Crate or No Crate - PART ONE ... Crating Your Dog

Providing your puppy or dog with a kennel can prove quite satisfying. Many people say they don't believe in "crating." Read this ...

1) Dogs are den animals who seek out caves or dark, secluded spaces at times.

2) A crate with comfortable bedding can reduce anxiety, prevent destructive behavior, keep puppies safe from poisons, electrical wires, etc., and serve as a “mobile"bedroom", even when traveling.

3) Many veterinarians state that a crate should be available for the life of the dog.

The door can eventually be removed so that the dog has the crate to enter and exit at
will.

Furnishing Your Dog's Crate:

Toss favorite toys and treats to the far end of the kennel...

1) Kongs or Nylabones are good and entertaining. Toys must be inedible and large
enough to avoid being swallowed. Fragmented toys should be removed to prevent choking.

2) Water: A small hamster-type water dispenser with ice water should be attached to the crate if your puppy is to be confined for more than two hours. They know how to use them.

Introducing the Crate to Your Puppy:

1) At home, place the crate near you. This encourages the pup to go inside without feeling lonely when you go out.

2) Drop small pieces of kibble in the crate. The pup will discover edible treasures, reinforcing a positive association with the crate. You may also feed him in the crate, or if he hesitates, feed him in front of the crate, then right inside the doorway and finally, in the back of the crate.

3) Give praise for entering the crate. Do not try to force the puppy unless leaving or heading to sleep for the night.

Important Reminders:

1) Collars: Always remove your puppy/dog's collar before confining in the crate. This helps in avoiding serious situations such as strangulation on wires or mesh.

2) Warm Weather: Do not crate a dog outside ever! Don't crate inside without air conditioning when temperatures reach an uncomfortable level. Cold water should always be available.

3) Be certain that your dog has fully eliminated shortly before being crated. Be sure that the crate you are using is not too large, to discourage your pup from eliminating in it. Rarely does a pup or dog eliminate in the crate if it is properly sized and the dog is an appropriate age to be crated.

A Note About Crating Puppies:

Puppies under 4 months have tiny bladders. Puppies under 3 months have far less. Very young puppies under 9 weeks should not be crated, as they need to eliminate very frequently (usually 8-12 times or more daily).

Crating/Kenneling Guide Lines:

9-10 Weeks: Approx. 30-60 minutes at a time

11-14 Weeks: Approx. 1-3 hours

15-16 Weeks: Approx. 3-4 hours

17 + Weeks: Approx. 4+ (6 hours maximum)

*NOTE: Except for overnight, neither puppies nor dogs should be crated for more than 5 hours at a time. (6 hours maximum!) This calls for visits home for a break from you or a qualified pet sitter!


Look for more information about kenneling/crating in Part 2 of my blog article, in about 2 weeks.

Until then, enjoy your pet friends!