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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!"

 

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."

 

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!"

 

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!!"

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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."

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!"

 

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!"

 

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?

Did you know:
We have Free Crate Training Tips available

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!"

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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