Large Dog Crates

How will I know what dog crates to purchase? What are the features of good dog crates? These have been the questions bogging the minds of dog owners.

A dog crate should have the following features. It should be made from a strong, coated nylon mesh fabric that is virtually indestructible. All fabric should be water resistant. Light color crates are best to keep your pet cool. It has to have reinforced corners and connection points with a durable, zippered escaper-proof door. D ring loop should allow for padlock use with two poles inserted for fast set up and knock down. These poles should be stored in the pocket or in the bottom for easy and secure transport and should be available in a variety of sizes.

Other features include easy portability so it should fold like a suitcase with safe and secure bolt latches. It should be made of tough and easy to clean ABS plastic pan with independent pan stop that allows pan removal with closed doors. Lastly, its handles should be made of a comfortable plastic.

Some tips for crate use are as follows. When telling your dog to use his crate, use such commands such as “kennel” to get the dog accustomed to using his crate. Give him meals or treats in the crate and leave the crate’s door open. Place some washable bedding and toys in the crate to make the dog more comfortable.

When making use of the crate to discipline the dog or stop unacceptable behavior patterns, limit the incarceration or grounding of the dog from ten to fifteen minutes. When the dog soils the crate, don’t scold and get mad at the dog. Instead, make arrangements for him to be left by his lonesome for long periods of time.

By following these hints, you and your dog can live together in harmony.

Dog Crates provides detailed information on Dog Crates, Dog Crate Training, Soft Dog Crates, Large Dog Crates and more. Dog Crates is affiliated with Patio Dog Doors.

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Dog Crate Training

Crate training your dog or puppy is worth the time and effort. It can take days or weeks depending on the dog’s age, temperament and past experiences. Provide a crate throughout your dog’s lifetime; it is your dog’s private sanctuary. Always respect your dog’s right to crate privacy.

Limit access while off leash until house rules are learned. Crates are plastic (often called “flight kennels”) or metal and collapsible. Different sizes are available. They should be just large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around.

Choose a crate size that will accommodate the adult dog.

Crates satisfy the dog’s need for den-like enclosure. A dog crate refuge reduces separation anxiety and destructive behavior, while keeping the dog safe from dangerous household situations. It doubles as a mobile indoor dog house when traveling by car or plane, although avoiding plane travel for the dog is recommended.

The crate should NEVER be used as punishment.

You want crates to be associated with something pleasant. Place your puppy’s favorite toys and dog treats at the end opposite of door opening. Drop pieces of kibble or dog biscuits in the crate until your dog walks calmly all the way into it to get the food. If the dog isn’t interested in treats, try tossing a favorite toy inside. Toys and balls ought to be large enough to prevent being swallowed and unbreakable to small pieces. While investigating the new crate, the puppy will discover edible treasures. Praise and pet your puppy when it enters. Bring your dog over to the crate and talk to it in a happy tone of voice.

Don’t force the puppy into the crate.

After introducing your dog to the crate, begin feeding regular meals near the crate if your dog remains reluctant to enter it. Put the dish only as far inside as the dog will readily go without becoming fearful or anxious. Once your dog is standing comfortably inside to eat, you can close the door while eating. When you first do this open the door as soon as the meal is finished. This creates a pleasant association with the crate. If the dog begins to whine to be let out, you may have increased the length of time too quickly. Next time, leave it in the crate for less time. If the dog whines or cries, do not open the door until the whining stops. Otherwise, the lesson learned is the way to get out is to whine.

At first, crate your puppy for short periods of time while you are home with it. Training is best accomplished while you are in the room with your dog, to prevent associating the crate with your leaving the dog alone. Water dispenser with ice water should be attached to the crate if your puppy is confined for more than two hours.

The crate should have a soft mat or towel as a bed for the puppy. If the puppy chews the towel, remove it. Some dogs prefer to rest on the flat surface, and may push the towel to one end to avoid it. If the puppy urinates on the towel, remove bedding until the puppy no longer eliminates in the crate.

Place the crate near you while at home when the puppy goes inside, so the dog doesn’t feel lonely or isolated. In most cases, it should be placed next to your bed overnight. Very young puppies under 9 weeks should not be crated, as they need to eliminate very frequently (usually 8-12 times or more daily).

Do not crate a dog when temperatures reach uncomfortable levels.

Always remove the collar before confining in the crate. If you must leave a collar on the dog (i.e. for its identification tag), use a safety “break away” collar. If your puppy messes in its crate while you are out, do not punish. Simply wash the crate using a pet odor neutralizer. Don’t use ammonia-based products — their odor resembles urine and may draw your dog back to urinate in the same spot. Block off excess crate space so your dog can’t eliminate at one end and retreat to the other.

Except for overnight, dogs should not be crated for more than 5-6 hours at a time. Children should not play in your dog’s crate or handle your dog while it’s inside it. Do not crate your dog if it has diarrhea. Diarrhea can be caused by worms, illness, intestinal upset such as colitis, too much or wrong kinds of food, diet changes, stress, fear, anxiety, or because it has not eliminated shortly before going inside the dog crate.

