Crating Your Dog

 An invaluable item we purchased for our dog was a crate.  They are used widely for toilet training, feeding, transporting, separating, downtime whilst showing or just providing a quiet place for your dog to relax.

Wild dogs tend to find a snug or den-like space to sleep and your dog can enjoy his crate as such but it is up to you to monitor when, and how much time he will spend in it.  It needs to be used as a retreat and not a prison.   Crates used for housetraining will be a different size than what is required for R&R.  It is easy to put some soft bedding in the bottom.  Do not shut your dog in a crate for extended periods of time especially unsupervised.  Time in the crate needs to be introduced gradually and your puppy/dog needs to have a positive association with it.  He will still need the opportunity to relieve himself and have a good stretch.

Check out the quality of the crate and consider –

Strength and the materials it is made of

Ease of cleaning e.g. whether it has a removable tray?

Whether it needs to be collapsible?

Is it an appropriate size for your dog?

There are plenty of internet guides to find the appropriate size of crate for your pooch but be sure to do your homework.  Most manufacturers suggest not leaving gear on your dogs whilst they are inside the crate which could potentially get caught up (harnesses etc).

Ideally dog crates come with two openings so you are not so restricted if using in a different size car or space.  If you want to make your dog feel snug at home and cannot afford a crate, consider making available a ‘cubby’ style space for your dog to feel cosy.  Perhaps he likes to curl up under your desk?

If you plan to transport your dog by plane or train check which type of crate is required for that service provider.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding Brisbane, Dog Walking Brisbane, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)