So, there's a puppy in your near future and you've heard about crate training, but you're not exactly sure about it. Well, let me tell you, it makes living with your pup a lot easier, if you get the right kind of crate and know what to do with it.
If you are going to crate train, and I highly recommend it, select an adequately sized, collapsible wire crate, so puppy can see out all around, stand up in it comfortably, turn around, lie down and stretch out. Remember, puppies grow fast, so consider his breed and size and choose a wire crate that will be adequate. Don't use a plastic travel type crate that is closed in. Those crates allow limited vision to the outside world and are not acceptable for crate training.
Remember that the crate is not to be used as punishment. You want your puppy to like this useful tool. You want him to like going into it. It's like a crib for a child. To a puppy, the crate satisfies his denning instinct and becomes his special place, a safe haven, a comfortable retreat. Because the crate is portable, you can move it from place to place so puppy can sleep in your room at night and be with the family in the daytime. Just remember, you should not leave puppy in the crate for longer than two or three hours at a time; a maximum of four hours depending on the age and size of your pup. Because this crate is portable, it is useful for car trips and camping, too. It makes traveling with your dog easier and safer. What could be better?
Every puppy needs toys in his crate. What toys should you choose? Safe ones of course. Make sure the toys do not have attachments that your puppy can bite off, chew and swallow. Select durable chew toys like the reusable, vinyl Fill 'N Freeze bone. You fill it with water, freeze it and give it to puppy so he can soothe his sore gums. He will be teething, you know. That's why all puppies chew anything they can get their gums wrapped around. So a cold Fill 'N Freeze is a good choice. Or, try dipping a washcloth in water. Wring it out and put the twisted cloth in the freezer. When puppy's gums are hurting, oh, what a relief it is. When frozen, the cold cloth really calms the pain.
Other puppy-safe toys are white sterilized bones and hard rubber balls. Don't get any toy that is too small. Puppies can swallow an amazing amount of stuff. Avoid rawhide because it gets soft from chewing and puppy can swallow pieces — not good for him. Also, avoid pig's ears for the same reason; plus, they can cause a dog to be aggressive. Never give puppy an old sock or shoe to play with if you don't want him to tackle your designer shoes. Puppies can't tell the difference. And, oh, yes, you must puppy-proof your house.
You'll find paw-by-paw instructions for crate training, training, problem solving and more in one of my best-selling books "I Just Got a Puppy. What Do I Do?" The book is available at most bookstores and online. It's a primer about the magic of raising a healthy, happy dog with love, praise and affection.
WOOF!
Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Send your questions to dearuncle.gazette@unclematty.com or by mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. © Creators Syndicate Inc.