We have existed as a company since 1985, but it was a love of dogs, the dogs that have been a part of our life, and the passing of one dog in particular, Rusty, that inspired the creation of http://www.CalloftheDog.com and http://www.CalloftheDogShop.com — created to provide the things your dogs and pets need. Visit us for great information and quality dog supplies! Be sure to see our About Us page as well.

The two sites are dedicated to the dogs we have loved so deeply, and who have given us so much love in return. Purebreds and mixed breeds, but mostly rescues in need of a home. We educated them, but each one has had something to teach us in exchange.

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Dog Crates - A Dog Owning Essential

Every dog needs a room of their own to relax and feel secure in. Most often this is a dog crate or kennel. Usually made of metal, wire or plastic it is important to have one that fits your dog.

You want a crate that is large enough so they don’t have to duck their head when entering and they can turn themselves around in. Anything bigger and they make a mess relieving themselves in one corner and sleeping in the other. It is possible to get a large one and with dividers and let it grow with your pup.

Now you may think putting your dog in a crate is inhumane and may cause your new furry friend to resent you, but that is simply not the case. Your dog will see the crate as his own room, his security blanket. The crate helps to satisfy the “den instinct” inherited from his den-dwelling ancestors and relatives. Once accustomed to the crate your buddy will feel secure, not frustrated. After all he wants to make you happy and you want to have fun with him.

Besides being a secure place for your dog to rest, these are a great tool for housebreaking. The close confinement will encourage your pup to wait to go until they are taken outside because dogs naturally avoid soiling their den.

They also have many other advantages. You can leave your dog alone and not worry about him destroying things or relieving himself in the house. You can travel in the car safely without worrying about how you are going to get him out from under the seat when you stop. Your pup will have a safe and secure place to go when he is stressed or wants to relax. And because of this security you will be able to take your pooch with you more often for overnight stays rather than leaving him home alone. A dog crate is an essential once you decide to become a dog owner.

Dog crates can be purchased at pet stores, discount department stores and even online. Again it is important to get the right size for your dog to be comfortable. You can place a crate pad or old blanket on the floor of it for bedding. Depending on size and material a new crate may cost anywhere between $40-$400 dollars which is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing furniture, woodwork and carpeting that would otherwise be destroyed.

Once you purchase a dog crate for your pup it is necessary to place it in the right place to encourage your dog to use it. These are social animals so put it in the room where everyone is the most. In the living room it can even be uses as an extra end table or shelf. At night you can move the crate into your bedroom so you can hear if they have to go out during the night. If you are worried about it being an eyesore don’t worry because they are available in materials and styles to look more like furniture. Guests won’t even know that new wood end table is really a dog crate. Make your dog and yourself happy with one in your home.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of different niche online stores that offer wonderful specialty items. Here, she offers advice on how to make your home more dog friendly with comfortable dog beds, durable dog houses, and classic dog furniture.

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Soft Dog Crates

What are dog crates for?

A modern den can be a fiberglass or wire crate ideal for keeping in any room of the house. It needs to be big enough for the dog to be able to lie down in a comfortable position. If you have dogs that belong to the larger breeds and you don’t want to purchase lots of crates, then you may opt to buy an adult size crate and make partitions to fit its current size.

It is important for crates to be able to blend well with existing house furniture. Also, they need to be easy to put together with quality construction and engineering. It should not look like a dog crate but part of the house furniture.

A wire dog crate is best to use at home while a soft side dog crate is ideal when you want to take your dog with you when you travel or you’re on a vacation or simply strolling around, although you can also use it at home too. Portable dog crates and soft dog crates are perfect for today’s hurried lifestyle.

If you are looking for a lightweight and practical alternative to a wire dog crate, then you may opt for portable dog crates. These are light and airy crates that provide good visibility and ventilation for the dog.

Soft dog crates are not only attractive but also durable. Also known as tent dog crates, soft and portable dog crates are easy to set up and transport from one place to another. They are excellent for dog shows with a dense weave mesh that allows the dog to see outside while providing good ventilation and comfort. Midwest portable dog travel crates provide quality, durability, and ease of travel. They are also easy to set up.

So if you are looking for a cost effective, portable alternative to wire crates, look no further since there are dog crates available on the market that suit your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Dog Crates provides detailed information on Dog Crates, Dog Crate Training, Soft Dog Crates, Large Dog Crates and more. Dog Crates is affiliated with Patio Dog Doors.

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Dog Crates

If your idea of dog crates is the ordinary plain colored plastic boxes or wire cages, then you will be surprised at the variety of dog crates now available for your four-legged friend.

But how important are these dog crates? Dog crates are important because dogs, like humans, have an instinctive need for enclosed space to provide them protection, especially when they don’t feel well. When dogs feel tired, lonely, or insecure, they naturally want a den or a safe haven and a comfy space they can call their own. Without their own crate, dogs tend to develop bad habits and exhibit problem behaviors such as excessive chewing, lying on or beside furniture, and clinginess to their owners.

