Dog Crates Come In Handy This Halloween

Today is often a strange day for dogs. People are everywhere, roaming the streets dressed up as anything and everything you can imagine. Many dogs get anxious on Halloween with all of this commotion. I try not to allow my dogs to bark at anything and everything, only when it is necessary. But today, they have barked more than I can remember in quite some time. Therefore, it is necessary for the dog crate to do its magic. There's nothing like taking your dogs for a nice long walk to get that pent up energy out and then letting them relax and take a nap in their crate while going to the afternoon Halloween party for your kid. I do have to admit, that was not me this Halloween. I put it off, and after the party, guess what? Barking dogs in my backyard! I always try to do what's best for my dogs and people in my family, but I did not today. I'll have to learn from the human in me. It was a sweet reminder that my dogs needs should be fulfilled every day too. I never use a crate for anything else but a positive experience. After annoying the neighbors for a couple of hours, maybe I should be the one in the dog crate.

The Biggest Little Dog in the World

Our dog Sampson is the most unique, colorful dog I have ever seen. He is a black Pomeranian with a personality unique to himself. Sampson came into my life about five years ago when I met my wife. He was six years old at the time and is now eleven years old. He is still going as strong as ever. I grew up with big, hunting dogs my whole life, so it was fun having a little dog around. He had little dog syndrome big time. He would pick fights with any dog around, especially two Rottweilers that were part of the neighborhood. He hated his dog crate and still does, but he has come a long way in his education and is now much calmer. I tell you what though, this dog has always been and is still the best retriever that I have seen. That says a lot coming from a guy that grew up with bird dogs. If only I could get Heather, our Lab, to retrieve like Sampson does. Too bad he would get lost or stuck in the marsh, or I would take him out on a bird hunt with us. Just like the Sampson in the Bible, I had better not cut his hair. It might make him actually like his little dog carrier.

Rudy and the Dog Kennel

I love writing about my dogs. It has brought make some many great memories. Some from my childhood and some from recent experiences. I remember a dog we had named Rudy. He was a German Shorthair I believe. I was very young. It was back in the first days of my memory. We had two dogs at the time. Rudy and Rowdy. Rowdy was a Brittany Spaniel. We had moved to a new house and the entire yard was not fenced off at the time. My dad had built a nice, big chain link kennel for our dogs  to be in when my parents were at work and the kids were at school. Each dog had his own kennel and dog house in the kennel. Rudy was a mischievous mutt. He figured out how to use his nose to lift the latch and open his kennel. The funny thing is he would open his kennel, let himself out, then go let Rowdy out and get in Rowdy's dog kennel and stay there. When we would get home, Rowdy would be running in the yard, Rudy would be staying like a good boy in Rowdy's kennel. The good times ended for him when my father invested in a padlock. The fun memories that dog's bring are priceless.

Had We Only Used a Dog Crate

I grew up with dogs my whole life. One of the best dogs we ever had when I was growing up was Bud. Bud was a Chocolate Lab and was to be our next great bird dog. He was one of the smartest dogs I had ever seen. It was towards the end of my high school years, and I was soon to be moving off to start my own life. My parents seemed to baby this dog more than others we had while growing up, maybe because their kids were leaving. I don't know, but he has spoiled. Bud never had to go to his dog crate or his dog kennel. In fact, I don't remember if he ever had one. Anyway, training Bud was an experience. Despite his intelligence, he was rebellious. He would roam the neighborhood freely and even chewed up one of his training videos. Of all the videos we had, that was the one he decided to chew. He was like a bad teenager. We got through all of this, and he ended up being one of the best dogs and definitely the most memorable dog of my youth. He was fabulous, but we could have eliminated some of the frustrating experiences had we only used a dog crate or dog kennel from the beginning. One of the saddest days of my life was finding out we had lost Bud to cancer. This one's for you Bud.

Clean the Dog Kennel

You've decided to purchase a nice chain link dog kennel for your dog. Now she has a safe place to stay and move about while you are gone. One thing to remember if this is you is be sure to clean the kennel. Cleanliness is very important to dogs as well as humans. You wouldn't let your kid play in his own vomit and feces would you? Too many times dog owners buy a kennel for their dog thinking it will solve everything and then leave the dog out there and pay very little attention to it. Remember that dogs have needs too. They must be exercised, socialized, and when left in an outdoor kennel, kept clean. Cleaning a dog kennel is not a very time consuming project. Please remember to clean up any feces or vomit right a way. Be sure to use pet safe products to clean your dog's new home away from home. Make sure to keep her bed clean as well. Above all, spend quality time with your outdoor dog fulfilling her needs as a dog.

