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Crate Training Dogs and Puppies - FAQ's
1) Why should I crate train my dog?
Crate Training is the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking
dogs. Have you ever seen a dog under a table, chair or bed? The reason
is that dogs naturally want to seek shelter, even in a house. If you
don't provide it, they will create it themselves in an effort to feel
safe and secure. A crate serves as a den for your dog.
2) How does crate training work?
Like babies, puppies cannot control their bladders until they mature
(usually between 3 and 6 months). Dogs have a natural instinct to avoid
eliminating in their dens. Therefore, confining your puppy in his crate
for the proper amount of time encourages him to "hold it" until you take
him outside for a walk.
3) What about housebreaking older dogs?
It is never too late to crate train your dog! The number one reason dogs
end up in shelters is behavior problems. Crate training, at any age, can
help break bad habits and solve most of these problems.
4) How long do I need to use the
crate?
Crates are not just for training- they are good for the lifetime of your
dog. By providing a crate for your dog, you are in essence providing him
with his own bedroom. Crates are especially important for older dogs
that use it to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday family life,
which often includes small children or other pets that may harass them.
5) How safe is crate
training?
Dog crates are the best housetraining tool available. They provide a
room for your dog while protecting your home furnishings from damage.
However, even a crate isn't an absolute safe harbor for your pet. As per
crate manufacturers warnings, you should always remove standard collars
before placing your dog in a crate. Otherwise, your dog is at risk for
possible strangulation if his collar or ID tags become caught in the
crate's bars. Pet
Dreams' Cratewear bumpers are the only bumpers made high enough to
help prevent collar strangulation and other crate-related injuries.
6) I was told that dogs like
their crates, so why do I have to force mine inside?
There are many reasons to not enjoy a bare metal dog cage.
- Comfort: When dogs lie down in
their crates, they are leaning up against wire bars, which can be
very irritating. Crate bumpers and pads, like
Cratewear,
provide the comfort your dog will appreciate.
- Security: Wire crates leave your
dog exposed on all sides.
Crate covers
provide den-like security.
- Location: Separating your dog from
the rest of the family can add stress. Dogs are social animals, so
the ideal location is a room full of activity. Your dog will enjoy
his new room while still being part of the family. At night the
bedroom is an ideal place for a crate so your dog will feel the
security of being close to you.
- Time: Confining him in his crate
for excessive periods of time will be a negative experience for your
dog. After housebreaking your dog, we recommend removing the door
from the crate so he can enjoy his den any time he chooses.
7)
What can I do to make my dog's crate more appealing?
- Use
Cratewear to
make his crate safe & comfortable
- Put appropriate toys and treats
inside the crate, which will entice him to go in on his own.
- Feeding your dog in his crate can
develop a positive association with it.
- Give your puppy lots of praise
when he enters the crate.
8) How
do I stop my dog from whining or barking in the crate?
Again, make sure the crate is in a good location. Veterinarians and
trainers recommend covering the crate to give your dog the privacy he
needs to feel secure. If your dog can see you, he'll want to be with you
outside the crate.
Crate covers lower the number of distractions your dog sees, which
reduces barking and stress. Note: Dogs that suffer from separation
anxiety should not be crated. If you feel your dog is suffering from
separation anxiety and is showing clinical signs, please avoid crating
him until speaking to a professional.
9) What's in it for me?
Dog crates give your dog a place he can claim as his territory.
Providing your dog with a comfortable room of his own will help keep him
off your furniture. In addition to the safety and comfort benefits for
your dog, Cratewear
will enhance your wire crate to fit your decor, making the crate an
attractive addition to any room. All of this results in a more positive
training experience for you and your pooch!
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