Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Crate Training is Great Training #CrateHappyPets

   This post is sponsored by PetSmart, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Containment Products and Education for your pet, but mkclinton.com/Barking from the Bayou only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.
Bentley opens his kennel and gets inside.

 “To crate or not to crate.”  It’s a question many new pet parents ask themselves.  That’s because many loving people believe it is a form of punishment to crate their dog.  Rest assured, just the opposite is actually true.  There are many times in your pet’s life when the benefits of crate training will come in very handy.  PetSmart® stores are having a huge sale on their crates, kennels, and carriers this month.  Their knowledgeable sales staff can help you select the ideal kennel or cart to fit your pet’s needs.  That makes now the perfect time to begin your pet’s crate training.





Why is crate training important?
    A puppy needs constant supervision when they are out exploring their new environment.  Sometimes, you have to be in a different room, go to work, or make a trip to the store.  Being able to leave your puppy secured inside their crate ensures you that they will not get into mischief or potentially hazardous situations while you aren’t looking.  Think of it as a playpen for your pup.
   Crate or kennel training is also one of the best ways to potty-train a new pup.  Let them take naps inside their crate.  Upon awakening, take them outside, and praise them for a job well done.  Do not put puppy pads or newspaper in the bottom of their kennel.  You want to take advantage of your puppy’s natural instinct not to go where he sleeps.
How does crate/carrier training help?
Fits in SUV for perfect traveling.
   In the home, proper crate training can help ease separation anxiety for your dog.  When you leave them alone inside their crate, they get the sense of being in a den.  It is a secure and safe place for them.  If your pet is destructive when left alone, the crate can save your property and your pet from harm.  A crate or kennel can be helpful if you have a house-full of guests.  Having your dog in their safe place can prevent them from being underfoot, given food they aren’t allowed, or being left to deal with excited children.    
   The benefits of traveling with a pet in their crate/carrier are enormous. Whether you are taking a trip to the vet or a vacation to the beach, crate training can make the journey easier and safer.  As much as we enjoy our dog riding along with us when we are driving, a loose dog is extremely dangerous.  It is never a good idea to allow your dog to ride unrestrained in a vehicle.  You and your best friend will be safer in the event of an accident if they are riding in their carrier/crate.
How can you make a better crate/kennel experience?
   Your main goal with the crate/kennel is to make it a pleasant experience for
PetSmart has a great selection of crates and pads.
your pet.  Begin by adding a nice pad and a favorite toy.  Leave the door open and allow your pet to explore by going in and out a few times.  Once they are comfortable, try closing the door, but stay where your pup can see you.  Let them out and leave the door open.  Remember never use the crate as punishment.  The crate/kennel should be a positive experience for everyone.  If you’d like to read more on crate training, click here.  It won’t take long before your new family member falls in love with its own special place.


        You can count on PetSmart for all of your puppy and adult dog needs.  Their goal is to provide Total Lifetime Care℠ for every pet, every pet parent, every time.  Click here to find a store near you.






  

20 comments :

  1. They look good in the new crate! :) Lol they look super happy lol

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  2. Great article M.K.! Mine is going live at 8am. I guess ours was the "luck of the Irish" to get it on St. Patty's Day, BOL! I love being in our crates with my fur siblings too by the way...most of the time. Does Bentley and Pierre feel the same? Have a great Tuesday.
    Pixel

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  3. All excellent info! Thanks for sharing!

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  4. Thank you for this, my peeps have never crated any of their dogs so this is just the sort of helpful advice they need
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  5. Very informative and there sure are advantages in using them. Have a terrific Tuesday and happy St Patrick's Day..
    Best wishes Molly

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  6. You boys turned crate into a doublewide! Bailie and I tried sharing a crate, but it didn't go well. It was as school and we get possessive about our turns, so we each have our own now.

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  7. I believe in crate training, really helps out with teething puppies or dogs getting into everything, ie---Gambler, he still stays in a crate when left alone at 4 years.

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  8. Great post! We love our crates but unfortunately, we can't have any blankets or pads in them. We are professional chewers and de-stuffers, mom learned that the hard way! BOL!

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  9. I found your awesome blog through the WLC Blog Follows at the World Literary Cafe! I’m happy to connect with you! Come by and visit my blog: http://www.lindastrawn.com
    ~Linda
    PS--Cute website. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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  10. Bentley and Pierre look adorable in their crate. We leave our cat carriers out and open, with a towel inside. Believe it or not, Moosey likes to sleep in there sometimes. :)

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  11. Rooney is crate trained and it definitely keeps him safe throughout the day! Plus he loves to sleep and chew on toys and bones in his crate even when we are home!

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  12. I have all 3 of mine crate trained, although I don't use the crates anymore, they definitely came in handy in their destructive days!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  13. My boys were crate trained for traveling but that is all - I hate reading about people who leave their dogs in crates all day when they go to work - how would they feel being locked in 3' x 4" bathroom all day!!!!

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  14. We used to work longer days, making crate training impossible (I knew people who crated their dogs for 8 hours and I would never do that). But when we brought Luke home I cut my hours back to part time so we were able to try it. I am so glad we did....it worked out so great. It really saved my sanity! :)
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  15. We're glad we're cats and don't hafta be crate trained. :)

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  16. We were crate trained but we never go in them anymore except after we get groomed. We walk in and back out. Not sure why mom makes us do that but she does so now we do it automatically. Happy St. Paddy's Day!

    Your Pals,

    McMurphy & O'Stanley

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  17. Wonderful post! Crate training is so important ~ we started right away when our pups joined us at 8 weeks of age.

    3.5 years later, they have come to know their crates as safe relaxation places and will walk in and out of there as they please throughout the day. We found very practical crate pads which are reversible ~ one side is warmer and for wintertime, the other one is cooler and for the warmer months.

    We actually no longer crate them when we're not home; the pups have both earned our trust and have the run of our downstairs. We actively use the crates when maintenance technicians are over at the house, or when the pups just can't be underfoot.

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  18. I use crates for both my own dogs and dogs I foster. I also bring them along when traveling. I think of crates as my dog's "bedroom", there own special place. Great review!

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