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The Puggy Page
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Meet the Pug
Buying Puppies
Setting Up House
Training and Care
General Care
Nutrition
Pug Problems 1
Pug Problems 2
Pug Clubs
Breeding 1
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Wouldn't it be wonderful if someone developed a device for dogs that prevents destruction, chewing and garbage raiding? The perfect device would also: - Assist in housebreaking When your family becomes blessed with a bouncing baby puppy, the advantages of crate training will quickly become evident. What is a dog crate? It is a rectangular enclosure, most commonly referred to as a cage. It is usually constructed of heavy plastic or fibreglass, or wire and metal. Any dog that is travelling on a plane or a train must be confined in an approved crate. Crates come in various sizes to suit all types of dogs. Pet owners and non-pet owners will criticize the use of a crate, believing it to be a form of cruelty. Crate training is ideal for just about every new puppy and it even works for most adult dogs. Proper crate training is neither cruel or unpleasant for the dog. Crate training is essential if you plan on showing your dog in Confirmation or Obedience. In fact, a properly crate-trained dog feels happy, secure and comfortable in his crate. In the wild, dogs and wolves need a den or hide-a-way for their home. Except for hunting, eliminating, playtime and protection, they will spend hours sleeping, eating or relaxing in their den. Most well -trained, contented housepets spend their day curled up on the couch or under a bed. The crate-trained pet is simply taught that his bed is in the crate. Proper use of a crate (when combined with proper housebreaking techniques) is probably one of the easiest and fastest ways to housebreak a puppy. Do not let your puppy have any water, once you have put him to bed for the night. Upon rising, let the puppy out immediately and praise him when he has done his business. If the puppy must be left unsupervised for a few minutes or a few hours, simply confine him in his crate. Dogs are clean animals, and do not like to dirty their living quarters. If you train your dog that the crate is his den, they will keep it clean. Accidents, will be few and far between, unless the puppy is left in the crate for a very long period of time. As soon as you get home, let the pup out to do his business. In some cases owners have successfully housebroken their puppies in a few days. Remember, accidents are your fault, not the puppies. Puppies and some adult dogs are naturally inquisitive, especially if they become bored. They may chew or destroy furniture, and can even harm themselves by chewing on electrical cords, eating plants, or by raiding the garbage cans. Puppies like babies do require constant supervision, if you cannot supervise him, confine him, place a few chew toys in the crate with him, and he may even get into the habit of chewing the right things. Confining the pup during your absence from home, will also eliminate the problem as you walk in the door of the puppy escaping. Many people have trouble getting the puppy to sleep through the night. When left alone, the pup will howl or cry for company or attention, as the pup has never been alone before. Fractice, place the pup in the crate, turn out the lights, and leave the room for a short periods of time. Do not go to the pup if he cries or howls, this just encourages the crying. By nighttime, the pup should be accustomed to being alone. Another alternative, is to place the crate in your bedroom at night. Travelling with a bouncing baby puppy, can create havoc, and quite possibly an accident. Crate trained puppies make good travellers, and most motels and hotels will not allow dogs to roam free in the rooms. Breeders and/or pet owners who choose not to spay/neuter their dogs and have more than one of different sexes, will find the crate useful for keeping the males away from the females in season. Most dogs, once crate trained, will enter the crate on their own, when they want to be alone orrelax. Remember, dogs need. a den or a place of retreat. Train your dog properly and you will be doing your pet and yourself a great favour. Under, no circumstances should a crate be used to discipline your dog. |