Why I Don't Like A Wire Crate

I always tell new dog owners that a crate is the greatest gift that they can give their dog. The reason is because dogs are den animals and they love having their own personal den. However quite often the dog owner gives their dog a wire cage and not a crate. In this articles, I will tell you why that is the wrong thing to do. 

A wire cage is not den like. In fact I always ask if you were in a wire cage looking out where would you feel that you are. The answer is always "In Jail". Exactly it does not have a den feeling at all. 

Petmate Sky Kennel

If you want a den for your dog the perfect crate is the plastic type crates that are approved for airline travel. They have a wire door in from however on the sides there are some small slits to allow in air. This crate is darker and if you choose the correct size it will give that den feeling that your dog wants so badly. 

So how do you pick the correct size for your dog, easy. You want a crate that is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lay down. It should not be large enough for your dog to invite it's friends over for a party. This is a den not a cage. 

Most people find that over a period of time this crate becomes your dogs favorite place to rest, nap and even sleep. 

This type of crate is also the perfect crate to transport your dog and as I mentioned it is required for shipping via air. However it is also the perfect way to transport your dog via automobile as well. Being in a crate keeps your dog safe in case you slam on the brakes are involved in an accident. 

The wire type crate can be handy because it collapses but in an accident your dog is not protected as well and may even have a limp slip through the bars and injure or break a leg. I learned years ago to never use the wire cages. 

Here is one last warning about a wire cage. I have people that say we will simply throw a sheet over the cage to make it more like a den. That certainly does solve the den feel however I have seen several dogs that actually grab the fabric through the bars and pull it in and then consume it. That can be very dangerous and of course there is always the possibility your dog may choke. 

Plastic Crate

So invest in a plastic crate and give your dog that den that every dog wants. He will thank you for it!

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10 Things You Should Know About Dogs

Quite often I meet people who are getting their first dog and really have no idea what a dog needs or wants. This is a list of things that you should know about dogs. 

1. Dogs are den animals and the greatest gift you can give your new pet is its own den in the form of a crate. I like the plastic type crate better than the wire one because it has that den feeling and the wire cage does not. 

2. You can never really enjoy the love and companionship of a dog if it lives in the back yard. So bring your dog in the house and make it part of the family. 

3. Dogs are pack animal and really have a desire to be part of a pack which means your family. Don't be upset if your new pet wants to follow you around the house and be with you it simply wants to be part of the family. 

4. Feed your dog at the same time daily. Dogs like and more importantly need a routine to be happy. 

5. Training is important for several reasons. One of the most important reasons is that it establishes you as the master and gives the dog a leader to look to for guidance. 

6. Exercise is a must. Canine need it to

eliminate nervous energy. The great part is that you will benefit from going for walks as well. Exercise is just as good for humans as it is for dogs. 

7. House train your dog as soon as you get it. The number one reason that dogs end up in a shelter is because they did not get house trained. 

8. If you are starting with a puppy socialize it early. The period of socialization for a dog is from birth to 20 weeks of age. Socializing your dog early will help to avoid aggression or fear issues later. 

9. Find a great veterinarian that both you and your dog like. Establishing a relationship with your vet early is good for you and your dog. 

10. Make it a habit to spend just a few

minutes everyday doing something that makes your dog happy. Your dog will reward you with its complete loyalty. 

If you will follow these simple steps with your dog you will find that having a dog can be a great and rewarding experience. Dogs have a way of making us healthier and happier than we would be without a dog.

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Which Type Of Crate Is Best For My Dog?

Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

A crate is the greatest gift you can give your dog. Why, because dogs are den animals and the crate becomes your dog's den. So which type of crate should you select for your dog, the plastic crate or the wire crate? In my opinion there's no comparison the plastic crate is the all-out winner and I'll tell you why. 

If you were to crawl inside of the wire crate and look out where would you feel like you are, probably in jail? The wire crate just doesn't have that den like feeling that the plastic crate does. The plastic crate is darker and doesn't have all those bars. 

If you have a male dog a plastic crate is nicer because your dog can not hike his leg and pee out onto the floor. If your dog does have an accident because of the deep floor there's less chances of any of the mess leaving the crate. 

Petmate Sky Kennel

I understand that if you're traveling the wire crate might have the advantage because it collapses however it certainly isn't the safest crate for your dog to be in while traveling. In fact the airlines require that you use an approved plastic crate to fly your dog. You don't want to take a chance of traveling with your dog in a wire crate and having a situation arise where you have to slam on the brakes and your dog's leg goes between the bars and your dog gets hurt. 

