| CRATE TIPS |
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CHOOSING A CRATE There are many types of crates to choose from. Consider what you will be using the crate for and pick the best one. Buy a crate that will fit your dog's adult size. An adult dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and stretch out in the crate comfortably. However, you don't want your little puppy to have too much room to roam around in, either. This might become a problem, because he may decide to eliminate in one corner of his big, roomy crate and sleep in the other. The best thing to do is to block off a portion of the crate and make it progressively larger as your dog matures and grows. INTRODUCING THE CRATE Introduce your puppy to the crate very gradually. You want the puppy to feel like this is a pleasant place to be. Begin by opening the door and throwing one of your puppy's favorite treats inside. You may want to teach him a command, like "bedtime" or "crate" when the pup goes into the crate. Let your dog investigate the crate and come and go freely. Don't forget lots of praise. Next, offer a meal in the crate. Put the food dish inside and after awhile, close the door behind him. Open the door when he's done eating. Keep this up until your puppy eats all his meals in the crate. Soon your puppy will become accustomed to going in and out of the crate for treats and meals. If you do not wish to continue feeding him in his crate, you can start feeding elsewhere, but continue offering a treat for going into the crate. Start closing the door and leaving your puppy inside for a few minutes at a time. Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate. Always make sure that you offer him a treat and praise for going in. It is also a good idea to keep a few favorite toys inside the crate as well. Crate Don'ts Don't let your puppy out of the crate when he cries or scratches at the door. If you do, your dog will think that complaining will bring release every time. The best thing to do for a temper tantrum is to ignore the pup. Only open the door when the dog is quiet and has calmed down. Don't use the crate as punishment. If you use the crate when he does something bad, your dog will think of the crate as a bad place. Even if you want to get the pup out of the way, make sure that you offer him lots of praise for going into the crate and give a treat or toy, too. CRATE LOCATION During the day, keep your puppy's crate in a location that allows him easy access and permits him to be part of the family. The laundry room or backyard will make a dog feel isolated and unhappy, especially if he can hear people walking around. Place it anywhere the family usually congregatesthe kitchen or family room is often the best place. At night, especially when your puppy is still getting used to the crate, the ideal place for it is in your bedroom, near your bed. Having you nearby will create a feeling of security and be easier for you as well. If the pup needs to go outside during the night, you can let him out before he has an accident. Your dog will also be comforted by the smell, sight, and sound of you, and will be less likely to feel frightened. |
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