Is Crate-Training Your Dog The Best Option?
To many pet owners, crating a dog, even for a little while, seems like a terrible punishment. But take heart. Dog don’t have the same reaction to the crate as humans.
A crate can provide a safe, controlled environment for the pet who learns to sit quiet and calm when they get too excited. It’s like a time-out corner for your dog.
You may not want to introduce your puppy to the crate the day that you bring him home. You will, however need to teach him when he’s young. Although there is nothing more comforting than cuddling up to your puppy on the couch, it is wise to introduce him to a crate for a short time everyday. If you leave him alone while you work or run errands, placing him in a crate with a suitable toy during that time will not only help with housebreaking as any dog resists soiling close to where he has to sleep, but it will also protect him from hazards such as chewing on shoes, toys or electrical chords. This will save the puppy from dental issues, and from important cords.
Even after housebreaking, some dogs benefit from crating. Breeds that are known for being hyperactive, such as Jack Russell terriers, generally grow into calmer adults if they are crated for a while each day until they are a year or more old. For pets with anxiety, a crate can create a safe environment.
When implemented correctly, your dog will treat the crate as their own personal space. It can become their quiet retreat when there is too much going on in the house or when they are just plain tuckered out. Experts say not to use the crate as a punishment, but they may independently go there themselves to calm down.
Even if you have an outdoor dog that doesn’t act as the watchdog of the house, crate-training can still have its advantages. If your pet becomes ill, requires grooming, or needs to be boarded, he may need to stay in a crate at the vet’s office, grooming facility or kennel. Dogs that are used to the crate, even if it isn’t a part of their everyday life, will be less traumatized by the experience.
When selecting a crate, measure that it is at a minimum, a half of a foot bigger than your dog is expected to be when he is fully grown. It must be large enough so that he can comfortably stand and turn with ease. Crates come in several varieties including folding or stationery metal for the house or garage; plastic when traveling with your pet, soft-sided crates to cushion the hurt or injured animal, and there are also crates made to look like furniture. Be sure to create one with enough light and visibility for your puppy to be comfortable.
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