A crate is one of the first things you should buy when you get a dog. Crate training a puppy is not like getting him ready to go to prison. The crate can and should be a place of relaxation and safety for your dog.  From the very first day in your home the puppy should go into the crate while you gather all of the things he will need in and out of the crate .

     Crate training, like housebreaking, can be a rewarding experience if you are willing to put in the time.      Consider the crate to be the modern day dog den. The crate mimics the den  behavior of your dogs wild ancestors. There are many uses for the crate such as  keeping him out of the way of party guests in your home, to monitor your dog after surgery  such as spaying or neutering , to reduce your pets activities for various reasons, for  friends or family that are intimidated and fearful of dogs and as a safer way for  your dog to travel with you.  In the event of a car accident your dog may be protected better and  it also diminishes the chance of the dog running away from the accident scene or  biting/ attacking the rescuers out of fear. 
       The first thing to do is decide on a crate,  the right crate. Crates vary in size, function and construction . Crates can hold a Yorkie to a great Dane.The crate should be big enough for your puppy to turn around , sit and lay down. The crate should  provide visibility and ventilation for the puppy. It should be able to fit a bowel of water or allow attachment of a water bottle to the frame. If the crate is too large, use a divider. As the  puppy grows, you can move the divider to one side as you need to. It's important to choose the right crate for your needs. Understand the purpose of the crate. Buy the crate that fits your needs and budget. A crate can be an invaluable tool when used properly.

                                    

    See our puppy package.                                                         Giant Dog Crate

     Your puppy may be weary of the crate at first. Let him sniff it and wonder around it until he is comfortable. Putting one or two of his favorite chew toys or his favorite blanket in the crate may entice him to try it out.
       In any case we  want to be sure we do not make the crate a scary place for your puppy. If he starts to enter the crate, don’t help him out by pushing him in. This only gives the puppy reasons not to trust you and may make him very unsure of what you want him to do. The crate should never be used or viewed as a punishment. Instead it should be a place of comfort and safety for your dog. 
     Once he is in the crate, use a command that the puppy will associate with being in the crate. Repeat the command every time he enters the crate. Praise your puppy for his accomplishment.   All members of the family should be using the same words which will lead to the puppy understanding what is expected more quickly. Consistency is important when you want the puppy to understand what he is to do and be able to follow your commands. 

        The next hurdle to tackle is closing the door.  The puppy must get used to being locked in the crate. Choose another day to practice this step. With the  puppy watching close the door.  The puppy will only be closed in for a minute or two. Open the door and let puppy come and go if he wishes. When he reenters the crate, repeat the command and give praise. Then, close the door again for a bit longer this time.   Shortly your puppy will associate the crate with good things.  All puppies do not need this procedure. Your puppy may immediately find the crate to be a place to lay down quietly after playing with you.  The puppies crate  should not be in an area of the house with a high traffic pattern. 

      The puppy may whine while he is in the crate. Don’t get alarmed. Instead ignore his cry until you are ready to remove the dog from the crate.  If you open the door and let him out, he will think that whining will work to get him out of his crate. Instead, simply tell him to be quiet in a calm assertive way. If he is still whining, try the command again until he hushes up. Be sure that all members of the family  follow these same instructions. Once again it's consistency that is important.
    You are not being cruel to your puppy, but teaching him. Puppies are cute and will wrap you around their little finger. This may seem harmless enough, but an unruly adult dog is not cute. He could be big trouble.
       Using the crate as a babysitter is not wise. No more than six hours in the crate is advised. We all know that will not be a hard and fast rule due to work requirements, a need for some time out of the house for errands or  just the need to be out of the house. The puppy will eventually follow your schedule, but you can expect times when there may be an "accident" inside the crate.  In the beginning the puppy cannot in most incidences wait pass the six hours That comes with time and growth. It's important not to punish your dog for this as normally dogs will not "litter" the area they sleep in (their den).

      Pet Dreams is the only company that makes quilted bumpers for crates. The crate wear assists in providing comfort and protection for your pet. It protects your pets from wagging tail injuries and tooth damage caused by hitting and chewing on the metal bars. It's effective in preventing strangulation by collars and tags, sores and entrapped paws from the metal bars. Crate wear saves you some vet bills. The bumper fabric is allergy resistant,  machine washable, mildew resistant,  durable and padded comfort for your dog. 
      The  soft sided Canine Camper  and Day Tripper can be used indoors or out. They are water resistant, soft sided,  durable,flat topped (makes carrying other accessories easy) and fit the Quite Time Pet Beds (sold separately) The Canine Camper  comes with stakes attached and non-skid feet. It contains a zipper lock  mesh door , privacy flaps and large storage pockets. The Day Tripper does not require poles , bars or the use of tools to assemble. It has mesh window screens, a zipper mesh door and comes in six sizes.

 Soft Sided Canine Camper 

                                                     See our selection of dog crates.

 

                                               See our selection of crate wear.

                                                                                                        

  The  Jeep Portable Play Area is  a soft puppy play pen and is a welcome alternative to crates and  offers some of  the same safety and comfort. It  has a side that opens and gives you easy access to your puppy, pockets for carrying toys and  treats, it also folds for easy transportation and storage. The tray is easy to remove for cleaning. The play area offers quality long lasting construction ,a long-lasting durable frame for many years of use. The fabric has a water resistant finish that keeps it clean and dry. The ***Portable Play Area*** folds flat, has protective corner covers, a reversible pad and heavy duty zippers.

 

   

 

                                         (Folded)

      
 

Fran Gratton

                                                                                             Copyright 2008

        Fran Gratton  RubMyBellyToo.com  POB 107  116 Gay Street Phoenixville, PA 19460  610-933-5810  888-558-3837

                                                          I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.   Phillipians 4:13