Crate training is excellent for most dogs, and choosing the right crate size for your puppy is vital. When the crate is too small, it will be outgrown too quickly. On the other hand, when crates are too large they are not effective.
The first thing to understand is that your dogs crate is his den. When crate training is done properly, the crate becomes a place of comfort and safety. Many crate trained dogs will go to their crate on their own just to lie down in peace.
Next you should understand some basic dog behavior. The most important thing to remember is that a dog will not urinate or defecate in his den. A simpler way to remember this is that your dog will not mess where he is going to have to sleep.
Therefore, the key is to be sure that the dogs den, or crate, is small enough that if he urinates or defecates in the crate, he will not be able to get away from his mess. You also do not want your dog to be overly crowded in the crate. The standard rule of thumb with crate sizing is to choose a crate that is large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lay down in.
However, you also want the crate to be large enough to accommodate your growing dog. Many crates now offer adjustable walls that can be easily added to the inside of the crate. This allows you to have a small crate for your puppy, and as he grows you simply move the adjustable wall, making his space larger.
When you are selecting your dog's crate, keep your dogs breed and adult size in mind. When getting a mixed breed dog from a pound or rescue, find out what breed they believe the dog to be. Base the crate selection on the size and weight your dog will be when fully grown. This will allow you to continue using the crate for training for many years to come. Be sure that the crate you choose has the adjustable barrier or wall so that you can make the crate smaller for your growing puppy.
There are other things to watch for when choosing the dog crate. Some crates are separate walls, floor and ceiling that hold together with long pins. Keep in mind that some very creative and resourceful dogs can pop the pins up and out of place, collapsing the crate. Other crates are all one unit, simply folding down for storage. These are very nice units that are easy to put up and take down. They are especially convenient when you will be traveling with your pet. Choose a crate with a removable tray in the base. This will allow you to easily clean the tray of hair, vomit or other messes. Some crates are available that have doors in the side and one end. These crates offer a greater flexibility in their placement within your home.
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