By instinct, dogs will search out a den-like place to feel comforted and secure. Sometimes lying under a table will work, but the closeness of a crate is usually best. This den instinct stems from their relative, the wolf. Wolves make cozy dens in caves or holes dug in the ground. It is the place they return to for comfort and security in times of danger. It is the place in which they sleep, eat their meals and raise their young. Domesticated dogs still have the need for a den of their own for the same purposes that the wolves use them. Your puppy’s crate does not need to be big. Your dog needs to have enough room to stand, turn around and lay down in it. If the crate is too big, your dog will be tempted to use one end as a bathroom. Place a washable blanket and a few favorite toys in there, and your dog will enjoy being in his new space. You may even reward him for going into the crate by giving him a treat. Some owners begin using the command "kennel" once their dog enters the crate. The dog will not understand the connection at first, but will eventually learn to associate "kennel" with going into his crate. Another way to help your dog feel at home in his new crate is to place his food and water bowls in there during meal time. This will not only feed his body but also his wolf instinct to eat in his den. The goal is to make the crate as inviting of a space as possible for your dog. While he is in the crate for extended periods of time you can place a water bowl in there for him as well. Some pet stores carry water bowls that attach to the sides of the crate to help prevent spills. Puppies are naturally curious, and left to their own devices will explore every square inch of your house if left unattended. This leads to accidents on the carpet and chewing of furniture and other household items. The crate comes in handy for times when you cannot keep a close eye on your puppy, such as over night. Placing your puppy in a crate over night is not cruel as long as you handle it in a positive way. He may howl and carry on for the first couple of nights, but you should try to not give in to his complaints. He will eventually settle down and go to sleep in his new room. If you must crate your dog for a few hours, be sure to offset that with plenty of exercise and attention. A long walk or a romp in the yard will help exercise his muscles as well as exert some of the pent up energy he will have. Dogs love attention and affection from their owners, so make him feel loved and accepted. Just letting him out of his kennel and ignoring him will not help create a lifelong bond. If you find you don’t have the time for your dog and use the crate to contain him quite often, then perhaps you should rethink having a dog Use of a crate can become cruel when it is over used and or used as a means of punishment. If you come across your dog engaged in inappropriate behavior, it is okay to reprimand him. However, some owners will yell "NO" and drag the dog to the crate and leave him in there. The dog will be confused, and will associate the crate with being in trouble. As a result, the dog will not want to be in his crate and it will not longer be a comforting and safe place to him. Your dog will enjoy being in a crate if it is used sensibly for house training. It is a humane and loving way to keep your pup under control until he has learned the rules of the house.
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