There’s good news for dog lovers who want a stylish dog crate that fits the needs of both dog and owner. There are designer dog crates that can fit perfectly in your lifestyle and with your home furnishings.

The crate is a must-have for dogs and can also be used for a variety of purposes. First, it is ideal for housetraining. You can simply take the dog outside after his nap or meal. Avoid playing with your pet until he has done what he is supposed to do. If he has not relieved himself after ten minutes, take him inside the crate. Repeat the routine after ten to fifteen minutes.

Second, crates are important protection from overeager toddlers. Kids need to understand that dogs need some rest. A blanket draped over a wire crate will teach kids that their pet needs to rest.

Third, crates can serve as playpen for puppies when their owners are not at home. A dog inside his crate will not wet the carpet or chew the furniture while you’re gone.

Fourth, crates can serve as sanctuary for an overexcited puppy. You need not let you pet dog terrorize the whole household, and don’t feel guilty that you are restricting his freedom. Sending the pup to his crate is like sending a child to his room. The dog will know that you are angry and he will feel comfortable inside the cage whole you collect your thoughts.

Dog Crates provides detailed information on Dog Crates, Dog Crate Training, Soft Dog Crates, Large Dog Crates and more. Dog Crates is affiliated with Patio Dog Doors.

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Dog Crate Training

If you are like most dog owners, you know that traditional dog crates are too unattractive to be used as a home fixture. Most people buy an ordinary dog crate for training. But once the dog is properly trained, many people tend to quickly get rid of the dog crate.

After the dog is housebroken, leave the crate open the whole day. Notice that the pup will take his nap inside the crate by choice. When you have to leave the house, you may place the dog inside the crate. This will not pose any problem as long as you don’t leave puppies or young dogs alone for long periods of time. It is important to give them plenty of things to do while at home that serve as their exercise regime. Some people think that confining their dogs inside an enclosed space is cruel. People do not want to be inside a small space where they cannot even move. It is important to remember that dogs are not like people. Their wolf ancestors find shelter, comfort, and safety in their dens. Modern dogs also find solace and safety inside their own crates.

The domestic dog or canis familiaris descended from canis lupus, more popularly known as the wolf. Thousands of years ago, wolves hung around caves, stealing food from man. Submissive wolves may have left their dens to put up residence among humans. In return for watching over their residences and assets, these wolves probably received food and shelter from their masters. These wolves gave birth to the domestic dogs of various shapes and sizes that further evolved into various breeds created for specific purposes.

All puppies, like their wolf ancestors, need a den. Pianos and tables are comfortable dens but furniture does not have closed spaces. Laundry rooms, spare rooms, or bathrooms are too big for puppies. There’s enough room in these places for the pup to make a mess in one area and still have enough room to play or sleep. In the wolf den, the mother wolf cleans after the offspring until such time that they are ready to do things on their own. The cubs then learn that the den should be kept clean and that it is a safe and comfortable place.

It is important for dogs to be trained to use the crate to save time and effort in cleaning up after their messes.

Dog Crates provides detailed information on Dog Crates, Dog Crate Training, Soft Dog Crates, Large Dog Crates and more. Dog Crates is affiliated with Patio Dog Doors.

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Dog Crate Training

Want to know the do’s and don’ts of crate training your dog? This article will acquaint you with the most effective ways and methods to assist your dog to his new crate.

DO’s
• Slowly get your pup used to his new crate. Don’t push or force him to go inside the crate, instead praise him or give some treats or toys.

• It is fine to get a larger crate if you are not sure which one is the right size. If it is too big for your puppies, you can use divider panel to minimize the space.

• It is advisable to use soft pet bed to cover the surface so your dog will feel more comfortable and your dog will keep coming back to his crate. You may also use crate wear accessories to keep your pet warm and comfy.

• If your pet is out of his cage, find time to supervise him. Supervision will correct your pet’s bad behavior like excessive barking, chewing and eliminating anywhere he wants to.

• Be patient while giving your pet a time to adjust. You must give an enough time for him to get used to the new crate when there is a change to a pet’s habit, At first you may find your pet is nervous in entering but this is normal, day after day you will see some improvements.

DON’Ts
• Leave your dog particularly the puppies in his home all day. No dogs can hold their bowels and bladders over a long period of time. Maintain a regular schedule every few hours for your pet to eliminate. A six week old puppy can hold his bladder about 4 hours.

• Letting your pet go around your house unsupervised. If you see your pet feeling awkward to go inside or outside of the crate, gently guide him.

• Forcefully put your pet inside the crate as a punishment. The crate is made to be your pet’s secured home and not to be associated with punishment.

• Put your pet inside the crate when he has diarrhea and is vomiting. If your pet is sick, the surface of the crate might have some remains of bacteria or worms. Try to adjust on the foods he eats and give him a balance diet. Crate him again when he backs to normal condition.

The author is a pet lover connected to a company that provides safe and effective dog crates, dog houses and dog agility equipment at affordable rates.

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