To Crate or Not to Crate ....
The use of a dog crate is NOT
recommended for a dog who must frequently or regularly be left alone for extended periods
of time--such as all or much of the day while the owner is away at work, school,
etc,. If it is attempted, the dog must be well exercised both before and after
crating, given a lot of personal positive attention and adult animals allowed complete
freedom at night (including sleeping near his owner). The crate must be large enough
to permit the dog to comfortably stretch out fully on his side, to stand
without their head hitting the top of the crate and to feel that they have
freedom of movement. The reason most shelters and sellers of dogs automatically suggest crating dogs is because they cannot be sure which animals need crating and which do not. They are concerned the dog may get lonely or upset while you are gone and tear something up and then the dog might be returned or even mistreated by an angry owner. A concern with puppies is that they may injure themselves such as chewing an electrical wire. However many adult dogs do Not need crating. Many dogs do well 'confined' in an area such as a bedroom, bathroom or kitchen and some may have full run of the house, perhaps with a doggy door so they can go outside to use the restroom. A doggy door gives your pet the opportunity to 'relieve' themselves and gives them a bit of variety. A pet door also provides an animal with a chance to ESCAPE from the house in the event of a fire! When using a doggy door make sure your yard is 'escape proof' as possible, keep your gates locked and know and trust your neighbors in adjoining yards. (Most meter readers have equipment from which they can read your meter without entering your yard or you can ask to take your own meter readings. Keep your gates locked. You may want to consider adding a No Trespassing sign to your gate.) To help you to determine how they will do when they are left alone, start by leaving your dog alone for just a few minutes and coming back and then increase the time to 15 minutes, then 30 minutes, an hour and then longer periods. Make sure their favorite toys are available and when you leave give them their favorite treat but do NOT make a big fuss over your leaving or returning, just act like you have been there all along. It might also help to turn on a radio talk show several minutes before you leave and leave it on while you are gone but keep the volume low since dogs have very sensitive hearing. Puppies and young dogs are at greater risk of damaging your property and
themselves since they like to chew. They will need to be older and more mature before you
can test leaving them unattended. Also because of their small bladder, they must
urinate more often. You will find that many dogs do not need to be crated but only 'confined'. However, IF you need to crate a dog, follow these guidelines.
Once you have spent time with your dog and get to know them, you should be able to determine 'if' they need to be crated while you are gone or if they do fine and are happier and have a much better 'quality of life' not being crated. Please remember the use of a dog crate is NOT recommended for a dog who must frequently
or regularly be left alone for extended periods of time. If your dog is housetrained, does not chew and gets along with your other pets, then they do NOT need to be kept a prisoner in a crate! |
Doggy Door .... Freedom of choice for your loyal and loving companion!
Purchasing a Doggy Door -
Petsmart sells several price and types of
Doggy Doors including 'Economy' Doggie Doors,
'Electronic' Doors and even Doggy Doors to use with a 'Sliding Glass' door!
Petco.... Gates & Doors
Petsmart .... Gates
If giving your animal access to
your yard:
|
Block off a section of the house
for your pet to use.
Petsmart and Peco sell pet gate of different sizes.
Keeping Your Dog Secure In Your Yard Dogs are best kept indoors but of course they also enjoy and benefit from being in a secured backyard. CONTAINMENT: Remember to keep you gates locked and know and trust your neighbor! |
Keeping your dog OUTDOORS .... Read This