Overweight Dogs Are a Big Concern

An article I read written by Dr. Donna Spector stated that over 60% of dogs in the United Sates are overweight or obese.  The health risks connected with being overweight include diabetes, arthritis, heart and lung disease, high blood pressure, a compromised immune function that can predispose to certain type of cancer.  Keeping your dog within an ideal body weight will help him to live 15% longer and with a better quality of life.  Obesity only shortens the life of your pet.

When your Vet suggests that you help your pet lose five pounds, it is usually pushed aside and is thought that five pounds is no big deal. Five pounds of extra baggage to a 12 pound dog is like 58 extra pounds on a 140 pound woman.  Five extra pounds on a pet that should weight around 25 pounds is like 28 extra pounds on a 140 pound woman.  Five extra pounds on a 70 pound animal is like 10 extra pounds on a 140 pound woman. Doesn't paint a very pretty picture, does it?

Overfeeding is the biggest cause of obesity.  Just like sweets add pounds on humans, most doggie treats are high in fats and should be given infrequently and in small doses.  An example given by Dr. Spector and I quote:  "A premium pig ear on average has about 230 calories.  If you give this pig ear as a treat to a 40 pound dog (who should be eating around 620 caolories each day), it is the same as a person (on a 1,200 calorie diet) eating 2 double cheeseburgers as a treat in addition to their normal meals.  This pig ear represents close to 40% of that dog's daily calorie requirement."

Keeping your dog physically active and within his suggested healthy weight means having your pet's companionship longer.  You first need to admit that you and your pet have a problem.  He doesn't just feed himself.  You can control what he eats.  Take him to the Vet for a check-up regularly and formulate a weight loss plan and then stick to it.  Your Vet can help you choose the right food and the right amount of treats that will maintain an ideal body weight for your pet.  Take him for a brisk 20 minute walk or longer every day.

If you plan on traveling with your pet; he will do much better if he is not over weight.  Excess weight is hard on them where they are contained in a dog crate for the entire flight and not allowed to get up and move about.  A crate will allow them to stand and turn around, but your dog still needs to be able to walk and stretch those muscles, so plan on a good walk or some exercise before and after the flight.

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.

Getting Your Canine to Go In His Dog Crate

No matter if you have an older dog or a pup, crate training is a great training method for your pet. Introducing your canine properly is a key factor to the outcome of your crate training success. No matter how difficult it gets, never force it. You must be patient and take your time. Always go at a pace at which your dog is comfortable. If you rush it, you can get off to a bad start. If that happens, your canine may not ever want to go inside the crate.

One of the first things to do is make it a comfortable place for your pet to be when inside. Putting it where you plan to keep it permanently helps make it more normal to your pet. If possible, it is ideal to keep it in a location that makes your pet feel like a member of the family. I like putting the crate in the living room or bedroom, but anywhere comfortable is good.

It's a great idea to put his or her favorite bed or blanket and a few favorite toys in the crate. After setting it up, go about life as you normally would, paying little attention to the new addition to your home. This will make your canine more curious about the crate, and likely to explore it on his own.

It is really up to your canine to check out the crate on his or her own. Never force your canine inside under any circumstances. It will only lead to frustration and difficulty. It is very critical that your pet explore it on his or her own. Place a treat inside if you like. That makes nearly every canine curious. Being patient is another key factor. Leave the crate in its place for several days and see how your canine behaves with it. Once your pet gets used to it just being part of the home, he or she will eventually enter it, especially if his or her nose is following the scent of something good inside. If necessary, you might have to positively coax your pet inside with another treat. Positively is the key here. Again, never force your dog inside. It will only make it a negative place to be.

At first, leave the dog crate open. Don't lock your canine inside. This helps make it a comfortable place to be. Let your pet come and go as he or she pleases at first. You will be off to a great start. Many people find that they rarely have to lock it if they start out this way. Their canines think of it as a safe haven and actually go there when needed. Others, like me, have to leave for longer periods of time during the day. If your pet likes to be destructive when you are away, you will need to keep him or her inside at some point. Take your time before locking your pet inside. Taking a few weeks to make it comfortable is a key aspect to being successful.

