Your new puppy is arriving — and you’ve heard of crate-training, but aren’t sure how to make it work for you and your newest addition. From years of experience as a pet-owner, lover and specialist, I have learned some things about crate training that I’d like to share with you.

Crate training is wonderful part of an overall family training program if handled correctly. Your puppy will feel secure in his space if you make it a pleasurable experience from the very beginning by following these 14 tips.

1. Get a crate large enough to allow your pup space to turn around, stand up and lie down for a nap.
2. Put a soft blanket in the crate, preferably with his mother’s scent on it when you bring him home.
3. Make sure to put his toys for chewing and a treat or two in the space furthest from the “˜door.’

4. Put the crate in a corner of room where he can feel out of the way, yet have access to you.
5. Let your pup wander in and out of the crate to get a feel for it, the crate makes a nice “˜den’ for your puppy and he will likely take to it for comfort and solace when he is tired, over-excited or worried.
6. Remove your pet’s collar/s before closing the crate to avoid any choking;

7. Have a bottle of water with ice hooked to the crate if you will leave your puppy for more than an hour;
8. When it’s time to be crated, tell your puppy “Crate” or “Bed” and show him to the crate. You may put a treat in there if you have been training him with treats.
9. Don’t ever: scare him into the crate, put him in there as a punishment or otherwise encourage a negative connotation to the crate.

10. Practice this several times a day during his first few weeks home. Leaving him in the crate for short intervals while you leave the house. He will soon realize that you come back and let him out.
11. If your dog needs something to chew, make sure you give him a toy that he cannot shred, break or otherwise harm himself with. If he is an aggressive chewer, I recommend the Galileo Bone by Nylabone.
12. When you let your puppy out of the crate, immediately take him outside to relieve himself. For very young puppies, this will likely be every 4 hours. (on average a puppy needs a break in as many hours as he is months old … if your puppy is 4 months, please give him a potty break every four hours)

13. When you are leaving, or putting him in the crate, give him his command, “Crate,” praise him gently when he complies (but do not get effusive … you don’t want him to get all riled up!) and then leave without a commotion.
14. Upon returning, open the crate and let your puppy come out at his own pace. Don’t make a big fuss, simply praise him gently, put on his collar and leash and take him outside.

Crate training is a valuable asset to any training program for new puppies and can help enhance your relationship with your canine pal. A happy and comfortable puppy will mature into a well-mannered and loving companion.

About the Author

Pet-Care Expert, Peggie Arvidson-Dailey, is the author of “How to Maintain Your Love Affair With Your Pet” and the founder of Peggie’s Pet Services. To learn more about maintaining YOUR love affair with your pet sign up for FREE how-to articles and FREE teleclasses, visit http://www.peggiespets.com

Another reason for crate training is that dogs love predictability. To know what is going to happen in any given situation makes him happy, and more apt to be the best-behaved dog he can possibly be.

A strong crate is the very basis of good puppy training. A wire crate with a lock is the best kind. Make sure it is large enough for him to stand up and turn around, yet not so large that he can roam and wander. A too-large crate will inhibit house breaking.

A crate that is just the right size will be perceived as his “nest,” which is place where puppies never “go potty” unless they absolutely can’t help it. They will learn to hold it if you don’t make a prison out of their crate. Never leave a puppy under 8 weeks longer than one hour in his crate. He will soil it, after struggling and suffering as long as he can.

To make the crate attractive, place a nice pad in there with a bone. Start by placing a tasty treat in there — he will go in and get it. Do this several times without closing the door. Let him come in and out freely for an hour or so. Praise him effusively each time he goes in, making it all very pleasant.

Then when his attention is on his treat, close the door. Praise him quietly, saying, “What a good boy, it’s ok — such a good boy!” In 10 or 20 seconds, no longer, let him out without a word, no praise, just a pat. Do this for increasingly longer intervals, but do not give him a chance to get upset. You can do this several times the first day.

Make sure every training session ends on a happy note — this is crucial.

Once he sees the crate is his own private territory, he will go in there on his own, expecting treats and your attention. When he does, say, “Wanna crate?” with a happy face while getting his treats. Start leaving the room while he is in there for 2 minutes and onward, gradually. When you return, don’t make a fuss, just walk over and open the crate. In 3 days he will be officially crate-trained, ready to be left alone for an hour, no longer at first. Leave him in longer, but very gradually, slowly and carefully.

