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When properly used, the crate can be a wonderful training and management tool. Crates and crate training tends to get a bad rap and some perceive it as punishment.
I crate trained all three of my Goldens and had success each time. Today, it is a place for them to go and relax when they want some quiet time and a place they happily stay when I can't be at home with them for a long period of time.
As you can see, Bruin thinks he's the king of his castle...
Benefits of Using a Crate
A crate is one of your most important puppy purchases because it's going to help with potty training and it will provide a safe and secure place for your puppy to rest and sleep at night.
Introducing a new dog into the family and pack can be a stressful time. A crate will give your new dog a sense of security and a place of his own while getting acquainted with his new family and surroundings.
If you have a mischievous dog that tends to get himself into trouble while you're away, a crate can be a safe place for him to stay. It will put you at ease and keep you're house from being destroyed.
Certain crates are great to use when traveling with your pet whether it's a trip to the vets or going on vacation.
Tips for Crating Success:
Introduce the crate to them with ease. Leave the door open, toss in a few treats and let them wander in and out on their own while giving them lots of praise.
Canines are natural den creatures, it's in their instinct. So you want to make sure they feel secure when they are in their crate by giving them some toys to comfort them.
Establish a schedule so your dog will know the routine of crate time. Whether it's during the day when you are out of the house or at night when it's time for bed. The more dog's can anticipate what's going to happen, the happier they will be.
Most importantly, never use the crate for punishment. You want to create only positive associations with his new den.
During the month of March, all crates, kennels, carriers and accessories are on sale at your local PetSmart® store and online. PetSmart has a great Overview of all their crating options to help you choose the one that is best for your pet. Did you know that all of their plastic crates are airline compliant?
This is the crate we have for Miley, Maggie and Bruin...
You want to make sure it is just big enough for them to stand up and turn around easily in, as Bruin is doing below...
So if you're thinking of getting a puppy, adopting a new dog or your dealing with behavioral issues, consider the benefits of crate training. Here is a great resource to get you started and on your way to having a #CrateHappyPet!
Lastly, it's all about the routine. Here is a quick video of Jordyn putting the dogs in their crates before we head out to soccer for the day....
You're right - there are a ton of uses for a crate with pets. They are very helpful devices. Your dog looks very at home in his crate. I love the stuffed animal that is in there with him too :) -Purrs from your friends at www.PlayfulKitty.net
Thanks for stopping by, Robin! I don't know what I'd do without our crates, so lucky that the dogs easily adapted to them. Bruin has had that stuffie since the day he came home, can't believe it hasn't been de-stuffed yet! :)
Great post on a wonderful training tool ~ nice video, too :-) We crate trained our pups as well as soon as they came to live with us at 8 weeks of age, and their crates represent a quiet location where they can relax and hang out whenever they want to.
Missy & Buzz have earned our trust in being well-behaved when we're gone, and thus have the run of our downstairs when we're not home with them. We do, however, leave the crates open so they can choose to hang out in there if they want to.
We actively use their crates when needing to keep them out of the way of any maintenance technician or when we're visiting family or friends with other dogs.
Miley and Maggie earned our trust as well but then when Bruin came along we started using the crates more often. We also leave the crates open for when they need a break from each other. Thanks for stopping by!
Howdy Mates. That was a wonderful video. Mum had never heard of crate training until just before I came into the household. It doesn't seem to be a big thing here in Oz. She tried it with me and it was the best thing ever. We don't use one now but for the first year of my life it was great. With Rory though, she did not invest in one but our laundry was sort of our safe place and we slept together in there. He would need a mighty big crate though, wouldn't he, hehe. Have a wonderful weekend. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory
It was the best thing for us, too! We definitely used them more when they were younger but still leave the doors open for when they want to take a quiet nap. :) Thanks for stopping by!
Yes w/ proper use crate training is PAWsome! Sugar enjoyed being in the crate ... we had to put covers as she likes it dark. Love the video. Golden Woofs
We crate the dogs when we aren't home and when we travel in the cars. Well Thunder gets to be out sometimes when we aren't home now that he is a senior. :) Life is so much easier with crate trained dogs.
We have always used crates and our dogs have loved them. Dear Ellie often went to her crate when we had too much company and the talk was too loud. Door open but still she felt safer. Lucy is happy to go into her crate at night, but rarely uses it during the day like Ellie did. None of our dogs has ever seen the crate as anything but a safe haven of their own.
