A CRATE-FUL PUPPY

The American Kennel Club has encouraged the use of crate training for puppies and list three compelling reasons.

          ~ it can greatly aid in housebreaking

          ~ it gives them a “safe place” of retreat

          ~ it affords them a comfortable and secure means of travel

Dogs are by their very nature, den animals. They enjoy the comfort and security that a crate can offer. It should not be a place for punishment. A puppy should enjoy the time he spends in his crate. It is a time for rest and reassurance from activities and new experiences.

Choose a crate about the size of your pup. Think of it as a bed. Place towels or a pillow in it and your pup will quickly regard it as his own special place. The pup instinctively will not soil his crate if taken out to exercise on a regular basis.

A young pup should never be left in a house unsupervised. When he must be left alone or cannot be watched, the crate is a wonderful place for him during these quiet times. Remember that he must be exercised regularly. Successful training is based on consistency. The old adage applies here – “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

Puppies love to travel and socialization is important. But remember that safety should be a concern when traveling. Never travel with a loose puppy in your car. We wear seat belts and a pup should have the security of his crate.

   HOUSEBREAKING