DOGS AND CRATES

The size of the crate depends on the size of the dog. A dog should be able to stand up and turn around without having to back up. The dilemma is do you buy a crate for the puppy or for the dog he'll become?

Crates are an important part of puppy-training. Crates are "homes", "beds", "safe-places", and more. Surely dogs have been trained without crates, but having one really simplifies the job. You need to help your dog get used to his/her crate..make their crate comfortable with a blanket, an old unlaundered t-shirt, a few toys and treats. Open the door to the crate and in a few minutes the pup's curiosity will take him into the crate on his own. NEVER, and we mean NEVER, close your puppy in the crate the first time he or she wanders in. Instead give them a "Good Boy!" or "Good Girl" You want the puppy to know the crate as a "safe" place. Leave the door open and let the pup get "comfortable" with his or her space.

So, what about the size of crate. Buy one now, and another one later? Actually you should get a crate the will be big enough to accommodate the adult dog. You can make it work for the puppy by modifying the crate to a smaller inside dimension...pile the back end of the crate with pillows or cushions to take up room, or design a barrier that is held in place by the cages "ribs". That way you can adjust as the dog grows. We used the pillows because they were cozy and the puppy can snuggle against them.

New puppies may find it strange to be without litter mates, so making the crate a warm and inviting place may allow you some sleep the first few nights your pup is home.

Bedrooms hold the strongest scents of humans, so bring your pup and his/her crate into your bedroom to sleep. He may cry a little, but chances a good that you'll both get some sleep.