Posts Tagged ‘dog crate pad’
The Basics of Crate Training
If you’re interested in crate training your dog, there are several benefits that your dog can derive from this endeavor. But there are things to keep in mind with this training. For one, crates are not meant to be permanent indoor houses for your dog. As such, your dog isn’t meant to be cooped up in his crate for long periods of time. And spending time in the crate should certainly never be used as a punishment. If your dog has done something wrong, don’t ever send him to his crate. He will only learn to associate the crate with punishment.
With dog crates, you also want to make sure you indulge in a crate that’s big enough to accommodate the dog, his water dish, his food, and even some of his preferred toys. You can make the crate more comfortable and accommodating by adding a couple of dog crate pads as well. Also keep an eye open for potential health problems in your dog. If your dog is feeling nauseous, for example, don’t confine him in his crate. This can only lead to a seriously compounded problem.
The Best Way to Housetrain a Dog
If you look at dogs from an evolutionary point of view, you’ll find that – much like their wild ancestors – these animals are den dwellers by nature. They enjoy the personal security an enclosed space affords them, and it’s much easier to protect a coveted bone or rawhide strip if the dog can see everyone who dares to approach. Crate training might seem a bit cruel at first, but it’s easily the most effective way to housetrain a puppy.
The most important consideration is how to make the crate a warm, inviting home for the dog each night. Try lining the space with a dog crate pad and throwing in a few favorite blankets and toys. Don’t lock the dog in until he becomes accustomed to the crate. Then begin training him to stay in the crate at night; he’ll soon learn the importance of using the bathroom before bedtime.