It's important to note, that you should never use the crate for punishment. Don't send your canine to the crate for doing something you don't like. Dogs don't comprehend that type of punishment. If you do this, the crate will quickly become associated with a place of punishment to your canine. Getting your pet to go inside becomes extremely difficult if this happens. It is much easier to do it right the first time than to go back and correct behaviors that have already been learned.

Done properly, dog crate training is a wonderful and positive experience for both you and your canine. It is a great foundation for all training, and opens up the sky as the limit for your dog.

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.

Dog Crate Training Part 1 - Reasons Why Dog Crate Training my K9 a Good Plan

Dog crate training is an often times disregarded part of dog training which is unfortunate because a pet that's appropriately dog crate trained is much happier and much more balanced. The truth is, properly trained canines think of their crates to be their own special den where they may really feel safe.

There are 3 major types of crates. Soft dog crates, wire dog crates, and plastic dog crates. All can be used for crate training. Getting your pet used to going into a cage can provide him or her with a secure and safe home. Additionally, if you wish to travel with your canine or just take your pet to a vet you might have to place him in a crate and if he is already used to the dog crate, this can be an additional bonus. In case your puppy is needing potty training, a dog crate might help immensely.

Puppies, Young children, and Dog Crate Training

You've got a young child and would like him to grow up together with a pup so he can be able to adore pets and assume responsibility. That is a fabulous idea, granted you train both puppy dog and youngster proper interaction. Toddlers enjoy being occupied and in addition they may help fill up the food and drinking water dish plus accompany you whenever you take your dog for a walk. Enjoying a brand new puppy means you will need to housebreak him and teach your pet to sleep during the night. Dog crates are the only technique to use!

In case your lifestyle is a very chaotic one that calls for you to go away from the house during the day, you will want to invest in a secure and tough dog crate. Pups need to chew on things for their growth. Furnish their dog crate using a few chewable playthings to keep him or her from getting bored. Let them know from the start that you will not tolerate him or her chewing on the couches. You can do this in various ways. You can use a bottle of spray that will discourage chewing or you can correct him or her when found in the action using a firm sound of your choosing. By no means simply put them within their cage for punishment. You need them to proceed there willingly, especially during the night time.

Housebreaking your puppy dog will take patience along with preparation on your part. Provide time to bring her to your specified area to eliminate. First thing each day, soon after meals and prior to bed time are a must. Enable him with some time to wander around and sniff prior to going potty. Let her sniff around wherever she has marked therefore he / she will locate it the following go around. You want to praise your pet whenever he or she goes and give him or her a little treat. Whatever method you decide to teach her, ensure it is consistent. They say when you repeat things 3 times, it stays within the memory bank, however it takes for a longer time to really make it a behavior. It is vital a puppy be let out of his dog crate every couple of hours through the housebreaking process. They really don't want to eliminate in their dog crate, but their small bladders are only able to store so much. In case you are unable to let him / her out regularly, please seek advice from a trainer and go over alternative strategies.

A puppy's dog crate will need something comfortable and soft meant for your pet to nap upon. Hard surfaces raise havoc with her bones. Hard floors place a lot of strain on her joints and due to the discomfort his or her rest and lifestyle are disturbed. A crate sleep pad is a great option. A favorite blanket is adequate if you don't want to invest the extra money for a good sleep pad. During the night, you will need to position your dog's cage inside of a cozy place near to wherever you sleep. Your dog should really feel safe and sound and so both of you could possibly get a great night's sleep. Take advantage of the experience which a puppy can bring you as well as your household.

If you need help with dog crate training, check out this course.  I use it with my dogs, and it has worked wonders not only with crate training, but with all aspects of training.

Effectively Train Your Canine in or out of a Dog Crate

The old school notion had been that you have to place your pup on a leash and force your pet to behave by way of yanking the dog all over the place. When the leash didn't perform then a choke training collar or a spiked dog collar was used. Dog crates were utilized for a location associated with punishment and also linked to adverse actions. Many old school puppy trainers used negative reinforcement in addition to extreme treatment whenever training not necessarily too many years ago. This technique has failed and merely made the pup fearful and also disobedient to the trainer. To obtain benefits that will work with the pet, you'll need to be engaged everyday. A couple five to ten minute training periods implementing soft yet firm voice commands can attain a high degree of obedience without the fearfulness.

