Crate Training Dogs & Puppies- FAQ

1) Why should I crate train my dog?
Crate Training is the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Have you ever seen a dog under a table, chair or bed? The reason is that dogs naturally want to seek shelter, even in a house. If you don't provide it, they will create it themselves in an effort to feel safe and secure. A crate serves as a den for your dog.

2) How does crate training work?
Like babies, puppies cannot control their bladders until they mature (usually between 3 and 6 months). Dogs have a natural instinct to avoid eliminating in their dens. Therefore, confining your puppy in his crate for the proper amount of time encourages him to "hold it" until you take him outside for a walk. Pet Dreams offers Free Crate Training Tips with more step-by-step details.

3) What about housebreaking older dogs?
It is never too late to crate train your dog! The number one reason dogs end up in shelters is behavior problems. Crate training, at any age, can help break bad habits and solve most of these problems.

4) How long do I need to use the crate?
Crates are not just for training- they are good for the lifetime of your dog. By providing a crate for your dog, you are in essence providing him with his own bedroom. Crates are especially important for older dogs that use it to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday family life, which often includes small children or other pets that may harass them.

5) How safe is crate training?
Dog crates are the best housetraining tool available. They provide a room for your dog while protecting your home furnishings from damage. However, even a crate isn't an absolute safe harbor for your pet. As per crate manufacturers warnings, you should always remove standard collars before placing your dog in a crate. Otherwise, your dog is at risk for possible strangulation if his collar or ID tags become caught in the crate's bars. Pet Dreams' Cratewear bumpers are the only bumpers made high enough to help prevent collar strangulation and other crate-related injuries.

6) I was told that dogs like their crates, so why do I have to force mine inside?
There are many reasons to not enjoy a bare metal dog cage.

  • Comfort: When dogs lie down in their crates, they are leaning up against wire bars, which can be very irritating. Crate bumpers and pads, like Cratewear, provide the comfort your dog will appreciate.
  • Security: Wire crates leave your dog exposed on all sides. Crate covers provide den-like security.
  • Location: Separating your dog from the rest of the family can add stress. Dogs are social animals, so the ideal location is a room full of activity. Your dog will enjoy his new room while still being part of the family. At night the bedroom is an ideal place for a crate so your dog will feel the security of being close to you.
  • Time: Confining him in his crate for excessive periods of time will be a negative experience for your dog. After housebreaking your dog, we recommend removing the door from the crate so he can enjoy his den any time he chooses.
7) What can I do to make my dog's crate more appealing?
  • Use Cratewear to make his crate safe & comfortable
  • Put appropriate toys and treats inside the crate, which will entice him to go in on his own.
  • Feeding your dog in his crate can develop a positive association with it.
  • Give your puppy lots of praise when he enters the crate.
8) How do I stop my dog from whining or barking the crate?
Again, make sure the crate is in a good location. Veterinarians and trainers recommend covering the crate to give your dog the privacy he needs to feel secure. If your dog can see you, he'll want to be with you outside the crate. Crate covers lower the number of distractions your dog sees, which reduces barking and stress. Note: Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety should not be crated. If you feel your dog is suffering from separation anxiety and is showing clinical signs, please avoid crating him until speaking to a professional.

9) What's in it for me?
Dog crates give your dog a place he can claim as his territory. Providing your dog with a comfortable room of his own will help keep him off your furniture. In addition to the safety and comfort benefits for your dog, Cratewear will enhance your wire crate to fit your decor, making the crate an attractive addition to any room. All of this results in a more positive training experience for you and your pooch!

© 2005 Pet Dreams - Pet Dreams® and Cratewear® are registered trademarks. All rights reserved.

Visit http://www.petdreams.com for our complete line of dog crate covers, crate pads, and pet beds. Our site also contains more crate training tips, FAQs, articles, and forums!

In The News:


Google News
Updated : Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:25:40 GMT

Protests Rise in Thailand In Challenge to Regime - Wall Street Journal


GulfNews
Protests Rise in Thailand In Challenge to Regime
Wall Street Journal - 1 hour ago
By JAMES HOOKWAY and STEPHEN WRIGHT BANGKOK -- Waves of antigovernment protests spread beyond Thailand's capital Friday as clashes between police and demonstrators intensified, forcing the closure of several regional airports and disrupting rail ...
Thai protest alliance not so happy with democracy The Associated Press
US asks Thailand to end crisis through democratic means AFP
New York Times - BBC News - guardian.co.uk - Reuters
all 2,421 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:33:23 GMT

Obama’s Plane Palin Problem - FOXNews


BBC News
Obama’s Plane Palin Problem
FOXNews - 2 hours ago
by Major Garrett Reporters covering Barack Obama heard the news aboard Obama 1 (the campaign for the first time chartered a second plane for the swelling press corps), just before takeoff.
Video: Raw Video: Schwarzenegger Praises Palin kcratv
“Tougher in Alaska” host Geo Beach discusses Sarah Palin Christian Science Monitor
CBS News - Chicago Tribune - The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - Seattle Post Intelligencer
all 5,468 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:07:29 GMT