Q. Why do I want a crate for my puppy?
A. The number one reason is because they love it. They feel very safe and secure in there. Here are some more:

–When you leave a puppy alone, he always has some measure of separation anxiety. This leads him to any behavior that brings him comfort, which is chewing, digging, or when it is severe, voiding his bowels.

–When placed in a crate, he feels safe because nothing can get to him, nothing can harm him. He will sleep and chew and wait for you to return.

–When leaving him overnight at the vet, if your dog is not crate trained he will cry the entire time, feeling lost and abandoned. With crate training, he is sure you will return — you always do. Of course the vet’s office is strange and will cause him some anxiety, but nothing like the pure terror he will feel without having experience in being locked in.

NOTE: About crate-training — do not make a prison of his crate! Do not use it as punishment. Do not leave him there for more than 2 hours, which is just enough time for a long puppy nap and some chew time. After that he will cry. Do not remove him while he is crying. This will make him think he has to cry to get out.

No matter what, make sure he is being good when you open the door. He will learn he has to be quiet to get out. Do not make a fuss when you are letting him out, just quietly open the door and take him out to potty. When he potties, praise him to high heaven! Dogs naturally do not go where they nest, but sometimes it happens. Do not scold, just clean it out with a bland face. He will learn the lesson. If possible, try to clean it while he is outside so he returns to a clean crate.

In 25 years of training dogs, I have never seen any one thing more critical for a dog’s well-being than good crate training. And besides, they love it!

About the Author

Dy Witt has shown, bred and trained standard poodles for 25 years. To read free articles, more about her dog and puppy training techniques and her new ebook, visit: http://www.DogTraining15MinsADay.com

So — you’re looking for a dog crate, and you want the highest quality you can get for the best price. What options are available to you, and what are the pros and cons of the various types of dog crate?

Let’s first look at the black epoxy-coated crates. They look great when they are new, but they chip so easily and look tatty after only a few uses. Let’s be honest — if you are spending good money then you’ll want real value for your money and not something that’s going look tatty within a short period of time.

Secondly, let’s consider those plastic bases that some companies put in the crates. Plastic bases often crack, and split and as well, since dogs often chew them. So in reality there is no advantage to a plastic base, except for possibly saving the manufacturer a little money on material and labour costs.

Thirdly, there is chrome for cages. They look great — at first — and then you find they also chip and flake because chrome is just another coating. Be aware that the flaking chrome if ingested by a dog could make them unwell. In fact you don’t really see many chrome ones around these days, which is a good thing. So what are you left with?

Well, you’re left with galvanized crates. These are by far the best option, and the top quality galvanized crates have the following features:

“¢ Galvanized for non-rust; long lasting
“¢ Polished finish
“¢ Anti-tamper locks
“¢ Very heavy gauge mesh frame
“¢ Metal tray that can’t be chewed and won’t split or crack
“¢ Assembles in three moves
“¢ Won’t chip or flake
“¢ Lasts for years
“¢ Slide-out tray

The major difference between types of galvanized dog crates is the gauge of the mesh used. Some companies are now offering 9mm gauge wire mesh, which has incredible strength and lasts a long, long time.

Dog Crates / Dog Cages offer an effective way to housebreak puppies, or keep your pets safe either at home or away. Dog crates can also be used by professional show dog owners. Some crates now offer an innovative build and design that allows simple assembly and disassembly in seconds, and are galvanised which prevents against rust and deterioration and is safe for your dog – which means they will look great for many years to come. When not in use, the cage/crate folds flat for easy transport and storage.

Contact them at http://www.services-professional.co.uk/Retailer-Dog-Crates-UK.html

About the Author

John Fowler trained as a Mathematician and has worked in the IT industry for over 30 years, much of the time in sales-related functions. He now spends his time between being a partner in SEO Gurus and as a sales and management trainer for ICT companies. John can be contacted via http://www.seo-gurus.co.uk

The word kennel has several meanings in relation to dogs:

The small shed in which a dog is kept; a doghouse.
A collection of buildings or a property in which many dogs are housed, maintained, and bred, often used in the plural “the kennels”.
A breeding kennel, a breeding establishment for the propagation of purebred dogs, whether or not the animals are actually housed in a separate shed, the garage, a state-of the-art facility, or the family dwelling.
A boarding kennel, in which dogs are housed temporarily for a fee.

