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.

The Petmate Portable Pet Home Soft Crate is Back!

Some great news that I discovered last week is that the Petmate Portable Pet Home is back and better than ever.  This was always one of my favorite soft dog crates, and when all of my suppliers discontinued it, I assumed that Petmate had discontinued making it.  Well, whatever the reason, it is no more.  It is back and better than ever. 

The Portable Pet Home by Petmate still comes in 6 great sizes, ready to accommodate just about any sized pet (with the exception of very large pets).  The new colors are fabulous.  Instead of having a different color for different sizes like older models, the new variations all come in the same color combo.  It is a dark brown on the bottom and a tan or light brown on the top.  The features are tough to beat too.

Along with being made by Petmate, one of the leading manufacturers of dog crates and kennels, the Portable Pet Home is one of the toughest and most comfortable soft crates your dog can have.  It features 600 denier polyester with PVC backing for a reasonably strong soft dog crate.  I always mention it when I talk about soft crates, but please do not consider one if you have a dog that chews, is anxious, aggressive, or not trained to be in a crate.  It will only end up in pieces.  No matter how tough it is, your dog will easily be able to chew or claw his or her way out if not properly crate trained.

With the exception of the Mini, all of the new Petmate Portable Pet Homes come with ground stakes that allow them to be staked to the ground, just like a tent.  They are perfect for camping and other outdoor adventures, such as trips to the beach or park.  They also come with a comfortable pad, are water resistant, and easy to set up and take down. 

I recommend this crate for anyone who likes outdoor activities with their pets and dogs, and has a dog or pet that is comfortable in the crate.  Remember, that soft dog crates are not airline approved, and they really aren't the safest for car travel either, but they are perfect when you get to your destination.  They are also great for home use, and come with a lot of features.

Check out a Petmate Portable Pet Home at Canine Crate Store, and take a look at what they have to offer.  I believe you too will like the new colors, added strength, and great features they offer.