5 major advantages to using dog crates:

Dog crates are an excellent training tool for dogs and they also represent a “den”, which is something they like and can relate to. Some people believe that using doing dog crates is cruel. They couldn’t be more wrong. You see, dogs are by nature den creatures, and the dog crate, when properly introduced, is its den. It is a safe haven where it doesn’t need to worry about defending territory. It’s like its own private bedroom, which it absolutely will not soil if it can help it. Dog Crates are one of the easiest and most effective methods for potty training your puppy or dog! You just need to make sure the dog crate is the ideal size. Your dog should be able to eat and sleep comfortably, while being forced to look elsewhere to defecate or urinateIdeally, dog crates should be big enough for your puppy or dog to stand up, turn around and lie down with water bowl. Clearly, as the dog increases in size, there will be a requirement to purchase appropriate sized dog crates.

Here’s 5 major advantages to using dog crates:

• Dog crates are one of the easiest & most effective methods for potty training - How can dog crates help with potty training? Easy. Puppies desire to keep their sleeping area clean. That’s why it is important that dog creates are the appropriate size for your dog. Dog crates that are too big may result in your puppy using one side to sleep, and the other as a bathroom. Dog crates should not be used to isolate a dog for more than 2-3 hours at a time. Take the puppy outside after meal or nap time and instruct him to go to the toilet. Put him back in the dog crate if he fails to go to the toilet. Repeat the process in 15 minutes.

• Dog crates are perfect for chew-training - Most puppies go through a “teething” stage (usually up to 6 months of age) and normally like to chew on things – shoes, books, table legs, chairs, throw rugs, telephone wires, etc. – to relieve their discomfort. Dog crates restrict them to chewing only their chew toys so good habits automatically form.

• Dog crates give you peace of mind - Dog crates allow you to leave for a few hours and not have to worry about your dog chewing on table legs or soiling the new carpet.

• Dog crates eliminate the chance of your puppy or dog getting into something harmful when you’re not watching (i.e. electrical cords behind the desk, cleaning products underneath the bathroom sink, etc.)

• Dog crates provide excellent preparation for future close confinement - Introducing your dog to dog crates can make it easier for your dog to adjust to kennels. Also, dogs that are used to close confinement are less likely to be stressed when caged during a hospital stay or travel.

So, as you can see - Dog Crates are extremely useful and can continue to remain useful after your puppy is house trained. Simply leave the crate open during the day. Dog crates become the nap place of choice with grown dogs. They enjoy the confined spaces that dog crates provide, just as their wolf ancestors found comfort and shelter in their dens.

Sizing of Dog Crates Is Very Important

Dog crates should be big enough for your puppy or dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down with a water bowl.

• Height of Dog Crates - The ideal size should enable your dog to stand up without having to duck his head.

• Width & Length of Dog Crates - the dog crate should be wide enough so your dog can lie on her side and stretch out, and long enough to lie down fully stretched out without having to curl up.

If you have a puppy, you have 2 choices: 1) Get a dog crate that fits the current size of your puppy, with the understanding that as your dog grows, you will need to purchase a larger and more appropriate-sized dog crate; or 2) purchase a dog crate that your puppy will eventually grow into.

If you choose this second option, you will need to shrink the space down for your puppy by placing some boxes or some kind of divider panels in the back of the dog crate. If you give him too much room, he is likely to use one side of the dog crate to sleep, and the other side as a bathroom.

Do’s & Don’ts Of Dog Crates

• Do think of the crate as a good thing. In time, your dog will too.

• Do let the dog out often enough so that it is never forced to soil the crate.

• Do let the dog out if it whines because it needs to eliminate. If you know it doesn't have to eliminate, correct it for whining or barking.

• Do clean out the crate regularly, especially if you've put in a floor and you have flea problems.

• Don't punish the dog if it soils the crate. It is miserable enough and probably had to.

• Don't use the crate as a punishment.

• Don't leave the dog in the crate for a long time after letting it eat and drink a lot. (because the dog will be uncomfortable and may have to eliminate in the crate.)

• Don't leave the dog in the crate too much. Dogs sleep and rest a lot, but not all the time. They need play time and exercise. When you are at home, they should not be in the crate (except at night when they are still very young puppies). If necessary, put a leash on your pup and tie it around your waist while you're at home.

• Don't check to see if your dog is trustworthy in the house (unsupervised, outside of the crate) by letting the dog out of the crate for a long time. Start with very short periods and work your way up to longer periods.

• Don't ever let the dog grow unaccustomed to the crate. An occasional stint even for the best behaved dog will make traveling and special situations that require crating much easier.

• Don't put pillows or blankets in the crate without a good reason. Most dogs like it cooler than their human companions and prefer to stretch out on a hard, cool surface. Besides providing a place to urinate on, some dogs will simply destroy them. A rubber mat or a piece of peg-board cut to the right size might be a good compromise (be sure to clean under any floor covering frequently).