Differences Between Pet Containment Systems

If this is the first time you’re shopping for dog crates, you may find it a little complicated. You may have noticed already that the use of the word kennel can be somewhat confusing. So before making a final selection it’s a good idea to learn about the differences between some pet containment systems. Equipped with this information, you’ll be ready to choose the best crate for your dog.

How Can I Tell The Difference Between Dog Crates, Dog Kennels & Pet Carriers If They’re All Called Kennels?

A “kennel” is a very general term, meaning a place where dogs are bred or kept. By its very definition, it can be used to describe a broad range of pet containment products such as pet carriers, dog crates, pet exercise pens and outdoor pet kennels.

For example, a wire kennel and a hard plastic kennel sound very similar because both are called kennels. In some ways they are very different. Depending on how you plan to use it there are certain features that you’ll need it to have. This is why it’s very important to focus on the features that you need. Only after carefully reviewing the features of a specific model can you be certain that it will adequately fulfill all your needs.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

A wire dog crate or kennel is designed to safely contain your pet. But, it’s not designed to be picked up and moved around with your pet inside it. Although available in soft-side models, soft crates are usually not referred to as kennels.

A hard plastic carrier or kennel is designed so that your dog can safely travel inside the carrier. Pet carriers also come in soft-side models. Soft pet carriers are not usually referred to as kennels.

Some hard plastic pet carriers make ideal dog crates, but a dog crate is usually not a good substitute for a hard pet carrier.

What Are Some Of The Basic Features of Dog Crates & Pet Carriers: Wire Dog Crates / Kennels

Used for crate training, housing breaking and as an everyday crate Many models are available with divider panels for growing puppies Can be used to contain your pet in a vehicle Available in collapsible or folding models Not approved for airline travel Offers the most visibility and ventilation – well suited for heavy-coated dogs

Soft Dog Crates & Tents

Soft crates & tents are light weight, portable, easy to set up & take down Can be used as an everyday crate Not approved for airline travel Pet must be well crate trained Not for diggers, chewers, aggressive dogs or dogs that experience anxiety while crated

Hard Plastic Pet Carriers / Kennels

Hard plastic pet carriers are used to carry and transport pets Some models can be used as an everyday crate Many are approved for airline travel Not recommended for growing puppies since they don’t come with divider panels Can be used to contain your pet in a vehicle Available in collapsible models

Soft Pet Carrier Bags (for pets under 25 lbs)

Soft pet carriers are designed to safely transport a small dog Can be used to contain your pet in a vehicle A soft pet carrier should not be used as a dog crate Many are approved for airline travel and some can be taken in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat in front of you.

What Questions Should I Consider Before Selecting A Dog Crate?

Before you shop for a dog crate, take some time to consider how you’re going to use it. This will help you get the most out of your investment. The type you choose will depend on your lifestyle, your dog’s behavioral patterns and what type of activities you plan to do with your pet. We’ve provided the questions below to get you thinking about the many different ways that pet crates can be used.

Is this crate for home use only? If you’re not planning on traveling with your dog a basic wire crate is a good choice for an everyday crate. If you’re going to keep it in one place you probably don’t need a collapsible model.

Are you buying a crate for a puppy? If you have a growing puppy select a crate that your puppy will grow into. Make sure it comes with a divider panel, which will allow you to adjust the size of the crate as your puppy grows.

Do you take your dog in your car? It’s highly recommended that you crate your dog while traveling by car. You may be able to purchase a crate that you can use at home as well as in your car. Or if you take your dog in the car frequently purchasing a separate crate for your car may be best. Either way you may want to consider a folding crate, which is much easier to move around once it is folded up. Even if your dog is not crate trained use still may want to consider crating your pet while in a vehicle.

If there’s any chance that your dog can accidentally get out of your car in a strange and dangerous place that’s a good enough reason to invest in a crate. Crating your pet while you’re driving will also prevent any mishaps that could result from your dog being left loose in your vehicle.

