Dog Crate Training / Puppy Housebreaking FAQ
Our free dog training tips will help you master housebreaking puppies!
Why should I crate
train my dog?
Crate Training is the fastest and most humane
method of housebreaking dogs. Have you ever seen a dog under a table, chair or
bed? The reason is that dogs naturally want to seek shelter, even in a
house. If you don't provide it, they will create it themselves in an
effort to feel safe and secure. A crate serves as a den for your dog.
Crate Training is the fastest and most
humane method of housetraining
What is crate
training?
Like babies, puppies cannot control their bladders
until they mature (usually between 3 and 6 months). Dogs have a natural
instinct to avoid eliminating in their dens. Therefore, confining your
puppy in his crate for the proper amount of time encourages him to "hold
it" until you take him outside for a walk. For a FREE step by step guide
on housebreaking puppies (including the rules of crate training) click here.
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What about housebreaking older dogs?
It
is never too late to crate train your dog! The number one reason dogs
end up in shelters is behavior problems. Crate training, at any age,
can help break bad habits and solve most of these problems.
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Did you know:
Cratewear is a great way to reward your puppy as he succeeds
in his housetraining!
How long do I need to use
the crate?
Crates are not just for training, they are good for
the lifetime of your dog. By providing a crate for your dog, you are in
essence providing him with his own bedroom. Crates are especially
important for older dogs that use it to escape the hustle and bustle of
everyday family life, which often includes small children or other pets
that may harass them.
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"Love your product! Even more importantly, my dog
loves it! She spent the first day running in and out of her crate and
laying down in her new home. I swear she was smiling!"
- Hari Khalsa,
Tempe AZ
How safe is crate
training?
Crates are not just for training!
Dog crates are the best housetraining tool
available. They provide a room for your dog while protecting your home
furnishings from damage. However, even a crate isn't an absolute safe
harbor for your pet. As per crate manufacturers warnings, you should always
remove standard collars before placing your dog in a crate. The only
collar we recommend as being safe when inside a crate is Premier's
"KeepSafe" break-away collar. Otherwise, your dog is at risk for possible
strangulation if his collar or ID tags become caught in the crate's bars.
Cratewear bumpers are the only bumpers made high
enough to help prevent collar strangulation and other crate-related
injuries.
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Did you
know:
If your dog wears a collar in his crate, he is at
risk for possible strangulation
"My husband put Oscar in his crate to protect him
since he was just getting used to our other dogs named Beans and Bailey.
We were only gone for a few minutes. When we returned. Oscar was found by
my husband, hung by his collar. We hope and pray that Oscar's memory can
prevent the tragic loss of other dogs."
- Eileen B., Kent , OH
I noticed
loss of fur on the end of my dog's tail. What causes this?
Dogs have powerful tails and believe it or not they
have no control over their wagging. Dogs will wag for many different
reasons. Therefore, some dogs wag their tails against the crate's metal
bars repeatedly, which causes discomfort and sometimes injury. Injuries
like this can be quite painful and they are not always obvious. Even when
he is in pain, your dog won't be able to stop wagging. This can also lead
your dog to not like his crate, which disrupts the housetraining process.
Cratewear bumpers prevent this type of
crate-related injury.
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Protect your dog's tail when he can't
"Our dog had problems with her crate because she was
always wagging her tail inside it. This caused severe injuries to her tail
from constantly smacking the side of the crate. Cratewear
has been perfect for her because the bumper keeps her tail safe from the
metal. Now she has a reason to wag her tail!"
- Robert, Battle Creek ,
MI
My dog has
gotten a bloody nose in the crate. What's happening?
Some dogs instinctively like to "burrow" or dig
with their noses. When they do this in a metal wire kennel, their nose can
become raw or bloody. Cratewear crate pads and
bumpers will prevent this type of crate-related injury.
Did you
know:
Cratewear bumpers are the
only bumpers made high enough to prevent crate-related injuries.
"We've had a terrible problem with our 11 month old
Miniature Dachshund and his crate. Everyday when we left him in his crate,
he would rub the top of his nose against the metal until it was raw and
bloody. Luckily we found Cratewear! The bumper is great
and protects him from the metal crate. No more bloody noses! Thank you!!"
- Heather Fleming, Oakwood , IL
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What are crate sores?
Most dogs like to curl up against something when
they lie down and they end up lying against the crate's metal bars. This
rubbing and contact with the metal can cause hair loss and sores,
especially in larger breeds. Cratewear bumpers
prevent such irritations.
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You'll never force your dog in his crate
again with Cratewear
My dog has
broken teeth from chewing on his crate's bars. Is there anything that can
prevent this?
Always make sure there are appropriate toys &
treats to keep your dog's attention in the crate. Cratewear bumpers help protect his teeth from
the wire bars and can be sprayed with a taste deterrent like Bitter Apple.
It's better to chew on a toy or on a Cratewear
Bumper than to chew the crate's metal bars, which can result in expensive
veterinary bills and permanent tooth damage.
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What's the
safest way to travel with my dog?
