From the time you bring your puppy home, you want to begin introducing the puppy to the crate.  Crates have many uses and make your life a lot easier.   Crating establishes good habits in your puppies and prevents problem behaviors before they arise like potty training and chewing.   It is a safe environment without having to watch the pup constantly.

Benefits:

  • When a puppy is in his crate he is safe from any number of dangerous household items.  Some dogs tend to chew things around the home, particularly when they are young or bored. This will not only damage your belongings but can be dangerous to your dog’s health. Many veterinarians have had to surgically remove parts of toys or shoes from a dog’s intestines.
  • Crates are a safe haven for your dog. Dogs are den animals, and their natural instinct is to den. Therefore, the crate becomes an area where your dog can go to feel safe and secure.
  • Dogs naturally do not want to eliminate in their den, so they learn bladder and bowel control.
  • Crate training helps with separation anxiety.  When used properly in teaching a puppy that when you leave you always come back. In general, a puppy learns to settle and occupy themselves without constant human intervention, which become increasingly more important as the dog grows and likely become more demanding for attention unless taught to behave otherwise.

Different types of crates:

Wire Crates

•Good for dogs that get hot easily, due to either living in a hot climate or having a heavy coat

•With some models, you can buy a divider to section off the crate, so Fido’s area in the crate starts out small and gets bigger as he grows

•Many wire crates fold flat for carrying or storage

•Removable floor tray is easy to clean

Plastic Crates

•Good for dogs who like cozy spaces and tend to sleep in corners or under tables

•Can be used for airline travel

•More difficult for escape artists to get out of; if your dog is good at breaking out of crates, you may need to get him a plastic crate that’s one size too big for him to prevent him from escaping

•Available in different colors

•Top half of crate comes off and can be stacked inside bottom half for storage

Soft-sided Crates

•Very lightweight and portable

•Good for light use with small, non-destructive dogs

•Good for car travel, camping, picnics, etc.

•Very easy to store when folded