Crate-Training

Should I Crate-train my dog?

YES, YES, YES!

By nature, dogs thrive in places that are sheltered and secure to raise pups. They seek out places that give a den-like setting which will have a calming effect on their well-being. When a dog is brought into a new home, it has to fend for itself, thus making it nervous and/or anxious. The typical response to relieving stress and anxiety associated with being in a strange and new environment are to bark, escape, destructively chew, dig, and pace. Getting a crate prevents unwanted behavior patterns from developing . As simple as it sounds: your dog can not shred clothes and furniture when it is in its crate. By establishing an effective routine with you and your dog this will prove the crate as an excellent management tool.

When buying crate it is wise to make sure the dog can stand up, turn around, and lie down. It should not be too big, especially for a young puppy, who can often find larger spaces in the crate uncomfortable. Also crates too large will often times ruin your toilet training efforts because a dog can eliminate at one end only to move at the other end and lie down, this is not a good thing.

Take the positive approach to crating your dog. Because your dog sees her crate as her sanctuary never use the crate as a punishment. Allow your dog quality time outside of the crate, your dog should not be living in the crate. If you think you may want some assistance with the positive aspects of training, GreenPets recommends Rachel Jones of K-9 Divine.

Come in to GreenPets today; we have a large selection of crates, and we're here to help you find the right one for your pup!!