Dog Crates: Why Use Them and How to Choose the Right One
Crates are a humane and quick way to housebreak your dog. When used properly, a crate will become your dog’s safe place away from the rest of the family; a place that will feel like your dogs bedroom as they grow.
What size crate should I get for my puppy?
Ideally you want a crate that is just large enough for your dog to stand up in, turn around, and lay down. The problem that many people run into is that they want to buy a crate for their puppy, just so they can potty train him. But they also do not want to buy a second crate when their puppy outgrows the smaller one.
Do not buy a larger crate anticipating your dog’s growth. If you put a small puppy in a large crate, he will have plenty of space to pee on one side of his crate and sleep on the other. Instead, purchase a metal crate that comes with a divider. That way, you can give your puppy a small crate and it will easily expand as your dog grows.
Why Use a Crate?
A properly sized crate will teach your dog that he can relax and sleep while indoors and then go outdoors to relieve himself. A dog’s natural instinct is to keep its living area clean and urine free, so your puppy will learn to ‘hold it’ until you take him outside. This is the quickest way for your dog to learn and it will also offer a safe comfortable home for him or her to sleep in.
November 2nd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
my dog has never had a crate and i am afraid that she won’t go inside.she thinks of her dog house as a punishment, and i haven’t done anything to make her think that.we give her water,but no food.we leave her all day on Friday and sometimes on the weekends.she was house trained, but after we moved she goes to the bathroom everywhere.I don’t have the money to spend on fancy systems what should i do?
November 17th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
It sounds like your dog is having separation anxiety from being in a new location. Be sure that your dog is getting enough attention and exercise, and gets out at least 30-45 minutes a day. Most dogs will potty after they have been running. If the dog gets enough exercise and energy release, I think some of your problems will resolve. Then you can proceed with crate training. Also, the dog will not mind resting in her kennel after a good run.
If your dog doesn’t like the dog house, make sure that you use a crate that your dog can see all around in case she doesn’t like small enclosed spaces where she can’t see around her. The alternative is to have a fenced yard she can stay in with some sort of shelter to get out of the weather that she will comfortable in or under.