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.

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.

What makes a dog bark?

Initially puppies and dogs bark to attract attention, notify owners of a stranger or unusual event, or to defend themselves and their property. Most owners appreciate a dog that barks to notify them when a stranger approaches or there is a knock at the door. The problems start to happen when the dog does not disengage from the barking activity, even if corrected. Some chronic barkers will not stop even if removed from the room and will continue to bark even if placed outside.

Usually dogs that have a problem with barking started this behavior because they were bored or received attention for barking. Remember that to a dog all attention is good, even if it is negative. Therefore when a dog is bored, lacks attention and then barks and gets yelled at, he or she quickly learns that barking gets human attention, which is just what he or she wants. Once this pattern has been established it is more difficult to correct than catching it early and stopping it as it develops.

Working With A Puppy or Dog

Puppies are often very cute when they bark and owners do little to correct the barking. Once they become a bit older the problem becomes more annoying, but by then the behavior is established. If you want to have a watchdog consider using the following method:

• When the stranger comes to the house or yard and the puppy or dog barks, immediately praise the puppy. After one or two barks say “Enough” or “Stop” and then immediately give them a toy or chew item to distract them from barking. As soon as they take the toy praise them for stopping and provide attention for quiet behavior.

• If the puppy or dog continues to bark and doesn’t take a toy consider giving them a food treat. Again praise as soon as the dog is quiet after you have given the verbal command.

• Spend time playing with the puppy and provide attention when they are quiet.

• Never yell at the puppy or hit the dog to make it stop barking. This will only raise the puppies anxiety level and lead to more barking or even more aggressive behaviors such as biting or running away.

• A squirt bottle filled with tap water can also be used to stop the puppy from barking, although this should only be used if other methods fail. Again, the word “Enough” or “Stop” should be used prior to the water bottle, and the puppy should immediately be praised when he or she sits or stands quietly beside you.

For dogs or puppies that bark chronically when the owner is away consider providing more toys and activities for the dog. In addition take them for a long walk or play games with them to provide more stimulation before you leave them alone. Try to make the times away from home as short as possible and praise the dog when you get home and all is quiet.

Be as consistent as possible if you are trying to train or correct a barking dog. Always respond the same way to barking. Dogs become very confused if one day they are allowed to bark and other days they given negative attention for barking. Always pay attention to the dog when it is quiet or behaving appropriately and spend extra time exercising and playing with the dog or puppy to ensure that they will be tired and relaxed when you are away from home.

Information provided by Hank Hill of Oh My Dog Supplies, look for limited time specials on   discount dog beds online.

Read the full story at http://www.prlog.org/10122370-cockapoo-puppies-are-in-demand.html

1) They are friendly dogs who love people.  They also love to be loved, so be prepared to experience what it means to have a pet that is “man’s best friend!”

2) Most Cockapoo puppies are low-to-non shedding.  However, before the age of about 6 weeks old, it is hard to tell how much a puppy will shed.  After your puppy reaches 6-7 weeks of age, your breeder should be able to determine the shedding probabilities of your Cockapoo puppy.

Breeders who are familiar with their dogs can help you choose a Cockapoo puppy that will be right for you.  The American Cockapoo Club promotes breeders that strive for excellence in their Cockapoo puppies.