What is actually the dog crate for?
Maintaining a well-trained dog means that you need to know about some of the main dog crates available in the market today and what you can do to make your training easier. A crate should be used no more than 20% of the time needed to be used. This is because the crate provides your pet with a significant amount of comfort, and it also assists them in keeping their mind occupied while they are inside. If you don't want your pet to feel too bored and let them do their own thing when they are inside the cage, this is an excellent place to spend some time.
Tips on choosing the perfect crate
Here are some tips on how to find and choose the perfect crate for your pup:
- Consider what breed of dog you have - Smaller dogs need smaller crates since they cannot do much damage; Bigger dogs need bigger crates as larger breeds may destroy them quickly.
- Take into account the size of your dog - Also, consider the size of the crate you want and buy accordingly. However, make sure that it is big enough for your dog to turn around.
- Consider their temperament - If you are convinced a dog will destroy everything in sight, go for a more durable crate for such mischievous dogs.
- Think of what kind of behavior you want from your pup - No matter how small the animal, a good quality crate provides comfort and shelter during stress and anxiety. Some boxes have built-in toys to keep them from getting bored and destructive.
- Consider the location of your home - If you don't have a backyard to let the dog run around, getting them a crate in the room will give them something to do. They are always in need of new homes and training. You can look at local shelters for donation crates for training or adoption.
When choosing your new best friend, don't forget to think about where they will be sleeping and playing and what kind of environment you can provide for them in the future. A good quality crate gives them a place to rest, sleep and stay comfortable when the weather turns chilly.
Organizing your dog's crate
Once you have chosen the perfect crate, it's time to organize it properly. Here are a few tips to help you select your dog's box and make sure it doesn't end up as a wreck:
- Start small. A crate must be large enough to accommodate all breeds of dogs but not too big. Start with a small crating pallet and a quick-release door to take your pet out for short periods. Work on getting your dog to associate their crate with freedom instead of punishment for being naughty.
- Create an escape-proof or safe space for your dog. When you give up that space, you want it to be somewhere nice and cozy so that they will feel like the king or queen of their own tiny house. After all, the crate is where they will sleep and eventually spend most of their time in captivity.
- Start with a bed, toys, and water bottle to make it comfy. Please keep your dog's crate cozy by filling it with a soft bed, some toys or blankets to chew on, and a water bottle.
- Feed them there. This is another way to create an association between the crate and good things. When your dog eats inside the crate, they will become accustomed to going into their "home" each mealtime.
- Never punish them for being in the crate! While your puppy might not feel like going home just yet, you don't want to hurt your relationship with them by keeping them in the cage for too long or leaving them there when you go out.
- Make it removable. If you have more room, you can buy accessories such as a gate and door that you can use to pry your dog out, but be sure you are ready to spend the money on this type of equipment.
- Consider an automatic feeder. Some pets learn how to open cabinets or doors to get food, so a feeder gives them a safe way to get food when you are not home.
A dog crate may seem like a massive expense for a small animal, especially since many people want a pet that will sit on their lap and sleep in their bed at night.
Conclusion
A crate is like a dog's home, and many dogs even prefer to sleep in one rather than the owner's bed. Make sure you spend the money on a sturdy crate and not an oversized playpen. A good quality crate will make training more accessible by allowing your pet to become accustomed to their place at home and give them a safe space when they are alone.