Dog Crate Training Starts When You Get Your Pet

Our hearts are touched by a small, soft, cuddly ball of fur, and we want to take him home. When we hold a small puppy, our emotions run high and we don’t stop to think about all the work and expense that is involved in taking the proper care of him into adulthood. For some unknown reason; we cannot see beyond the cute antics and the love that we feel for him when we press him up to our cheek. We have the mental picture in our mind that he will be easy to train and will walk beside us on leash without any effort on our part. Boy, are we in for a surprise!

It takes lots of effort on our part to obtain a well-behaved pet. Crate training needs to begin immediately, and it doesn’t matter if it is a puppy or an adult dog that you have chosen. Dog crate training starts the moment you pick him up and head home with him. Purchase the crate in advance and have it ready for immediate use.

Crate training is a place for you to confine your dog that will keep you in control and limit his boundaries to keep him out of trouble. Your pet needs to know his limits and boundaries from day one. You don’t want to wait to potty train him after he has decided that the living room rug will do just fine.

Dog crates are NOT places to put your dog to keep him locked up until you decided that you would like to once again enjoy some companionship. Dog crates are to be used to allow your pet his own private space and to keep you in control. We want our canine friend to be a companion and to enjoy spending time with him inside the house. They are most helpful in potty training your pet. Limiting their freedom in the house is one way to break bad habits. If he begs for food at the table, place him in the crate away from the dining area prior to your meal and release him after the dishes have been cleared from the table – this way there will be no food to smell and he will have nothing to beg for.

The idea behind using a crate to potty train your dog is to completely eliminate any bathroom accident in the home. A small puppy can squat and go in less than five seconds, so if you cannot have your eye on him at all times, let him rest in his crate. This is assuming that you have been watchful and taken him outside to his bathroom area at regular intervals. Small puppies as well as adult dogs will associate leaving the crate with being allowed to go outside to the bathroom area and will hold their urge to urinate until in the designated area. It will take some time on your part to learn effective crate training techniques, but for the enjoyment you will experience later on it will be well worth the effort. Your goal is to have a pet that you can leave in the house without worrying about an accidental urination on expensive furniture or carpet. Proper crate training your dog will give you many hours of pleasure and enjoyment free from the stress of wondering, “What will he do next?” You will be able to leave him and go about your daily chores or outside activities without the worry.

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.

Encourage Your Freind to Love His/Her Dog Crate

There is nothing cruel or inhumane about having a crate for your dog when used as his private den.  Genetically dogs are den animals and are wired to seek den-like enclosures rather than living in wide open spaces.  Left in the wild, they would seek out places under heavy brush where predators would not hunt and there made a bowl like hole in the ground to sleep and to nurture their young.  Because we have domesticated the dog, we have also provided them with a crate that resembles as closely as possible the den they would have created for themselves in the wild.

Placing a dog crate in the home and furnishing it with a blanket or a dog crate bed and/or cover instinctively allows your pet to imagine that he is in the wild and is protected from harm.  Leaving the door open and letting him wander in and out at his leisure provides him with a sense of crawling out of his den that has been hidden by the bushes. He will think of his crate as a den and will want to be inside when frightened, needing rest or just wanting to be left alone.

Just as a dog will not soil his den in the wild; he will desire to keep his crate free from soil and will wait for you to let him outside to potty.  Using a dog crate to potty train a puppy works very well for this reason.  The technique of using a crate to train your pet to wait until he is taken outside to potty reinforces his natural instinct to keep his den clean.

Proper Use of a Dog Crate Helps with These Safety Issues:

• When inside the crate he cannot chew on electric cords.
• When inside the crate you do not have to be concerned about his whereabouts
• It affords a safe place when transporting in a vehicle
• Inside the crate, he cannot chew on poisonous plants

Dog Crates provide a safe place for your pet and when used properly they are an asset.  Our pets love to play and they need plenty of exercise for bone and muscle development.  Being a social animal they also need to have lots of socialization with other dogs as well as with their human family.  It is recommended by the experts that four hours without a break is a long time for many adult dogs.  They do not recommend crating your dog for an entire day.  They need to be let out for exercise as well as socialization.  Also, after two hours they will need to stretch their legs and have a fresh bowl of water.  Remember that dog crates are not a substitute for love, affection, and proper training.   They need to want to be in their crates and most adult dogs will be content there during the night and will retreat there on their own without any encouragement.  Keep the dog crate a happy place.

How to Help Your Puppy Stop Barking While In His Dog Crate

Most of us who have ever had a new puppy, know that those first few days, or weeks can be a struggle.  Your pup whines and barks whenever he or she is put inside his dog crate.  This is an issue that should be addressed right away if it is happening to you.  You don't want it to become a habit.  Then it will be much harder to fix.

First of all, your new puppy is looking to you for guidance.  Now that his or her mother is not letting the pup know what is tolerable, the job must become yours.  Exercise is the most important tool in this process.  A puppy that has gone for a nice long walk or run is a tired puppy.  A tired puppy doesn't want to bark as much as a puppy with a lot of pent up energy.

Some other tips that I have heard from others are:

• Using a dog crate cover to create a quiet place - If you do not feel like making another investment in a crate cover, putting a towel or blanket over the dog crate is a great and economical alternative.
• Give your puppy a bone or something that is safe to chew on when inside the crate.  This gives him or her something to do and will help reduce the anxiety that can be caused by being alone.
• Train your puppy to think of the dog crate as a den or safe place.  If it is always associated with a positive thing such as a treat or praise for going in, it will be comfortable to your pet.  It is in their genes to be den animals.  There are many good trainers and training courses available for helping with this.
• When you are gone, turning on the television or radio can help the puppy think that there is someone around and that also helps reduce the anxiety.