So now that you have decided on which crate is best for you how big should it be. The dogs crate should be big enough for it to stand up and turn around and lay down. It should not be big enough for your dog to invite his friends over for a party. Actually what I'm trying to say is that if it's too big it loses that den effect where your dog feels that he's filling up the den. 

If you have a puppy then the crate is the ideal way to house train your dog. An added benefit of crate training is that your dog will get past the chewing stage and hopefully never chew up your furniture. 

Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

When it comes to price I think you may find that the wire crates are slightly less expensive than a comparable plastic crate however in the long run I think you'll find that the plastic crate is the best choice for you and your dog.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Which-Type-Of-Crate-Is-Best-For-My-Dog?&id=8489484

Puppy House Training, The Easy Way, Part 1

Now that you brought your new puppy home it's time to house train that little guy. House training your puppy is one of the most important things you can do for you and your dog. Most people aren't aware that the number one reason dogs end up in shelters is because of house training issues.

Quite often a puppy owner will tell me that it's okay we understand if it has accidents, it's just a puppy. And I reply but it is nine months old and your dog should be house trained by now.

However some time between 12 and 24 months old I always get a call from that same client that says we have to either get the dog house trained or my husband says it has to go. It has ruined the carpet, and our home smells like urine.

It would have been so much simpler to do this in the beginning when the puppy first came home. Here are some ideas to help you get that puppy house trained quicker and easier.

Potty Training Methods

Of course like everything else there's more than one way to potty train a puppy. But in this article we are going to talk about the method that I have found with my decades of dog training experience to be the easiest.

Crate Training

The easiest method to house train a puppy is by using a crate. Occasionally I'll have a client who says "oh that seems so cruel to put the puppy in a crate". However that's the farthest thing from the truth.

In fact the crate is the greatest gift you can give your dog. Dogs are den animals and they learn to love their crate as if it were their den. While we are talking about crates let's make sure you choose the right one.

Wire Dog Crate

There are two types of crates available, the wire crate and the plastic crate. I explain to my clients that the wire crate does not give the den feeling. In fact if you were in the wire crate looking out you would feel like you were in a jail.

The plastic crate on the other is more enclosed and has that den

Plastic Dog Crate

feeling that your puppy will be looking for.

Make sure that the crate you purchase for your puppy is large enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around and lay down. It shouldn't be so big they can do their business in one part of the crate and lay in another.

We want the crate small enough so that if your dog has an accident mother nature will tell it to hold it next time until you can allow it to go outside.

Another good rule to follow is to make sure there is nothing in the bottom of the crate that will absorb urine etc. (blankets or towels) Again this is so your dog with mother natures help learns to hold it until you take it out.

In Part 2 of this article I am going to give you more information on house training your puppy, The Easy Way!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Puppy-House-Training,-The-Easy-Way,-Part-1&id=8165343

Advice For A New Dog Owner

If you have never owned a dog before or if it has been a long time since you owned a dog here are a few simple things that will make the entire experience a joy. Not only are you getting a pet but you are also giving a new home and a great life to a living breathing creature.

Crate

Plastic Dog Crate

In my opinion the very first thing a dog needs is a den, so that means a crate. However keep in mind that the wire cages you see at the pet stores don't look anything like a den. You want the plastic crate that is used to transport a dog via the airlines.

The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lay down and no bigger. That is what gives it the den feeling.

Training

Every dog needs training. Size does not matter. Little dogs need training just like their larger cousins. Training establishes the master dog relationship and creates a bond between you and the dog. Plan early and find a trainer in your area that can teach you all the things that your dog needs to be a well behaved member of your family for the rest of its life. Owning a trained dog that you can be proud of is priceless so don't just go for the cheapest trainer you can find. You do get what you pay for so shop wisely.

Exercise

One of the most important things you can give your dog is exercise. Stop and think, it wasn't long ago that wild dogs ran all over our country. Then we domesticated them and brought them into our house. Their need to walk all day in search of food and water has been taken away.

Taking the time to walk your dog daily is just not a luxury for your pet it is a necessity. Your pet needs it to make him happy and mentally satisfied. Of course some dogs are not as active and do not need long walks. If you are a low energy person then be sure to pick a dog that fits your lifestyle and not a dog that needs to run 3 miles a day.

Health Care

Your dog needs a doctor just like you do. He also needs annual vaccinations and an exam to keep healthy. Find a veterinarian in your area that you feel comfortable with and he can let you know what is required to keep a healthy dog now and as it becomes a senior.

I hope these items give you some ideas about what is needed to keep a happy healthy dog for the rest of its life.

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