Crates within the past few years have become a popular tool in training your dog. In the past crates only found their use in dog shows and transit. Today, crates are normal for every day use. Trainers praise the use of crates.

They cite it for application in a variety of situations and for a number of reasons.

• A crate is a safe environment for your dog
• A crate is a cozy place. It reminds eh dogs of their ancestral homes - caves.
• Crates are essential for traveling anywhere. This applies to car trips as well as planes and trains
• Crates assist in housebreaking a dog.
• You can use a crate when your animal is sick. It gives them a cozy place to hide away in during this time.
• A crate is the perfect place to leave an animal going through a destructive phase while you work or play.

These are a few practical reasons why a pet owner would consider a crate. If your dog is destructive a crate is useful and can give you peace of mind while you are away from home. It is safer because you know your dog is not getting into anything dangerous.

When Not to Use a Crate

Dog crates are a tool but there are certain instances when a crate can be the wrong training tool to use.

• • Punishment is not a reason to make your dog to go in a crate. If you have a problem dog do not put them in the crate to give yourself a break. You must treat your dogs bad behavior and not just hide it in a cage.
• Crates should be a happy place for a dog not a living place. If your dog spends more time in the crate than free. Ask yourself why do I have a dog?
• Never confine your dog to a crate for long periods of time.
• Do not leave your dog in a crate overnight or for an entire day. Your dog needs exercise and long hours confined can cause muscular and heath issues.

Who Should You Crate?
Using a crate during your work day is fine. It’s a place for your dog to be safe and to know your stuff isn’t being chewed up. Your dog will appreciate having its own space. Puppies need a place like this to go take a nap or just relax from playtime. A well trained full grown dog should not need to be put in a crate. An adult dog should be allowed to replace their puppy crate with a nice comfy bed.

Above all you must remember this. A dog crate is a tool not a solution. Do not use your crate as an escape from your responsibilities as a dog owner.

Information written by Anthoney Morrison of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can find a fantastic collection of large dog clothes online.

Have you often wondered – how many commands should I teach my dog?  There really isn’t an exact number or limit because you can train him as much as you want.  However, if you are looking for an idea as to what basics need to be covered, the following are 10 commands your dog should know:

1. Sit – This is a useful command and one of the easiest to teach.  Sit is designed to control your dog in situations in which he may become too excited.  By knowing how to sit he learns some self-control and is less likely to jump, chase animals, etc.

2. Down – Having your dog lay on his tummy is a vital part of dog etiquette.  Having him lie down when visitors come over or if you want him to wait patiently for a few minutes allows him to remain idle in a more comfortable position than sitting.

3. Stay – This instruction is necessary for your dog’s safety.  It stops him from running into a busy street, charging other dogs, people and so on.  It is often used with the commands Sit and Down.

4. Come – This is probably the single most important command you can teach your pooch, because it gives you the control to recall your dog to you should he ever break free from your front door, a fenced yard or a leash.  It keeps him safe, gives you peace of mind and prevents him from disturbing others.

5. Heel – Walking a dog that pulls on the lead and drags you along is no fun.  You can put a stop to this annoyance by teaching him to walk nicely so that he is not bounding ahead of you or lagging behind.  Heel is very important if you have a large breed.

6. Off – You can stop your pet from jumping up on people as well as keep him off of your good furniture, bed and any other places he shouldn’t have his paws on.

7. No – Using this word for correction is useful when you want him to immediately stop the action he is performing (I.E. biting, chewing, barking, etc.).  Your pup needs to learn from the beginning that this word is associated with undesirable behavior.

8. OK – This is what is known as a release word.  It is used to release your dog from another command, such as Stay, and basically lets the pooch know he can go on his way.

9. Leave It – This command is very handy when you go on walks and for around the house.  There are many objects that can peak an animal’s curiosity but not all of these items are things you want him to have.  Leave It is used to let him know not to touch.

10. Drop It – When you catch your companion with something in his mouth that he shouldn’t have, you can have him open his mouth and release it with the Drop It command.
Content provided by Linda Cheney of ohmydogsupplies.com, check for limited time specials on  raised dog feeders; online.