Crates or cages provide a den-like enclosure for your dog that can help with housebreaking,reduce separation problems,keep them from destroying furniture,keep them from dangerous household items and can be moved into different parts of the house as needed. The crate also enables a safe,convenient and familiar environment for your dog when travelling. Hotels that allow dogs will generally insist that they are kept in a crate while in the building as a safety measure for other guests (after all,they do not know how well behaved or otherwise your dog will be) and as a way to ensure that there is no damage to items in the room and around the hotel. As you know,some dogs have thick powerful tails that can clear the contents of a coffee table in one happy swish!
The best time to introduce a dog to using a crate is when they are young puppies. Using a crate at an early age will help housebreaking and confine “accidents”to the confines of the crate. Puppies are more likely to just accept the crate as it’s own territory and a secure place to be right form the get-go. Older dog will need encouragement in the form of treats or their favorite toys and blankets and the crate should be initially placed near you or other members of the family so that your dog does not feel lonely or isolated. Get your dog used to the crate with the door fixed open. Once he is happy being in there,the door can be closed occasionally to get him used to it. Using a crate at night will also prevent the temptation of your dog joining you in bed. This is never a good idea as a dog’s coat contains oils that will rub off on your sheets,their paws are likely to be contaminated by whatever he has been walking on and,to be blunt,he never wipes his backside and you probably don’t wipe it for him. You can always bring the crate into your bedroom and place it by the bed so that he (and maybe you?) won’t feel lonely.
To prevent having to re-train your dog to use a crate it is advisable to use one all the time. This also prevents a “battle”when you want your dog to go in the crate for a journey or if you are going to be out of the house for several hours and don’t want to come back to shredded cushions and chewed furniture and shoes.Your dog will use it as a comfortable resting place for naps and will be happy and secure in it. As crates are somewhat hard and inhospitable environments when first purchased,it is essential to make them comfortable with suitable bedding. This can be anything from an old blanket (if it smells of you this can be a great comfort to your dog) to a shop bought mattress to fit the crate. Favorite toys are also a good idea.
If you are going to leave the dog in the crate for several hours make sure that he has access to water and something to chew on,but not something he may choke on. If you are leaving him in a car make sure there is adequate ventilation as well,and if it’s warm outside,remember that the car acts like a greenhouse and the temperature inside may climb to dangerous levels so come back to check on him regularly.
There are 3 main type of crate. The wire frame (see above),plastic ones with a mesh door,and foldable ones. The foldable one is handy for travelling unless it is surrounded by bulky moveable items like suitcases or sports gear. However,being flexible,it does not give any support when going round bends,accelerating or braking. The plastic crate is bulkier but is sturdier,gives good support and can be fitted in amongst all the other stuff. It can also be placed on a seat,if it’s not too big,and held in place by the safety belt.
Recent Comments