Pet tips: Crating your dog

Crate training is a method of house training your puppy or dog. The crate is used to keep your dog confined when you are not able to supervise him. This prevents him from getting in the bad habit of having accidents in your home. Use the following tips to help get you and your pup started!

Questions to Consider

• What size crate do you need? The crate should only be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around.
• What type of crate is best – wire, plastic, canvas?
• Cost of a crate ($35-$150)

Benefits of a Crate

• Satisfies a dog’s need for a den-like enclosure
• Effective housebreaking tool (dogs do not want to soil sleeping quarters)
• Prevents destructive behavior (such as chewing)
• Keeps a puppy out of harm’s way in the house (i.e., poisons, electrical wires, etc.)
• Serves as a travel cabin for your dog when traveling by car or plane

Crate Training: Make It Fun

• Start with door open while you are in the room
• Make it a game and toss favorite toys and treats inside
• NEVER use the crate as a form of punishment or reprimand
• Do not allow children to play in your dog’s “den” or to handle your dog while he/she is in the crate. The crate is your dog’s private place to take a safe time out.

Safety Tips

• Remove collars (and leashes)
• Do not confine a dog to a crate when temperatures reach an uncomfortable level
• Never crate your pet outside in the sun
• Don’t leave your dog crated in a hot car
• Make sure your pet has water at all times

Listen to KIRO Radio’s It’s Raining Cats and Dogs for more tips from the Seattle Humane Society every Sunday at 1 p.m. Also available anytime ON DEMAND at KIRORadio.com.

Also, don’t miss this week’s Seattle Humane Society pet of the week: Coco.