Guidelines to Help You Properly use a Crate for Your Dog - A Reminder

Encouraging bad behavior by praising your dog when he barks at a stranger passing by the window or encouraging him during any bad behavior cannot be easily broken.  Owners tend to think that it is cute when they are just puppies, but when they become full grown and chase the neighbor’s child it develops into a nightmare.  Putting him into a dog crate and telling him he has been a bad dog will only make him think of the crate as punishment and that is the last thing that you want to have happen.  The crate needs to be used for his security, safety and personal space where he willingly and happily enters.

Proper Uses of a Dog Crate Are:

• A haven or SAFE place your dog wants to retreat to.  Dogs have been known to break their teeth to escape from a crate if it is being used to correct destructible behavior that is fear motivated.
• A place where he can be confined for short periods of time and still be in close proximity of family.  Placing him in a crate for 8 to 10 hours a day is not acceptable. 
• A great potty-training tool.  Dogs do not like to soil their sleeping quarters and can be easily trained to potty outside rather than in their kennel with minimal training.
• Preventive measure to keep your dog from getting into mischief.  It is a great place for him to be when you have company over for dinner.
• Safe mode of transportation.  Keeping your dog contained and away from the lap of the driver is essential to safe driving.  It also works much like an air bag does if an accident should occur.  Your pet will not become a flying missile.
• If a disaster should occur in your area, having a pet that is crate trained will keep him contained and make your chances of finding him alive later possible.
• If you have accustomed your dog to being confined in a crate when you are home and then extended the periods that you need to be away from him will ease his anxieties and fears and keep him content until your return.
• As his own personal sleeping quarters.  A crate that has a cushion, pillow or blanket containing his smell will lull him to sleep at night and allow you to obtain a peaceful sleep as well.

Choosing the right crate to fit the size and temperament of your pet is of utmost importance.  At Canine Crate Store, it is my goal to help you achieve this goal.