Are you planning on taking your dog on an airplane? You will need a hard plastic airline-approved pet carrier. For small dogs you might be able to use an airline-approved soft pet carrier bag. Wire dog crates are not approved for airline travel. If you travel frequently by plane you may want to look for a hard plastic dog carrier that you can also use as an everyday dog crate.

Do you need a crate that is portable and collapsible? If you plan on moving your dog crate around a collapsible model is a good option. A collapsible model should come with convenient carrying handles. There are also some collapsible hard plastic carriers that can also serve as everyday dog crates.

Do you take your dog hiking or camping? You will certainly want to consider a collapsible soft crate or tent. They are designed to be portable, lightweight and very easy to set up and take down.

A warning about soft crates, tents and pet carriers: … If your dog is aggressive, chews, digs or experiences anxiety when crated these are not for you.

As you can see, choosing the right dog carrier depends on your dog’s size and temperament, the intended location and use, and the function and features that you expect the carrier to fulfill. Choose the dog carrier, kennel, or dog crate that best suits your needs and how you see the crate functioning. You’ll want to pick the one that offers the most convenience for the uses that you have in mind.

About the Author

Article courtesy of: http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/dog-crate.html dedicated to providing quality dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and Free Ezine.

If you own dogs, chances are you’ve either used or considered using dog crates for puppy training. Or you’ve planned a trip and wanted to take your best friend along and thought about them as pet carriers. But while puppy training and animal transport are important considerations, dog crates serve another purpose that might be even more important for your pet’s quality of life … a safe den.

Dog crates offer an enclosed space that canines naturally crave. Millions of years of evolution have instilled this desire. That being the case, it’s very important while puppy training that you teach your pet early on that his crate is safe and a good place. Never use it as a form of punishment!

Another use for dog crates beyond puppy training is as a place to recuperate from an injury or illness. This is especially advantageous if you have two or more dogs. Sick and injured animals, canines included, seek solitude while healing. They can be temperamental and even dangerous, even if normally mild-mannered and sweet. A crate offers a perfect solution.

In the home, placing dog crates in areas you frequent is important. Your pet wants to be around you and your family as much as possible. So take care to put his crate in a good location … the kitchen, bedroom, family den. Again, during the puppy training phase this is a good thing to keep in mind so you don’t inadvertently train your dog that his enclosure is a punishment area.

Finally, dog crates double as beds for many dogs. Choose a soft, cushioned bedding for the floor of his new crate. At the beginning, while puppy training, you may want to opt for a washable material, until he learns not to soil it.

About the author: John Schwartz is the owner and webmaster of http://puppies-dogs-supplies.com. He lives in East Texas with his wife, Shannon, who owns a dog rescue ‘no kill’ shelter.

Why should you use the dog crate training method? And is the dog crate training method humane?

You may look at a dog crate and find it doesn’t inspire much confidence. Don’t be too quick to judge, though — the dog training method is highly effective.

You may find that the dog crate, one that consists of a rectangular shaped enclosure with a top, a floor, 3 sides, and a door, could just possibly be the best contraption for your dog. The dog crate training method is especially effective for puppies, although senior dogs can be trained.

What do you need to implement the dog crate training method?

Buy a sturdy dog crate. These crates are usually constructed of wire, wood, metal, molded plastic or a combination of these materials. You can get a ready-made crate or have it customized, for a puppy that belongs to a larger breed.

The dog crate training method recognizes that fact that all dogs whether domesticated or untamed, share a common characteristic, they need their own confined space … what we call a den. A dog crate then is the equivalent of the domesticated dog’s den.

When you use the dog crate training method, here are some of the beneficial results your dog and you will gain from this training:

“¢ As a result of the dog crate training, you and your family can enjoy time away from your dog, knowing your dog is comfortably ensconced in its’ den. Your furniture or possessions are not in danger of being soiled, or damaged or torn apart by your dog.

“¢ By nature, dogs not to do their business in the space they sleep in, and the crate dog training method reinforces this natural instinct.

“¢ With the dog crate training, your dog will be less disruptive and more pliable when you need to confine his or her own crate. Some of these occasions when your dog needs to be out of the way, is when preparations for dinner is underway or there is a big crowd of guests for dinner.

“¢ Because of the dog crate training method, your dog won’t whine or bark incessantly when you put her or him in his or her own carry-all crate, when you travel. So the dog isn’t underfoot.

