by Alison Moss

Created on: March 24, 2007   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

Why a crate?
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Our breeder recommended a crate both for toilet training and also for providing the puppy with a safe area so he wouldn't come to any harm when we weren't there and also so he couldn't damage things when we were out. A crate is basically a large cage designed for your dog.

What is it like?
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The size we bought was the second largest. The dimensions are 105cm long, 71cm wide and 76.5cm high. For those of you who work in inches that's 41.5" x 28" x 30.25". The crate is made from metal coated in a dark blue colour. On the bottom of the crate is a stainless steel base which has a lipped edge on all sides (so if there are any accidents they should be contained). The crate has two doors one at the front and one on the side. This gives you greater flexibility depending on how you position the crate in your room. The doors give good wide opening of 53cm so its easy to get your dog in and out of the crate and for you to reach in with food or water bowls or for easy access for cleaning. There are two carry handles on the top of the crate however it is quite heavy so you wouldn't want to be carrying it around too much.

How to use the crate
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You need to get your puppy accustomed to the crate. The manufacturers suggest gradually introducing your dog to the crate over a series of days or weeks so you dog sees the crate as a positive place to be. Depending on your circumstances this may be a difficult thing to do. Sit beside your dog whilst it is in the crate, reassure him, feed him in the crate so he associates the crate with good experiences. At this stage you should leave the door to the crate open until he becomes comfortable with being in the crate. Then start putting him in the crate for short periods of time and build this up. We were lucky in using the crate in that our puppy had spent time in a crate in the breeders kitchen and was used to sleeping in the crate overnight so he took to his new crate very quickly.
The crate should not be used as a punishment if the dog is misbehaving, it should always be treated as a positive place for the dog to go.

Safety Issues
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Remove the dogs lead and collar whilst in the crate in-case the tag or lead catches and chokes the dog. Do not leave any rope toys alone with the dog that might cause him an injury. Do not leave your dog alone in the crate for long periods of time. If you have children ensure they do not play in the crate, the crate should be your dogs personal

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