![]() ![]() A food-stuffed chewtoy such as a Kong, or a Nylabone with some drilled holes filled with wet dog food, low-fat cream cheese or any other wholesome filling, or a filled kibble dispenser will keep a pup busy for hours. And the crate is a fabulous tool for turning any dog into a chewtoy addict. Used properly, a crate can theoretically lead to a puppy never having an “accident” in the house! For older dogs who may have poor bladder control, make sure you cover your crate mat or bed with an easy-to-clean cover (try 4Knines Waterproof dog bed liner) to protect against mold and ensure the crate is always a clean and comfortable space for your dog to be in.Ĭhewtoy (not shoetoy) fixations are good. In turn, this gives you the opportunity to congratulate him with a walk, game or treat-the perfect housetraining scenario. If the crate is of the right size, the dog is pretty well guaranteed to want to take a pee (and maybe a poop as well) when he comes out so a swift trip outdoors will give him the opportunity to practise doing his business in the right place. ![]() But a crate used for housetraining should be no bigger than this, or the dog will have space enough for both a bedroom and a bathroom. Any crate you use, for whatever purposes, must always be large enough for the puppy or dog to stand up without having to hunch, to lie on his side with legs outstretched, and turn around with ease. When of appropriate size, it serves as a comfortable, den-like bedroom, something almost all dogs naturally want to keep free of urine and feces. (But if you ever plan to travel by air with your dog, you will need an approved, hard-sided plastic crate regardless.) A great metal crate we've found is the Revol from Diggs, which collapses easily, has a puppy divider for smaller dogs and (most importantly) a removeable bottom tray, because no one likes to spend their vacation dealing with a difficult mess.Īny small safe space, such as a beanbag chair tucked away in a corner with a low ceiling or a comfy duvet bunched up between your desk and the wall, can function as a cozy den for the fully housetrained dog with no behavioural “issues” necessitating confinement when unsupervised.Ĭrates are virtually essential for any dog that isn’t yet housetrained. Plastic crates are often preferable for small breeds since they are compact enough to use in the car, and can be opened (most models split into a top and bottom half) and used as snug, high-sided doggie beds once the little one is fully housetrained.Ĭollapsible metal crates are often more practical for large breeds since they can more easily be sectioned off into appropriately-sized spaces during housetraining, and are easier to store. Fleece-covered foam dog beds make for an even cozier cave, but can only be used with non-destructive types “piranha” puppies will make a mess out of them! The bottom can be covered with a blanket or thick towel for warmth and comfort. Provided they are of adequate size (see below), either model will serve equally well as dual-purpose den and training tool. The two most common models are plastic, such as those required for airplane transport, and collapsible metal wire crates. So, while some time spent in a crate is usually a positive element of dog rearing, too much time spent in a crate can have disastrous consequences.Ĭrates come in a variety of sizes and materials. They also need exercise, mental stimulation, and appropriate “potty” opportunities. Dogs are social animals they require interaction with other dogs or people. Most domestic dog owners are surprised to learn that wild dogs spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping! Rest periods in snug quarters are a natural part of caring for our dogs’ needs.īut… dogs have many other needs that crates interfere with. When wild dogs aren’t looking for food, trying to mate, or taking care of young, they are resting up to save energy for those key, life-sustaining activities. If a dog is properly introduced to a crate as a young pup he will view it as a safe refuge from the hustle and bustle of the house (and away from any pesky children!)-a place for peace and quiet and serious snoozing. In the wild, a den is a secure place to get some shut-eye without becoming someone else's meal. Dogs have a natural denning instinct, normally preferring safe, enclosed quarters for their naps. Q: I keep hearing about how dog crates are so great, but… I wouldn’t want to sit around in a cage, so why would I want to put my dog in one?Ī: Prison or cozy retreat? It all depends on perspective and on how you use the crate. ![]()
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