“¢ Another safety benefit is when the driver abruptly hits the brake; the dog won’t be thrown out.

However –

In order for your dog crate training to be a success, you must set rules.

Everyone in the family must remember that the crate is for the dog’s sleeping comfort. Put in an old t-shirt and soft padding for the dog. But no one should ever put food or water in the dogs’ bedroom/crate.

Another way to make the dog crate training effective is to establish a “crate routine” for your dog. Put the dog in his or her crate during certain hours in a day, a good time would be his or her nap time.

At night, place your dog’s crate in a place where you can safely leave the door open so that the puppy can relieve his or herself outside of the crate. Once this routine has been firmly established, you can stop using the dog crate.

Effective dog crate training will prevent your dog from developing serious behavioral problems, which is a huge headache for plenty of dog owners.

As the dog owner, your part is to practice patience and consistency in carrying out the dog crate training method, so your puppy becomes one disciplined dog. Just like children, dogs are comforted by structure and consistency. Help them to acheive this with crate training and you’ll have a very happy, healthy dog!

About the Author

Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

Wondering how to begin crate training your puppy or dog, or even whether you should?

Crate training gets a dog so used to being enclosed in a crate that he or she can safely be left there for hours at a time, though only when necessary. Frankly, crate training has its pros and cons. If it works for your dog, it offers wonderful flexibility to you both in many situations.

Crate Training: Pros

Crate training helps tremendously in potty training puppies and adult dogs.

Your dog can be confined when it is necessary, without undue stress on the dog or serious wear and tear on your home.

If your dog ever has to be left at a veterinarian’s office, travel on an airplane, or be evacuated from your home, being in a crate then will be far less stressful if he is already crate-trained.

It’s a nice way to include a puppy in what is going on without your having to tend him constantly, for example, if you are giving a party.

Many dogs will seek out their crates to relax in.

Crate Training: Cons

It may take some time to get your dog accustomed to being left in the dog crate, and you will need another way to confine him so you don’t push the crate training too fast.

Some people might leave their dogs in the crates too much. How much is too much? It depends on the dog and situation, but it should only be a few hours at a time.

Crate training isn’t suitable for some dogs. For example, a dog who has spent a lot of time in crates or cages (in a shelter or at a previous owner’s) may become very upset. You may or may not be able to overcome this with patient training.

Dogs with separation anxiety may become more upset in a crate than in a larger space.

A strong, frantic dog can get out of most crates, perhaps hurting himself in the process.

Some people just hate the idea of confining their dogs this way. Learning more about crate training often overcomes this dislike, but if you find that it doesn’t for you, then use alternatives to crates.

A Basic Crate Training Method

First, of course, you need a crate. Select a good location for the crate — or more than one location. In your bedroom is good at night, but when you are home during the day, it’s best to have the crate near where people will be. Either move the crate around, or some people have two crates. Don’t put the crate where sunlight coming in from a window will make the air hot for the dog.

Tie the door open, or even take it off at first. Let the dog notice the crate and examine it if he wishes.

Bit by bit, make it more interesting. Throw toys or treats in. Talk lovingly to him if he goes in. Pet him while he is in the crate.

Begin feeding the dog in the crate. When he is comfortable going in (and this can be anything from an hour to several weeks), then begin closing the door for short periods of time while you are right there.

If he whines to get out, don’t let him out and don’t sweet-talk him until there is a moment when he isn’t whining. Then you can let him out. If you let him out while he is whining, you are teaching him that whining works with you.

With each of the steps, pay attention to what the dog indicates about his feelings. Crate training is most effective when it isn’t rushed. If he is uncomfortable at a particular step, back up to a previous one.

Once he accepts the door closed while you are there, begin going elsewhere in your home and gradually lengthening the time you are gone. Having toys in the crate is useful here.

Then leave the house for a very short time and come back, working up to leaving longer and longer.

Close the dog in at bedtime and let it out first thing in the morning. If you are housetraining a young puppy, you will probably be going outside with it in the middle of the night for a while.

And that — in a nutshell — is how to crate train your puppy or dog.

About the Author

Rosana Hart has crate-trained most of her dogs — the ones who accepted it naturally. More information about crate training, including how to choose a crate and alternative methods, can be found at Rosana’s website, http://www.training-dogs.com. This site is about positive, pain-free methods of training dogs.