As the master of your pup, you should become a pack leader. One of the best and more prominent voices of this is Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer. Choose to be calm, consistent as well as sensible. Do not burst out and yell at the dog or worse still start to strike him or her. Yelling only leads to anxiety and she will probably cower in the corner and build up resentment towards you. Pay attention to yourself when you start to yell at someone about anything. It sounds a whole lot like the neighbor's barking canine. That is why you need to maintain your voice a normal tone and show him or her using hand signs in addition to body language just what it is you wish the pup to accomplish. One particular strategy I came to find ended up being to snap my fingers to get his attention. After you have their interest then you can definitely offer a command. Without their total attention, you just as well forget it. You want your puppy to respect you certainly not fear you. Reward positive conduct. You do not always have to utilize a treat, but it is a great way to obtain his early attention. Afterward, you are able to phase out the goodies and reward with praise.

Young puppies will do several adorable things that come to be irritating down the road, therefore be cautious about that which you reward. Don't reward poor behavior. You need to have a designated place for the pup to escape into when he / she desires rest, and believe you me, pups do love to snooze. This is why a dog crate comes in to play. The dog crate is really a location in which he can go and be secure. It's not a spot where he or she potties. Before presenting your pet the command to crate, be sure that he / she has had adequate time outside to alleviate himself within the chosen place. They will by nature visit the very same spot unless it becomes too soiled with feces. Keeping this area tidy can be a huge and smelly job that falls on you the owner, but it is well worth it.

If you are looking for a great way to train your dog, check out the course I use with my canines.  It is a great and hands off method to training.

Keep Your Pet in His Crate for a Good Night’s Snooze

Have you ever tried to go to sleep, but just couldn’t because of too much stress during the day or maybe a little too much caffeine, a wife that snores? All the many things we complain about that keep us awake and make us toss and turn may not be the problem. The Mayo Clinic for Sleep Medicine conducted a survey and came up with a surprise answer to man’s dilemma. Some of the sleeplessness could be traced to arthritis pain, but the main cause was that canine companion sharing the same bed. When they recommended throwing the pet out of bed,  most pet-lovers balked. Tossing the pet out of bed was too much of a sacrifice to make when they had become accustomed to having that pet warm the bed and just cuddle. I will admit it is a nice comfort and they do make you smile. There are so many great beds for dogs and  designer dog crates, that it should be easy, but it is not.


Both of you can achieve a good night’s rest, if you put him in a plastic crate equipped with a soft pad and keep it within your reach. In an article, written by Dr. Marty Becker, veterinary contributor for “Good Morning America” and Gina Spadafori, his co-author on best-selling books they suggest that you have your dog checked for external parasites – fleas and ticks – as well as bacterial yeast infections. These can cause itching and discomfort for your dog and if they sleep with you, I think you can answer that one, especially, if you wake up with an itch. Dr. Peter Ihrke, a professor of veterinary dermatology at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine states that allergies can also be the culprit. He suggests that you have your Vet check him over for dust-mites.

Cleanliness comes into play again and again. Keep the bed linens washed and clean and while you are taking care of your sleeping comforts, wash and clean the pad and plastic crate to insure that your dog is free of dust mites and dirt. They carry a lot of dirt into the home on the pads of their feet from the out-of-doors. If you insist on letting that dog take up half (most of time it is three quarters) of the bed then it is suggested that you enclose the box springs, mattress and pillows in barrier covers and wash weekly. Using a dog crate would be a much, much better solution.

When you bring a new baby home from the hospital, his sleeping schedule is contrary to yours. So it is with your pet, if you play with him and get him all worked up at night time and let him sleep all day you can plan on being up all night. Exercise him as much as possible during the day time and let him out for a long potty break before your bed time. We read our children stories at night to quite them down, play relaxing music at night and give your pet a favorite soft toy before you place him in his plastic crate for the night. If you make a nightly routine of it, you may just be surprised at how nice it is to have the whole bed to yourself or at least half of it. If none of this works, remember some body has to sleep on the couch and my bet is it won’t have four legs. You may have to insist on the dog crate for a longer period of time, but he will learn to choose it.

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.