Earwax: Too Much of a Good Thing? - WebMD


eFluxMedia
Earwax: Too Much of a Good Thing?
WebMD - 5 hours ago
By Kelley Colihan Aug. 29, 2008 -- The body is a miraculous mechanism. Consider the once-lowly earwax. People used to try to remove it.
Leave That Ear Wax Alone Washington Post
National Guideline Against Ear Poking eFluxMedia
MSNBC - RedOrbit - MedPage Today - eMaxHealth.com
all 36 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:32:14 GMT

Boeing union leaders recommend strike - MarketWatch


Washington Post
Boeing union leaders recommend strike
MarketWatch - 1 hour ago
By MarketWatch Leaders of the International Machinists and Aerospace Workers on Friday rejected Boeing's third and final contract proposal and recommended its workers vote to go on strike.
Union Leaders Reject Boeing Contract Offer Wall Street Journal
Boeing Union Urges Workers to Reject Offer, Setting Up Strike Bloomberg
Bizjournals.com - guardian.co.uk - The Associated Press - TheStreet.com
all 1,041 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:15:15 GMT

Microwave baby killer convicted - BBC News


BBC News
Microwave baby killer convicted
BBC News - 3 hours ago
A US court in Dayton, Ohio, has convicted a mother of murdering her one-month-old daughter by burning her to death in a microwave oven.
Video: Prosecutor: Ohio Mom Killed Baby in Microwave AssociatedPress
US jury convicts mom in microwaved-baby case International Herald Tribune
ToTheCenter.com - WZTV - NBC6.net - Dayton Daily News
all 689 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:30:22 GMT

US Economy: Spending Slows, Inflation Accelerates (Update1) - Bloomberg


Washington Post
US Economy: Spending Slows, Inflation Accelerates (Update1)
Bloomberg - 6 hours ago
By Shobhana Chandra Aug. 29 (Bloomberg) -- US consumer spending grew at a slower pace in July as the impact of the tax rebates faded and a pickup in inflation eroded Americans' buying power.
Bonds fall on mixed economic reports CNNMoney.com
Consumer spending flags, but confidence rises Reuters
Wall Street Journal - New York Times - MarketWatch - AHN
all 520 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:25:06 GMT

Aid agencies scramble to help flood victims - CNN


CBC.ca
Aid agencies scramble to help flood victims
CNN - 39 minutes ago
(CNN) -- The grinding misery triggered by the massive floods in a downtrodden part of northeastern India and across the border in Nepal persisted Friday, with government and aid agencies swinging into action to help the 2 million-plus people fleeing ...
India: Up to 2000 feared dead in Bihar floods guardian.co.uk
Millions displaced in Bihar floods PRESS TV
Reuters India - CNN International - New York Times
all 551 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:45:57 GMT

RSS For Web Pages
More Web Site Traffic


PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Essential Fatty Acids for Parrots

You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More

Natural Horsemanship Patientis: The 4th Of 6 Keys To Developing A Partnership With Your Horse

The 4th Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Dogs Sleeping Habits

It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More

West Highland White Terrier ? How To Capture the Best Pictures of Your Westies

For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is... Read More

Fat Dogs - How To Get Overweight Dogs to Diet and Slim Down Without Whining

Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More

Cleft Palate In Dogs

Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More

Dog Vaccinations: Doing Shots

Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More

Dog Grooming and Dog Care

Dog grooming is relatively simple for most dogs. I have... Read More

Top 15 Cat Quotations

Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More

Want to Feel Better? Go Stroke Your Cat!

Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It... Read More

4 Ways In Which You Can Show Your Dog How Much You Love Him

Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More

Housebreaking Dogs and Puppies - A Step by Step Guide to Potty Training Your Dog or Puppy

If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More

How To Stop Your Cat Scratching Your Furniture - Forever!

Your cat scratching at your furniture can not only leave... Read More

Housebreaking Your Dog-Potty Training Canine Style

Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More

How To Choose A Dog - There Is A Lot To Consider, But A Lot Of Help Too

Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for... Read More

Westie Rescue Centres

The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the... Read More

Treat Fleas Naturally and Avoid Vaccinations, for a Truly Healthy Dog

An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More

Five Snake Care Tips for Beginners

If you're looking for an unusual, eye-catching pet, it's hard... Read More

Tropical Fish Breeding for Beginners - Guppies and Swordtails

Breeding tropical fish can be a lot of fun. Try... Read More

How To Keep Your Cat Healthy - Cat Feeding Explained

Cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters, but that... Read More

Chinchillas As Pets

You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible... Read More

Brushing Up On Dog Grooming

Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More

Wisdom... Wolves!

Wolves are magnificent and majestic creatures that have shared this... Read More

Providing The Best Care For Your Goldfish

Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish.... Read More

Quickstart Guide to Making Your Own Pet Food at Home

As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More