Training tips...

8 Reasons to Crate Train Your Pet

House Training Your Dog - Crate training is a great way to take advantage of your dog's natural tendencies to keep their sleeping area clean. Remember when starting as a puppy to only crate your puppy for as long as they can hold their bladders and bowels.

Protecting Your Dog - Crating your dog helps prevent chewing dangerous objects in your home which may cause damage to your dog's body.

Protecting Your Home - Crates range from $25-$200, depending on the size and where you purchase it.  The initial cost of a crate does not compare to the damage costs of your home.

Separation Anxiety - Just like children, dogs are afraid to be separated from their owners.  Because we cannot spend every waking hour with our dogs, they need to learn how to spend time alone.  A crate creates a secure and comfortable environment for your dog.

Creating that comfortable environment - Dogs love to chew.  Find your dog that favorite chew toy and put it in the crate with them.  A chew toy will create hours of entertainment for your dog and keep them out of chewing your shoes!

Timeout! - A new dog can be a lot of fun, but it also can drain you. If your dog becomes excessively excited or starts nipping, use the crate for a brief timeout. Don't do this to punish your dog. (Never use a crate negatively.) Rather, the timeout allows your dog to clam down so it can interact appropriately with you.

Travelling safely - Whether you are travelling with your pet by air or car, a crate is a great way to ensure their safety.  For those dogs with anxiety issues from travelling, this provides that safe and comfortable environment for you dog.  The crate also works great when you are planning on staying in a hotel.  It helps to prevent damages that can get costly.

Provide security - Crates provide your dog with its own quiet place to hang out, especially important if you have a busy household and children. To encourage your dog to accept people petting it while inside the crate, praise it and give it tasty rewards on occasion. Also, let children know not to bother your dog while it is inside the crate. That's its quiet time.

Source: Dog-Friendly Dog Training by Andrea Arden (Howell Book House)