by Roan Kishpaugh

Created on: September 01, 2008   Last Updated: March 22, 2011

"Crate my dog? You mean cage my dog? I wouldn't think of ever doing that!". I have heard this over and over again from people who are also replacing their chewed up sofas, paying off the veterinarian bill to have stuff removed from their dog's stomach and 'buying stock' in doggie clean-up products. They think that putting their dog in a crate is cruel and punishes the dog by separating them from the family.

The truth is that crating a dog will ensure it's safety as it grows up and it provides a safe haven for the dog to go to when things get too hectic around the house. It also provides a place for you to safely put your dog when great Aunt Sally visits and is scared of dogs that like to trip her with her walker.

Dogs have an aversion to relieving themselves where they sleep so keeping a puppy or young dog in a crate when they are not with a person is a good way to 'house-break' a dog. It also keeps the youngster from chewing things that are not appropriate to be chewed. When the dog is older and is allowed to have the run of the house, you will see that they will still go back into their crate since they have begun to see it as their own little cave or den that belongs just to them and give them a feeling of security.

One way to help with this is to ensure that the whole family understands that the crate belongs to the dog and the human children are not allowed to play in it. You can also drape a sheet or blanket over it to help with the cozy feeling.

The crate should be near the general busy area of the house so the dog can see what is going on but still have privacy. Don't put the crate in the far end of the house or the dog will not want to go in it since they will feel like they are being excluded from their 'pack' nor should you put the crate in the busiest are as the dog will not have the chance to escape from everything going on around them.

If you dog is a chewer, be sure to put lots of chewy bones and toys in for them. Avoid putting anything in the crate that could be hazardous to your dog such as a squeaky ball that could be chewed to pieces and swallowed or strips of rawhide that they could choke on. Nylabones and other hard toys designed for chewing dogs are ideal. When you put your dog in the crate give them a cookie or treat and praise them so they associate the crate with something good.

Don't leave your dog in the crate all the time...that would be cruel! Let the dog out often to relieve itself and get a drink if you don't have a water dish in the crate. Play with the dog and give it plenty of attention and exercise.By using a crate properly, your dog can live a long, safe, and fulfilled life.

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