About Dog Crates

Function

• Dog crates provide a safe place for your dog while in your house or when traveling by vehicle or air. Contrary to how it may look, a dog crate is more than just a cage for your pet. Crate-Training is an entire method involving the crate. If a dog is "crate trained" it means that a dog or puppy sees the crate as his territory and will instinctively want to keep it clean. The dog will not want to relieve himself in the crate and so gets used to relieving himself outside, when the owner lets him and not on the carpet.

Types

• Many crates are made of sturdy wire mesh or plastic and nearly all of them are collapsible for portability. Some may be soft sided and some may have replaceable trays in the bottom or even cooling systems for warmer environments. Crates can range in price from $50 to $300 but when one thinks of the trouble (and possibly furniture or flooring) saved in the long run it may be worth it.

Features

• Since many dog cages are made of wire and are see-through, some dog owners use covers made specifically for their size crate to create a warmer environment in cold climates or to use at night when everyone goes to bed. When the dog gets used to having his crate covered at night, he feels protected and knows it is time to go to sleep.

Size

• Crates come in all sizes, for miniature poodles to Great Danes. The important thing about crate size is that it is not too small or extra big for the dog. If you are training your dog from a puppy then you may have to buy a second, larger crate as he or she grows. A dog should be able to comfortably stand, turn around and lay out on his side while in the crate.

Considerations

• Crate training is not a means of neglecting a dog and keeping him out of the way all day. If after a dog has been crate trained and he wishes to go into his crate of which the door has been left open then fine. But in the beginning a puppy should spend no more than a few hours in the crate during the day. If they do not get adequate play time and attention they will start to associate the crate with neglect and annoyance.

Misconceptions

• People might think it's mean to leave a dog in a cage, but animals come to know it as their space. If trained properly by first giving them a treat every time they go in their crate when asked, they should like going into their crate. It will become their special room and they should feel safe there. Canines instinctively want a den-like place of their own.

Benefits

• Dogs can be crate trained at any age, house breaking is easier with a crate and destructive chewing on your favorite sofa can be eliminated. Crate-training teaches a puppy that outside is the place to use the bathroom and allows the owner to decide what he gets to chew on by giving him toys in the crate. Eventually a dog learns that if he wants to chew on something, he needs to do it in his designated area and not on the leg of a table. It is especially convenient when your dog can go in his crate while living in an apartment to avoid property damage or during the holidays when a house may be crowded with people.