Best Plastic Dog Crate

The Fashion Series Vari Kennel dog crate by Petmate is the premier plastic dog crate out there. It has been recommended by vets and animal experts around the world. The Fashion Vari Kennel combines value with preferred features such as heavy duty plastic shells, wire doors, vents and plastic wing nuts that will not corrode. Its strength and durability are far greater than any other plastic style dog crate in its class. It is Airline Approved, and comes with a 5 year manufacturer warranty. Not bad for something that is going to have a lot of wear and tear on it. It comes in a variety of sizes from small to giant which will house most any type of dog you can think of.

The Fencemaster Dog Kennel - A Brief Look

This is one treat of a dog kennel. The Fencemaster Kennel by PetSafe is a do-it-yourself dog kennel. I happens to be one of the best chain link dog kennels I have seen. It is made of rust resistant galvanized steel, very easy to put together, an d comes with an already assembled gate. There is an optional sunblock which is very nice in the hot July weather. The company claims it creates up to 15 degrees cooler temperature for your pet, and I believe it after going inside. All assembly items are included, and the instructions are simple to follow. I recommend it for pets that prefer to be outdoors. A two year warranty isn't bad either. PetSafe is one of the best names in pet products, and their chain link dog kennels definitely live up to the name.

The Pheasant Hunt Draws Near

My family has been an avid group of pheasant hunters my entire life. Many Stories have been told around the dinner table. This year one in particular enters my mind. We were out on the ditch banks hunting an open beet field with our two Brittany Spaniels, Gyp and Rowdy. This was Rowdy's first hunt. He was still a pup full of energy. We were hoping Gyp, his father, would teach him a thing or two. Rowdy was a perfect hunter. He would sniff and hunt right in front of my father's feet and then go run and hide under a beet leaf. I'd say he was right on track. The one thing he did do right, however, was jump up in his dog crate and sleep the whole ride home. We have always crated our dogs, and secured the crate in the back of the pickup truck. Nothing bothers me more when it comes to dogs than a dog freely roaming the back of a pickup truck going down the highway at full speed. Take care of your canine companion no matter if you hunt or not, and he will give you many unforgettable years. Travel safe this season and make sure your dog travels safe in his dog crate too.

Dog Crates for Any Occasion

"With so many out there, which one is best for me," is a question I hear a lot when it comes to choosing a dog crate. We have already determined that size matters. Now we will examine the different types of construction and which one is best for your "fluff ball." Whatever you do, I recommend quality over anything. A high quality crate will last a long time and withstand the wear and tear you and your dog put on it. See which one fits your needs.

1. Plastic crates are the most simple and are very durable. They are usually the most cost effective. A good plastic crate will last a long time, and many are made from recycled material reducing your pet's carbon paw print.

2. Wire crates are definitely the most durable. Many fold nicely and can be easily stored.

3. Soft sided dog crates are great for traveling as they are lightweight and store nicely. A good soft crate has a sturdy frame and is easily set up or taken down.

4. Smaller pets benefit in many ways with soft sided carriers. Many are airline approved and travel nicely under the seat in front of you. Check with the particular airline for specific rules.

Whatever it is you are looking for in a dog crate, be sure to evaluate your pet's and your needs.

Size Matters in the Dog Crate World

It's an exciting day. You just adopted a new puppy and you are bringing him home today. You have heard about crating your dog, but there are so many different sizes out there. Which dog crate will fit your new companion? Here are some basic tips that may help you out:

1. Size Matters. Choose a crate that allows Fido to stand up, turn around, and lie down. He should have 3 to 4 inches of extra room on each side.

2. Allow for Growth. Buy a crate that will accommodate your puppy's full grown size. If in question, get the larger size.

3. Divide the Crate. Crate dividers allow for adjustment of crate size and are perfect for growing pups. You can buy dividers or make a simple one out of wood.

4. What will we use it for? Choose the type of dog crate that best suits your dog's and your needs. A topic dedicated to that will be posted shortly.

5. Enjoy. Most of all enjoy the many years of companionship that a relationship with a canine can bring.

Send Her to the Dog Crate

"Heather go to your crate," is a phrase I use a lot when dealing with my daughter. Does it sound like I am being excessive with my punishment? Actually, Heather is my 2 year old Labrador Retriever, and being in her dog crate is actually relaxing for her.

Many dog owners never crate train their dogs. If done correctly crate training your dog gives her a feeling that she is in her den, making it a safe comfortable place for her to be. Obviously, one should be aware of a dog's needs and not over do crate time or associate it with a negative behavior. It is also one of the best ways to house break a dog.

Tips to keep in mind:
1. Pick the right size. Choose a crate that is big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around, but not so big she can go potty in one corner and lay down in the other.

2. Make it positive. Use treats and praise to get your pet to enter.

3. Be aware of your dog's needs. Ease into leaving your dog in her dog crate for longer periods of time, being aware that puppies especially need to go out to relieve themselves frequently.