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The Crate Debate

February 7th, 2010

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.

Posted in Puppy Training


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Our goal is to help you learn more about the Cockapoo breed.

Cockapoo puppies are a cross between Cocker Spaniel and Poodle parents. Optimally, Cockapoos should be able to be traced back to an AKC registered sire (father) and dam (mother). Either parent can be a Cocker Spaniel or a Poodle.

A Cockapoo puppy is an easy-going, friendly dog that makes an excellent pet, especially for homes with children. Please check our Cockapoo Information pages to learn much more about the Cockapoo breed. You will find a lot of helpful training information on our Web site. Be informed. Be prepared. Puppies are work, but the end result of a well-behaved family pet is worth the effort. Cockapoos are wonderful dogs!

Are you planning to bring a Cockapoo puppy into your home?

If you are planning to add a Cockapoo puppy (or any puppy!) to your family, there are many things to consider. First, you must realize that a puppy takes LOTS of time at first. He will need to be trained in many areas of his life, and if he is trained properly, he will be a family addition that will adjust easily to your family's lifestyle. Second, a Cockapoo puppy needs lots of love and attention - especially when he first goes to his new home. Cockapoos are "people" dogs, so they want to be around their "people." Try to arrange your schedule so that your puppy will not be left alone for more than a couple hours at a time for the first several weeks after you bring him home.