Looking for a dog crate? Dogs are both den and pack animals, and when taught positively and properly, crates are a source of security for your dog, and something he'll look forward to using every day. Here are some things to consider when buying a crate for your dog.
Why Use a Crate? Crates make housebreaking much easier on both dog and owner. Dogs will typically not urinate where they sleep, so creating a safe den for your dog to sleep in will also aid the housebreaking process. Keeping a crate in your bedroom is a way of keeping your dog close to you as part of your pack, and also helps in housebreaking because you can quickly get up and take him outside if he needs to go in the middle of the night.
Crates are also a wonderful source of safety and security for your dog when you are unable to attend to him. Leaving a dog unattended in a house even for a few minutes can result in chewed shoes, or even worse, chewed electrical cords or other safety hazards. By crate training your dog, you are providing him with a safe den for him to relax and nap in while you run errands or clean the house.
Bringing a new member into your household is a big event for both puppy and you! You'll want to help your new puppy get settled as quickly as possible so he can grow accustomed to your family routine. There are so many products for dogs that it's easy to get bogged down with too much information and product overload. Let's keep it simple and stick to the necessities you'll need when you bring your new puppy home. Ideally you'll want to have purchased these items before the big day, that way you can focus on enjoying your new pup and helping him get settled. Here is a checklist of items that you'll want to have ready before bringing home your new best friend.
1. Crate and Divider
I have always used wire crates for crate training and housebreaking. Wire crates allow your pup great visibility so he can see what's going on around him much easier. This can often comfort a new puppy, who is away from his littermates and mom for the first time. For details on buying a dog crate, please check out the article Choosing a Crate for Your Dog (coming soon). I like to make a crate purchase just once, so I buy the full grown dog size crate (this depends on what breed you choose), and then I use a crate divider to size it correctly for the puppy. Using a crate that's the appropriate size for your dog aids in housebreaking by giving him just enough room to stand, turn around, and sleep comfortably.
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