Every dog owner wants to give his/her pet the best possible life. Doggie lovers believe that their furry friend deserves a comfortable home, filled with fun things to do and safe places to explore. If you have a new puppy or a young adult dog, then your biggest concern is: what now?
Leaving your canine friend in a backyard or outside a house can be dangerous –especially when they are small. Instead of leaving them out in the front or back yard all day long, you can give them a home that they can feel protected and comfy in. The best thing? A dog crate.
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The benefits of using dog crates in the home
One of the best ways to ensure your pup gets enough exercise is to invest in a dog crate. While many people may not like the idea of confining their furry friend, it’s actually an effective training tool that can keep him safe and out of trouble when you’re not around. Some other great benefits of using dog crates are:
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1. Give your dog a safe place to relax:
When Fido is napping, he will feel safer and more secure if he's curled up in a dog crate. It's where dogs naturally want to hang out when they're tired, so it can be a great way to offer your pet a little quiet time while keeping him out of trouble.
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2. Protect your furniture:
Dogs can be quite the jumpers, and if Fido is still in the process of training, he may not act appropriately when jumping up on or scratching your furniture. By using a dog crate to give him his own space, you're ensuring that he won't get into anything dangerous while you're away. -
3. Prevent destructive behaviour:
Dogs often scratch and chew when they're left alone. If Fido is confined to a dog crate, he won't be able to ruin your favourite pair of shoes or cause havoc with your table tops and baseboards. -
4. Keep your pup safe from harm:
It's always better to err on the side of caution and ensure Fido is kept in a safe environment, even when he's home alone. There are too many risks to leaving your pup at large when you're not around, including poisonous animals and people who may want to harm or steal him. -
5. Prevent accidents:
Puppies are especially prone to making messes while they're out of their crate. If you can't keep your eye on Fido 24/7, then it's best to confine him to a dog crate for his own safety and peace of mind. -
6. Potty training made easier:
When your pooch is confined to an appropriate-sized dog crate, he'll be less likely to soil his sleeping quarters. This means you won't have to clean up after him in the middle of the night, which makes potty training easier down the road. -
7. Keep your pup from escaping:
Dog crates are like fortresses for dogs, and they will do their best to avoid breaking out of one if given the chance. Placing your pup's dog crate in a high-traffic area and keeping the door closed at all times is one of the best ways to keep Fido from running off.
Should I lock my puppy in his crate at night?
Most dogs will lie down to sleep when they’re in their dog crate, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically close the door and lock your pet in for the night. If Fido is still awake when you turn in for bedtime, let him stay out of his crate until he falls asleep. It may take some extra convincing, but he will eventually tire and go to bed on his own.
At what age should I begin using a dog crate?
You can start using a dog crate as soon as you bring your new puppy home, even if he’s sleeping in your bedroom at night. If you’re potty-training Fido, keep his crate nearby so that he has an appropriate place to go when he needs to poop.
Your pup will have accidents at first, but with some consistent training, he will eventually learn where his dog crate is and what’s expected of him while inside it.
Can a dog crate be too big?
While it’s nice to have a dog crate that’s big enough for your pup to stretch out and turn around in, there are some disadvantages. In excessively large crates, dogs may go to the bathroom at one end of the crate and sleep at the other, which is not what you want from your pet.
Choose a dog crate with just enough room for Fido to comfortably relax in.
What size dog crate should I get?
Conclusion:
A dog crate for your home is one of the most valuable assets you can provide your pet. Not only does it keep him safe and secure, but it also makes housetraining easier and prevents him from damaging furniture and carpets. If you haven’t already invested in a dog crate, then now’s the time to do so!
There are many styles and sizes to choose from, but it’s best to start with one that will be big enough for your pup to stretch out once he gets bigger.
Check out this article for a detailed product review on the best dog crates for home use.