Dog Crate Guide

What is a Crate
A dog crate is metal steel wire or plastic enclosure that has a door and is made for dog security or transportation. In essence it is an indoor doghouse.

Uses of Crates
Regardless of how they look crates are NOT cages and they offer a lot of benefits for dogs and owners, and dogs love them!
In ancient times, when dogs were not household pets and were really wild animals, they used dens to keep themselves safe and for sleeping. These dens were just shallow holes dug in reclusive locations that make the dogs feel safe from predators. They were usually fairly small, with just enough space for the dog to turn in and lie down for sleep and rest.

While many eons have passed and dogs are now domesticated, and live in human homes, and been hand bred for selection by professional breeders, they still have in their genetic makeup a lot of their instincts from their wild days, and the need for a den is one of them. And the crate serves that purpose very well.

In reality, the crate is the man made version of the den. It’s a simple indoor doghouse where a dog has its own place or spot to rest in, feel safe and secure and just chill with privacy.

Crates are also useful for many typos of training, such as for behavior modification and confining the dog to get him or her to calm down should they be out of control at times. Housebreaking a dog with a crate is much more easier. They are good for travel and moving your dog around.

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Types and Styles of Crates
There are basically two types of crate material, plastic and steel wire. Plastic models are less durable and are more prone to damage. Plastic is more lightweight but often less durable and less resistant to chewing. Though plastic is airline approved for transporting dogs, while the metal ones are not. Some plastic models come in a variety of colors as well. The quality of the plastic versions and models can vary, as some are better made than others.

The wire models are more popular and widely used and generally maybe a better choice. The same as with plastic the quality varies from brand to brand and there is a lot of variety, so always look for something sturdy and durable. Because these are collapsible you will want to be sure to get one that can withstand collapse and long-term use.

Size of the Crate
There are usually several main sizes available, small, medium, large and extra large.  The dog needs to be able to stand up in, turn around and comfortable lie in the crate. If you start with a puppy then make sure to find out the eventual size of the adult dogs in your breed so you can plan ahead, or else you will have to waste money and keep having to upgrade as the pup grows. Also, there are dividers available that help you customize the size of the crate as the puppy grows.

The Cost of Crates
The cost of crates varies, and anywhere between 50 to 140 dollars I standard. But, do not fret, as this is a sound investment that will last for the entire life of the dog and then some. Shopping online is a better bet, as you can save a lot over the retail pet stores, make sure to browse our large selection of Shop Wholesale and Cheap Dog Crates.

Crates for Housebreaking
Puppies have the natural instinct to keep their areas clean, and they do not like to pee near their food, toys or blankets. Using the crate to keep the puppy in at those times when you cannot watch then every minute while housebreaking is a great way to prevent accidents and teach control. Housebreaking can be a tedious task, and the puppy will need constant supervision in order to learn that it’s not okay to pee inside and to control their need to go. Using the crate eliminates accidents, which destroy your household and makes house training easier.

Crates and Destructive Dogs
Crates can teach dogs to become less destructive and are great behavior modification tools. When the dog is inside the crate they tend to calm down dramatically and it keeps them away from chewing and destroying you household items.

Puppies and Crates
The crate is a great toll for puppies, such as playpens and other restrictive environments are for kids. Puppies, like small kids, cannot control themselves and need their humans to set limits. In time, they will learn to accept the crate and learn to love it, but they will often cry at the beginning, as they do for a lot of reasons, a lot of which is separation from their litter and the birthplace and mom. But, a pup can quickly learn to appreciate that crate and how it brings them security, safety, peace and rest.
Use the crate for puppy to nap and rest in throughout the day. Stick to a regular schedule of feedings and exercise, and you can maintain control over the natural resting times. When placing the puppy in the crate when they are tired, it will make them learn to love the crate that much faster.

With a new puppy limit crate time to no more than 2 hours overnight. Make sure they have plenty of playtime, love and attention. They should also be allowed to roam free and explore a lot during the day, this will also provide for better rest in the crate when the time comes.