In the car a crate can provide safety for you, your
dog, and your passengers. Cratewear Bumpers
provide comfort and protect your dog during sudden stops and turns. Cratewear allows you to take your dog's
"bedroom" with you wherever you go, so your dog will be more at ease in
different environments whether in a dog kennel or hotel. Cratewear crate pads can be used in or out of the kennel and are also easily transportable.
Metal wire crates are not recommended for airplanes, so you should use a
plastic carrier if you intend to fly with your dog, and be sure to consult
your airline's regulations.
Did you know:
Cratewear provides the comfort & security that dogs
love!
"Cratewear was a life-saver. The
difference between the two trips was like night and day. Annie was
happy getting into the crate, and would immediately settle in and settle
down. obviously relaxed and comfortable. Contrast that to two sleepless
and restless days that completely exhausted her and myself on the
trip up. The Cratewear worked just exactly as I
had hoped. It saved our trip home. Thank you very much."
- Linda
Martuch, Odessa , FL
Crate covers can reduce
barking and stress
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I was told
that dogs like their crates, so why do I have to force mine inside?
There are many reasons to not enjoy a bare
metal dog cage: «Back to Top
• Comfort: when dogs lie
down in their crates, they are leaning up against wire bars, which can be
very irritating. Cratewear's quilted bumpers
provide the comfort they need while also protecting their coats, wagging
tails, noses and teeth from the metal.
Cratewear's reversible and machine washable
crate pads add comfort he'll appreciate.
• Security: wire crates
leave your dog exposed on all sides. Crate covers provide den like
security.
• Location: separating your
dog from the rest of the family can add stress to your dog. Dogs are
social animals, so the ideal location is a room full of activity. Your dog
will enjoy his new room while still being part of the family. At night the
bedroom is an ideal place for a crate so your dog will feel the security
of being close to you.
• Time: confining him in his
crate for excessive periods of time will be a negative experience for your
dog. After housebreaking your dog, we recommend removing the door from the
crate so he can enjoy his den any time he chooses.
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Did you know:
Top veterinarians and dog trainers recommend covering your dog
crate
"Before I purchased Cratewear I
couldn't get my dog to go in her crate, now I can't get her out of it!"
- Margot Peyton, Mahwah , NJ
Some things you can do to
make dog crates and kennels more appealing:
- Use Cratewear to
make his crate safe & comfortable
- Put appropriate toys and treats
inside the crate, which will entice him to go in on his own.
- Feeding your dog in his
crate can develop a positive association with it.
- Give your puppy lots of praise
when he enters the crate.
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"Before we found Pet Dreams, we literally had to
pick up our Golden Retriever and force him into his crate. But since we
purchased Cratewear, he happily goes in on his own. Thank
you for such an ingenious product!"
-Theresa, Southbury , CT
I heard
that wire crates are best because they allow the dog to see out. Is this
true?
Top veterinarian behaviorists and dog trainers
recommend covering the crate. This makes the crate a more den-like
environment, providing more security, which reduces barking. Covering the
crate will result in a better experience for both you and your dog.
Very few dogs exhibit a desire to chew
their own personal dog beds
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How do I
stop my dog from whining or barking the crate?
Again, make sure the
crate is in a good location. Veterinarians and trainers recommend covering
the crate to give your dog the privacy he needs to feel secure. If your
dog can see you, he'll want to be with you outside the crate. Crate covers
lower the number of distractions your dog sees, which reduces barking and
stress. Note: Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety
should not be crated. If you feel your dog is suffering from separation
anxiety and is showing clinical signs, please avoid crating him until
speaking to a professional.
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Will my
dog chew up his Cratewear?
Very few dogs exhibit a desire to chew their own
personal beds. Always make sure there are appropriate toys & treats to
keep your dog's attention in the crate.
Cratewear bumpers help protect his teeth from
the wire bars and can be sprayed with a taste deterrent like Bitter Apple.
It's better to chew on a toy or on a Cratewear
Bumper than to chew the crate's metal bars, which can result in expensive
veterinary bills and permanent tooth damage.
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Where can
I learn more about crates and housebreaking puppies?
We have Free Crate Training Tips
available, endorsed by veterinarians and dog trainers.
Click here for more information!
"I bought Cratewear for my
9-month-old Shih Tzu but then our 12 year old Black Lab kept trying to
squeeze himself into the crate. He had never been crated and had no
interest in the crate until we bought Cratewear. I just
purchased his first crate and, of course, Cratewear!"
-
Michelle, Lafayette , LA
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What's in it for
me?
Dog crates give your dog a place he can claim as his
territory, we just want to make sure it doesn't interfere with yours.
Providing your dog with a comfortable room of his own will help keep him
off your furniture. In addition to the safety and comfort benefits for
your dog, Cratewear will enhance your wire crate
to fit your decor, making the crate an attractive addition to any room.
Cratewear is durable and fully machine washable!
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Your pet will love you and you'll love us!
This message is brought to you by Pet Dreams. We are
committed to keeping your pet Safe & Comfortable while making your
crate an attractive lifetime investment
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