Dog Crate: that beloved cage.

A dog crate is a great way to make your dog feel at home. Some dog owners shy away from dog crates, because the cage like aspect of the dog crate turns them off. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Dogs' love their dog crates, if, they are introduced to them properly. Follow these steps and soon your dog will be begging you for time in their crates!

Introduce the Crate.
Form a puppy he should be familiarized with his dog crate. At first you should just show it to him, never force him to go into it against his will. Try placing his favorite toy in the dog crate to see what he does. Make sure it is in a place where it is not in the center of the room, but where it has at least one side facing a wall. Even if you plan on eventually putting the crate into your bedroom, try at first to put the crate someplace where they will be able to see you. Also, if your dog is no longer a puppy, these steps will still work too, it just might take a bit longer. As any trainer will tell you the old saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks," is untrue. Any dog of any age can be taught a variety of things.

Love the Crate!
Get excited about the dog crate. Dogs might not be able to understand everything you are saying, but they are masters at reading body language and mood. Be excited about the crate. If you love it, he will love it too. Place some of his favorite gourmet treats in the cage, and a comfy dog blanket. This would also be a great place for a dog bed as well. Go shopping for this special occasion and buy some of these items special at the dog bowl. Dog's are inherently curious, and get excited about new things. Especially when those new things are for them!

Be One With the Crate…
Let him go into the dog crate on his own, and at first don't close the door. Give him some time to get used to it. After a while close the door, and give him some extra tasty dog treats. Start leaving him for increasingly longer periods of time, until he no longer whines when he can't see you. Try leaving the house. Leave him in there for increasingly longer periods of time. Also, never put him into the crate against his will, but rather use a command like "Crate time!" and give him lots of cookies after he has gone into his dog crate. Soon you will find your dog craving his "Crate Time".

Go Shopping!
Dog crates come in a variety of shapes and designs. You could go with the standard metal cage design, which dogs seem to love if introduced to them properly. Or at the Dog Bowl we offer many fashionably 'hot' dog crates and carriers for your trendy dog to choose from. Go to our online catalogue and check out the cool and stylish Paw Princess Pet Carrier or the Ralph Collection Taos Horshoe Pet Carrier. Both are excellent dog crates and dual carriers. They can be used both in your home and to travel. They are also approved for use as a carry on item for most major airlines. So if you don't think your precious princess should have to ride with the baggage, a crate like this is a must have. And not only are the pink and blued dog crates that we offer simply the coolest dog crates on the market, but we also offer clothes to match these dog crates! So, not only will your dog's crate be in style, but your dog will be too. Make sure you have the proper sized dog crate for your breed too, especially if they are puppies and still growing. You don't want to spend all of that money on one crate, only to have your dog grow out of it, and have to get another one.