How To Keep Your Puppy Safe And Happy In A Crate

Most adult dogs feel more secure in a small, enclosed den-like area. A carefully designed crate and proper crate training can help your little one discover that a crate is a safe, happy place to spend the night. A youngster should be brought slowly to the crate when possible. The perfect crate should be just large enough for a dog to go inside, turn around, and lie down to sleep. Large crates are available with partitions for you to “shrink” to a poodle size, and then expand the area as your poodle grows. Plastic crates are a must if you plan to travel by air. Make the crate a familiar item. Let the dog nip inside and out the door. Or you can throw a toy inside and encourage your dog to come get it. You want your pups to have positive experiences with the crate. Most pups tolerate the door shut as long as they have something to munch. Some pups settle down and enjoy their treat with no fanfare. Others throw a fit and want out. If your dog fusses, let it out but lock the crate back inside. Once your dog accepts the crate as a fact of dog life, you can move the crate to a more acceptable spot in the house. A place next to your own bed will let the dog sleep in its own spot but near familiar smells and presence. Some dogs have a harder time adjusting to a crate than others. They can still see their environment. Others like their crate in the middle of the family action. Others might like it in a quieter corner of the house. . . .