Archive for the ‘Crates & Kennels’ Category
Dog play pens can be a great way to keep track of your dog whether a new puppy or adult dog. One the issues small dog owners have is the danger of their dog being trampled or hurt when there is a house full of company.
Using your dog play pen outside during the warm weather season is the best choice for keeping your dog out of trouble. Some breeds especially those from the herding group will nip the elbows and legs of small children playing in the yard. There natural instinct to “herd” takes over and they will round up the kids.
One the first training exercises you will embark on as the proud owner of a new puppy is housebreaking. A dog crate can cut that time in half when sized correctly. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stretch out, get up, and turn around, but not so large that they can curl up in one corner while leaving three-quarters of the crate empty.
Dogs will not defecate where they sleep or eat and having the right size dog crate is essential for housebreaking. However, do not expect your new puppy to hold his business for eight hours when they first come home. Successful housebreaking still takes time as new puppies will need to relieve themselves every half hour for the first week or two so be prepared.
What a dog crate can do for housebreaking is ensure that they will ask to go outside when the time comes instead using their dog crate or your carpet. Again, this depends on buying the right size crate. The best investment is a life style Midwest dog crate. These dog crates have a movable panel that allows you to add more space as your new puppy grows.
Dog owners with active households can have a unique quandary; keeping their new puppy or small out of harm’s way. New puppies can get into trouble when you are out on errands or off to work, small dogs can be hurt if accidently stepped on from playing children. By containing your pooch in a dog play pen they can stay safe and out of trouble. Below is a customer review on a dog play pen:
Exercise Dog Pen Inside and Outside (5 out of 5 stars)
When I received this dog play pen I wasn’t sure how my puppy was going to like it, but she thoroughly enjoys it and it is big enough inside that I put her dog bed in there and she has enough room to walk around in and play in. I feel very safe putting her in the dog play pen when I leave for work.
With the holiday’s fast approaching and the arrival of the in-laws soon to come, my wife and I decided to do some redecorating. One of things that went on the “must change” list was our dog crate. That wire cage was just not going to cut the mustard any longer. Nor was the couch, chair, and end tables…you get the idea, everything was going.
We found the perfect piece of dog crate furniture to go with everything we picked out. The design fit in perfectly with new décor and doubled as end table. Our dog is going to love his new digs and we finally got rid of that wire cage seating off in the corner.
Crate training your dog provides him/her with a sanctuary they can call their own. Dog crates help pet owners housebreak their new pups in record time as well as protect your smaller dog from harm. Dogs from the Toy group are very susceptible to getting hurt from objects around the house and people accidentally stepping on them, a small dog crate is perfect.
Before you buy a dog crate, determine what fits well in your house, after all this is something you will have to live with as well. Then buy the right size. A dog crate should allow your dog room to turn around and stretch out when they lie down. There are dog crates available that have a movable panel within the crate allowing you to adjust the size as your dog grows.
When you bring your new dog crate home and find the right spot, put your dogs favorite dog toy, his/her blanket or whatever your dog loves to play with or lie on. Put these items in the dog crate and leave the door open giving them the opportunity to come and go. Once they are comfortable in the dog crate, begin locking them in when you go on short errands say 20 to 30 minutes.
Over the next, few weeks gradually leave them in the dog crate longer. Remember this will become their sanctuary so do not use the dog crate for punishment and should your dog seek refuge in their crate leave them alone. Dog crates are a wonderful place for your dog, both you and your dog will love the piece of mind and protection they bring.
There are many benefits to crate training your dog. From housebreaking to safety a dog crate is an excellent training tool and safe haven for your 
dog. With so many dog crates to choose from the task of picking the right crate for your dog can seem confusing. Pick a crate to small and your dog will not feel comfortable and will refuse to use it; to large and the feeling of den safety for your dog will not be accomplished.
One the best alternatives to choosing the right dog crate is one that grows with your dog. A life stage crate offers such an opportunity by including a moveable panel that can be adjusted as your puppy grows. These crates are also collapsible making them easy to take along on a family trip.
Whether traveling by car or air plane there is a dog crate that will fit your need. If traveling by air be sure to check with your airline to review the regulations and restrictions.
Crate training your dog offers not only safety while you’re away from home but also a den and safe haven. Dogs are natural den animals and the right size dog crate can offer him/her just that.
So you’ve decided to get a dog…what do you do now. This is how it begins for all first time pet owners. The next question needs to be “What’s the right breed for me?” Choosing the most appropriate breed will solve many problems in the future such as – training requirements, exercise needs & sociability. Do your research! There are many sites available for this; the best one is the recommended site on this blog.
Once you’ve picked the best breed and selected a reputable breeder, the first and foremost issue is housebreaking. My personal favorite for this task is crate training. There are many dog crates available to fit your dog’s size from puppy to adult. Crate training will cut the time it takes in half…usually no more than seven or eight days and your all set.
One thing to remember about crate training is that it is never used as punishment. Your dogs crate will become his den and safe haven when they need it. Which means dogs will not do their business where they sleep, but rather will ask to go outside or for a walk. For a new puppy this will be several times a day so be prepared.