Of all of the things mentioned, exercise and proper training are the two that work best for me.  The exercise isn't bad for us people either.  In fact, after writing this post, I am going to take my two mutts for a nice long walk.

Dog Crate Training Part 2 - Picking The Perfect Crate For Your Dog

These days, there are a variety of different dog crates to choose from and you wish to pick one that's best for your dog. One major consideration is the size of the cage compared to the size of your canine companion. You don't want it to end up being so tiny that your dog can hardly turn about, however, you wouldn't like it being too large either. The most perfect size is a size which allows your canine to stretch and has more than enough head room to stand up and turn around in, but one that is still cozy for your furry friend.


If your canine is a puppy, you may have to think about getting a smaller dog crate right now and a larger one for when he or she grows to full size. Even better, look for one that includes a divider. A crate divider lets you make it larger as your pet dog grows up. In addition to sizing, there are a variety of different materials on the market.

Plastic Dog Crates are widely used and also a type that is necessary for traveling by air. Plastic types are usually plastic on the bottom, top, and sides, and include a metal gate for the front. Plastic will likely be the kind that the airline requires, and more than likely what you would use for car travel because the are going to be the most protective for your canine should a collision or rough travel occur. They may be a little secluded since the plastic on the sides and top isn't going to leave very much space for your puppy to see out. Then again, your dog might enjoy this because it creates a fairly private area. .

Wire dog crates are often the types that are employed in boarding kennels. You might also find them at dog events. They are simply wire throughout and they usually have a plastic tray that you insert so your puppy isn't sitting on the wire which can really harm his paws. Wire versions have an advantage since your pet is able to see out of the top and the walls. There are some very good dog crate covers that will offer a more private home. If your price range does not permit a cover, you can always cover the top with a blanket or towel. Wire kennels will be much easier to wash out too. Just slip out the tray on the floor for washing. They are great for crate training.

Soft dog crates are great if you spend a lot of time outside, and if you want to bring your pup to the market, the veterinarian, or perhaps a visit to the dog park or beach. They are not suitable for air travel and I don't believe too many of them can be authorized by the airline anyway. Also, they are not good to use as a standing cage in the house because they are so flexible. They are usually made of some type of nylon fabric having zippers on the top and also a front zippered "gate" that you can use to take your dog out and in. They are amazing improvements to the crate family if you have a well trained canine, but are not suggested for initial training, particularly for dogs that love to chew.

A Guide to Traveling by Air with Dog Crates

Flying with your dog and his dog crate can be strenuous.  This guide is designed to help your make air travel with your dog crates easier.  In addition to being the owner and operator of this store with my wife, I am also an airline pilot. Some may wonder how an airline pilot decided to get in the dog crate business, but the answer is easy. Airplanes and canines are two of my favorite passions in life. For us animal lovers, the joy of being able to take a pet on an airplane with is a wonderful experience, but without proper planning, it can be disastrous.


Many people sometimes wonder what is necessary to take their dog crates on an airplane. It can be a very time consuming and difficult task without proper planning. The most important thing a pet owner should remember is that each airline has its own set of rules, so be sure to contact the specific airline for their special rules that pertain to dog crates. That is priority number one. Also, be sure to give yourself plenty of time before the flight to find out the necessary information. The airlines have given a lot of thought into safe travel, both for you and for your pet.

Okay, let’s put aside dog crates for a moment and examine a few of of the basic things that we pet owners should know about our pet after we know the airline we are traveling on and its specific rules. We should make sure that our pet is not sick, in distress, or of a bad temperament. Some pets may be sedated for travel; however, it is not recommended, especially for very young pets. If you feel thus could be a problem, your veterinarian is most definitely the best source of information on that subject. Also, make sure your pet has the appropriate and necessary health documentation from your vet.

Back to dog crates.  Small pets can travel in the cabin with you provided they are in dog carriers or a dog crate that will fit under the seat in front of you. There are many great dog carriers on the market that will provide comfort for your small animal. Large pets must travel in a dog crate in the cargo compartment. You need not worry though.  Experience from my airline profession gives me the knowledge that the cargo compartment is safe and kept at a cozy temperature for your canine. The airlines will not allow any animals back there if that air conditioning system is not working properly.  Your dog crate should be clearly marked with “Live Animal” and “This Side Up” tags. You should also have your name, address, telephone number, and telephone number at your destination clearly marked on the dog crate. When looking at dog crates for your pet, many of the top quality dog crates are approved for air travel. Be sure to ask.

A few basic things about dogs and dog crates to remember are:

• Be sure to put your pet’s favorite blanket and toy in the dog crate
• Book a nonstop flight
• Don't feed your pet just prior to departure.  You don’t want your pet to get airsick, lost, or stuck out on the hot tarmac for a long time
  
• Give your pet frozen water or ice cubes in his or her dog crate or dog carrier It will melt slowly, keep your pet hydrated, and not spill so easily.
  
• Plan for your dog crate ahead of time
  
• Enjoy the company your pet can give you during your travels
  

Thanks for taking the time to read this guide and I hope to see you on your traveling adventures

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.

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.