate is one of the most useful dog accessories you can purchase. Think about how a crate may make life easier for you and your dog.

This guest post is brought to you be Dog Fence DIY’s staff veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright. Dog Fence DIY will help you choose the right system, install it, and help train your pet to use the new system. Dog Fence DIY has a variety of wireless electronic dog fence systems at the best available prices. Visit Dog Fence DIY for all your pet containment needs.