The dog is a den animal and the safe, enclosed shelter of the dog crate satisfies this den instinct inherited from its den-dwelling ancestors. The crate becomes a haven, a "security blanket" for the dog, in the often bewildering world of humans. The dog is much happier and more secure having its life controlled by a humane "pack leader", and benifits by being prevented from causing trouble, rather than being punished for it later.
A dog crate is a rectangular enclosure with a top, bottom, and a door. They come in a variety of sizes proportioned to fit any type of dog. Its purpose is to provide confinement for reasons of security, safety, housebreaking, protection of household goods, travel, illness, or just general control.
A good crate will last almost indefinitely. It is escape proof, non- chewable, easy to clean, and well- ventilated.
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A dog crate, correctly and humanely used, can have many
advantages for both you and your dog.
With the help of a crate:
1. You can enjoy complete peace of mind when leaving your dog in the house alone, knowing that nothing can be soiled or destroyed and that your dog is comfortable, protected, and not developing any bad habits.
2. You can housebreak your dog more quickly by using the close confinement to encourage control, establish a regular routine for outdoor elimination,
and to prevent "accidents" at night or when left alone, since a dog
will avoid soiling its "den" if at all possible.
3. You can travel with your dog without risk of the driver being dangerously distracted or the dog getting loose and lost, and with the assurance that
your dog can easily adapt to any strange surroundings as long as it
has its familiar "security blanket" along.
Your dog:
1. Can more easily learn to control its bladder and bowels and to associate elimination only with the outdoors;
2. Can enjoy the privacy and security of a "den" of its own to which it can retreat when tired, stressed or ill (and your dog will make use of the crate of its own volition if you leave the door open);
3. Can avoid much of the fear/stress/punishment caused by
your reaction to problem behavior.
4. Can be conveniently included in family outings, visits, and trips instead of being left behind alone at home or in a boarding kennel. A dog that is accustomed to a crate will adjust more readily to confinement at a veterinary hospital or boarding kennel when there is a neccessity for that.
USE....BUT DON'T ABUSE!
The use of a doge crate is not recommended for a dog which must be frequently and regularly left alone for extended periods of time, such as all or much of the day when the owner is away to work or school.
In these instances, arrangements should be made for someone to take the dog out for exercise at midday.
In the case of a puppy, the crate should be used strictly as a "playpen" for general confinement, and for housebreaking.
NEVER USE THE CRATE AS A PUNISHMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!