Provide lots of toys and fun things to ply with and always give a small treat when the puppy goes into the crate. Reward based behavior modification works best with puppies and makes them into happy, well-behaved dogs. And, also make sure that you not given into barking or crying, as the dog will quickly learn that’s all they have to do to get what they want, conversely a treat lets them know that when they do this, they get rewarded and are much more likely to do it again.

Adult Dogs New to Crates
It's never ever too late to acclimate almost any doggy to a crate, even the ones that have not used them ever or as puppies. Senior and adult dogs could often learn and master new tasks faster than puppies.  Preferably, you've got about a week to leave the crate around with the door open to see if the dog uses it on his own. Also, you can start to do feedings inside the crate, while the door is open and make sure to have chew toys, and a nice comfy bed in the crate. Once inside the crate the door should be closed while the dog is getting used to it. Short intervals of crate confinement are best as the dog acclimates.

They might display preliminary restlessness such as a certain amount of whimpering however this will go away, and so they will start to entertain themselves or perhaps enjoy a nap. At this time, you are able to let them out and about. In early stages, one of the most difficult as well as possibly required factors in the crate training is to allow them to out when they're calm. A barking doggy can rapidly understand that his racket leads to the crate door being opened. This is certainly not what you want your dog to learn! Crating aided by the doorway shut ought to be held to a bare minimum at this time, about five to thirty minutes per session is good and then gradually add more time. Whenever the canine is let out of your crate, they ought to be taken to go to the bathroom and pretty much ignored until they get that done. Them offer a lot of praise and positive reinforcement.

Main Uses for Crates

• It’s perfect place for them to feel safe, secure and have some privacy.
• It’s a great place to keep them should you have visitors or repairmen and you want to make sure the dog is not in the way.
• Travel and moving the dog around, hen your puppy grows to love his crate it makes trips and stays at places such as your veterinarian and groomers a more bearable experience
• Housetraining
• Obedience Training
• To keep the calm and in control
• Because most crates are lightweight and portable you can move them from room to room so your puppy can be close by you all day long!
• When puppy crate training is applied correctly the new pup or even adult dog can’t cause as much trouble, which makes everyone happier!
• A crate is a great place to confine your dog in between training sessions and competition. Put it in a nice cool spot in the shade.
• Great place for them to stay overnight and while you are at work, so they will not destroy property or keep you awake.

Crate Accessories

• Bedding – Get a nice comfy soft mattress or comfy dog bed to place at the bottom of the crate will make the dog more comfortable. Shop Wholesale Dog Beds
• Chew toys – Always have a couple of chew toys in the crate. Shop Cheap Dog Toys.
• Water – There are heavy rubber lined bowls that are slip proof as well as clips that will keep the water safely secured to the side of the crate wall.

Discipline Versus Punishment
Crating a pup or even an adult doggy overnight, during work hours, or anytime the family is gone for some hours, allows for a great opportunity for a passive type of control simply by stopping a lively, inquisitive canine from chewing on things the house and destroying property.

A crate can be quite a fantastic training device whenever utilized properly. When used in the wrong way or improperly, or even over utilized, it may be a means associated with fearfulness as well as anxiety and even torture. Each and every dog, particularly brand new pups, really should have a crate, since the dens, as mentioned above is in their blood and instinctually they enjoy a place where they can rest and feel safe and secure.

Negative crate discipline happens if the crate is over used, or even abused. Indeed, a crate can get the doggy out of the way sometimes, however some individuals misuse them and use them to treat the dog as a nuisance and to confine them for long periods of time, this is a bad thing. This puts the dogs at more risk for surrender, anxiety, aggressions and just simple neglect and the affects of this. Crating a doggy for 8 hours overnight or even when you are at your workplace isn't inappropriate, particularly if your dog is actually taken for a lengthy stroll or even run previous to crating.

When using the crate for discipline, limit the time the dog spends in there to no more than 15 minutes. Never yell at the dog when he has to go to the crate. Also, if they should potty inside the crate, do not get upset, or yell at them, but make sure that you do not leave the puppy there for as long next time. Learn more at 8 Effective tips for Well Behaved Dogs.

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