That's wonderful, it definitely is a safe place and it's so important that they feel that as well. Bruin was wondering why I was outside his crate taking pics, I think he wanted a little bit of privacy! lol
Luke was the first dog we've had that we crate trained, and it was the best thing we ever did! It really saved my sanity. He outgrew the crate we had, so we don't use one anymore, but we will use one for all future puppies. Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
We agree that routine is the best. We know we need crates for nose work, and we are happy to use them because we know it means nose work. Bailie was trained since she was tiny and she is happy to go in her crate any time.
You're right - there are a ton of uses for a crate with pets. They are very helpful devices. Your dog looks very at home in his crate. I love the stuffed animal that is in there with him too :)
ReplyDelete-Purrs from your friends at www.PlayfulKitty.net
Thanks for stopping by, Robin! I don't know what I'd do without our crates, so lucky that the dogs easily adapted to them. Bruin has had that stuffie since the day he came home, can't believe it hasn't been de-stuffed yet! :)
DeleteGreat post, I crate train all my dogs and it is so worth it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, JoAnn! You're right, it really is worth the time and patience. Not sure what my house would look like if I didn't crate train! lol
DeleteGreat post! I was hoping to get on this campaign, but didn't make the cut... glad you guys did! :)
ReplyDeleteI love my crate! We refer to it as 10 Downing Street.
ReplyDeleteYours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher
Love it! The word "Crate" is so boring! We never thought of naming the crates, but it's a great idea! :)
DeleteInteresting as we have never bothered with a crate. Food fr thought. Have a fabulous Friday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
The dogs like to go in and out of theirs during the day when they want to get away from each other and take a snooze. lol! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteGreat post on a wonderful training tool ~ nice video, too :-) We crate trained our pups as well as soon as they came to live with us at 8 weeks of age, and their crates represent a quiet location where they can relax and hang out whenever they want to.
ReplyDeleteMissy & Buzz have earned our trust in being well-behaved when we're gone, and thus have the run of our downstairs when we're not home with them. We do, however, leave the crates open so they can choose to hang out in there if they want to.
We actively use their crates when needing to keep them out of the way of any maintenance technician or when we're visiting family or friends with other dogs.
Miley and Maggie earned our trust as well but then when Bruin came along we started using the crates more often. We also leave the crates open for when they need a break from each other. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteAwesome post! We have always used a crate for training too! Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteHowdy Mates. That was a wonderful video. Mum had never heard of crate training until just before I came into the household. It doesn't seem to be a big thing here in Oz. She tried it with me and it was the best thing ever. We don't use one now but for the first year of my life it was great. With Rory though, she did not invest in one but our laundry was sort of our safe place and we slept together in there. He would need a mighty big crate though, wouldn't he, hehe. Have a wonderful weekend. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory
ReplyDeleteIt was the best thing for us, too! We definitely used them more when they were younger but still leave the doors open for when they want to take a quiet nap. :) Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteYes w/ proper use crate training is PAWsome! Sugar enjoyed being in the crate ... we had to put covers as she likes it dark. Love the video. Golden Woofs
ReplyDeleteThank you Sugar! I tried a cover when they were puppies but they always seem to snap it down. lol Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThis is a great post. Proper kennel training is one of the most important things that we teach our dogs. Thanks for the information.
ReplyDeleteIt absolutely is! It may not be for everyone but it's what has worked for us! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteCats don’t need crate training. We use PTUs. I can’t believe how you guys just walked into your jails, I mean crates.
ReplyDeleteJail, lol! They've been doing it since they were puppies, they defiantly know the drill! :) Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteHi Y'all!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my crates. They are my own private room where no one ever bothers me. I have a comfy mattress to lay on too.
Y'all come on by,
Hawk aka BrownDog
No mattresses in their, they are destroyers of anything with stuffing! lol Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWe crate the dogs when we aren't home and when we travel in the cars. Well Thunder gets to be out sometimes when we aren't home now that he is a senior. :) Life is so much easier with crate trained dogs.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is! Best decision we made when they were puppies! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWe have always used crates and our dogs have loved them. Dear Ellie often went to her crate when we had too much company and the talk was too loud. Door open but still she felt safer. Lucy is happy to go into her crate at night, but rarely uses it during the day like Ellie did. None of our dogs has ever seen the crate as anything but a safe haven of their own.
ReplyDeleteBTW Bruin, you do indeed look regal.
That's wonderful, it definitely is a safe place and it's so important that they feel that as well. Bruin was wondering why I was outside his crate taking pics, I think he wanted a little bit of privacy! lol
DeleteLuke was the first dog we've had that we crate trained, and it was the best thing we ever did! It really saved my sanity. He outgrew the crate we had, so we don't use one anymore, but we will use one for all future puppies.
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
We agree that routine is the best. We know we need crates for nose work, and we are happy to use them because we know it means nose work. Bailie was trained since she was tiny and she is happy to go in her crate any time.
ReplyDelete