There are many reasons to consider crate training your puppy and dog. Crates offer a safe place for dogs to rest and if introduced correctly will be a calm and protected resting place. Once trained, most dogs will actively take themselves to their crates to rest and find it a familiar place to settle in new surroundings.
If you are unsure on how to introduce a crate to your new puppy or dog, or perhaps need help making the crate a positive environment for your dog to rest, you and contact me to arrange a consultation and start your crate training journey.
Below are some of my favourite reasons for introducing your new puppy or dog to a crate.
1) Make sure your puppy or dog is getting enough rest.
Using a crate from the beginning as your dogs bed helps ensure the dog is getting enough rest.
Vets 4 Pets advises that an 8 week old puppy needs 18-20 hours sleep in a 24 hour period due to the amount of growing and developing taking place at this age.
By the age of 16 weeks, puppies typically require about 12 hors sleep in a 24 hour period, and by an age of 12 months the average dog will sleep for about 11 hours per 24 hour period.
2) Crates can help with puppy toilet training.
Puppies and dogs wont typically want to toilet in their bed area. So a crate can help to teach them to control their toileting urges. Make sure you give you puppy the chance to toilet outside before putting them in the crate and don't leave them for too long before letting them straight outside again for another chance to go to the loo.
3) Preparing your dog for stays with the vet.
If you plan on spaying or neutering your puppy or dog, or if your dog ever needs to stay at the vets, they will have to spend some time shut away at the vets before and after their procedure. Crate training can help make this less stressful for the dog as it will already be used to relaxing in a confined space.
4) Help control your dog when guests visit.
If your dog already knows how to settle in the crate, placing them in the crate before guests arrive can help prevent excitement escalate and also stop unwanted barking and jumping up. Once the dog is calm again, we can consider letting them out and set the dog up for a positive experience.
5) Control around other dogs in the home.
If you bring a new dog into the home, be it a permanent addition or temporary visitor, a crate will help control your dogs and avoid potential friction or unwanted play. Perhaps you know your older dog wont want to be bothered by a puppy whilst you need to leave the room, or you want to ensure there are no issues with meal times whilst dogs get used to each other.
6) Safe travel.
It is much safer to travel with your dog in a crate. This is safer for you and for your dog. A crate will prevent the dog from climbing about and being a distraction and if you buy a crash tested crate, will also provide you and your dog with additional protection in the event of an accident.
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