What is a crate?

Hello, I have recently become a proud owner of Piper, a Maltese x Shih Tzu. She is 7 weeks old. I am currently toilet training her both inside & out, but of course inside is becoming a struggle, puppy mats don't seem to be working. As I am new to all this puppy hype, I'm keen to know what exactly is a crate and and it's benefits? Where can I purchase one?

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Aidan's picture

re: What is a crate?

Hi lani01, a crate is a cage designed to safely contain a dog in your house or car. They should be just large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in, but no larger.

They form a safe "den" for your dog and, if introduced correctly, your dog will probably seek out the crate when resting. I strongly recommend the instructions found in the Training Levels program at http://www.dragonflyllama.com

Another benefit is when house-training, your pup will not (usually) soil his crate so the crate can be used for periods of time where you are not able to supervise or let pup out regularly for relief. This dramatically reduces the number of accidents inside, and thus, the number of opportunities to learn to eliminate inside the house.

I'm not a fan of any house-training system that encourages a dog to toilet inside unless there is no other option (say, apartment dwellers), so I'm generally not a fan of puppy mats and a big fan of crates when used correctly.

You can find a source of crates and other house-training related items here:
http://www.positivepetzine.com/dhb_recommended

Regards,
Aidan
http://www.positivepetzine.com

What is a crate?

Great, thx Aidan. Have gone onto the suggested links and obtained more info. My Mother actually gave me a crate last week that she used for her dog when he was a pup, but it was used solely for transporting as this is what we both thought the sole purpose of it was used for - wrong! I have introduced Piper to the crate, she took to it like a moth to a light bulb! But, I actually put it outside - wrong again! After reading your advice, I will introduce it again inside. Also, she is learning to eliminate so much more outside, of course we still have the odd accident inside, but the improvement is vast and we are very pleased with her progress.
Lani