Dog Cages Useful for Comfort, Training and Safety

While it may seem somewhat cruel, and ‘zoo-like’, providing puppies or dogs with dog cages of their own takes advantage of a canine’s instinctive want of a ‘den’, or comfort zone, to call home. Most dogs which have been introduced to the kennel crate whilst still puppies, grow up to prefer to use their crate as a bed, especially when they are tired and want their own space. Many breeders will recommend dog cages be used throughout the animal’s lifetime.

Dog cages are also effective for house-training; a dog will, naturally, be reluctant to soil its own sleeping place. Always be sure to allow your dog the opportunity to go outside to relieve him or herself before being left in the crate for any length of time. For young animals, be prepared to get up early in the morning to take them out, and stay out with your pup, praising him or her when they relieve themselves in the yard. Your young pet may have an occasional accident in the cage; do not chastise your pet, just clean it up without a fuss. They quickly learn to not dirty their own space.

To help encourage your puppy or dog to regard these dog cages as their homes, try to locate the crate in a room that you use regularly, such as the living room or kitchen. This will not leave your pet feeling lonely or isolated when you leave the room or go out. At first leave the cage door open so that your dog can go in and out of the cage at will. Perhaps you can place a favorite dog toy or a few dog treats in the cage to entice your pet to enter at his leisure and check out the new surroundings. If the animal is to be left confined for any more than an hour, make sure there is a supply of water accessible, and the cage should never be in direct sunlight or near a source of heat.