The Best Christmas Puppy Comes in a Crate

More puppies are purchased at Christmas than at any other time of year. In most areas of the country, however, the winter months are the least convenient to add a puppy to the family because the weather overhead as well as underfoot makes the chore of housebreaking difficult.

However, there is a way to housebreak a puppy quicker and easier - - any time of year. And that's where the greatest invention of the dog industry - the dog crate - comes in.

To the uninitiated, "crate" is a euphemism for "cage," and that spells cruelty. But those who purchase a crate before they pick up their puppy quickly discover they've not only welcomed their pet with a security blanket but have bought themselves the peace of mind that makes having a puppy a joy on Christmas day and every day thereafter. Here's why:

The dog crate is, above all, the dog's den that he would otherwise have to improvise in a crateless home. It's for sleeping, not soiling. So, its use is invaluable during housebreaking. When you're busy, or must leave the house, it assures the dog's safety as well as the safety of your home and everything in it. The portable crate also makes car trips easy on you, the dog, and the people at your destination. In fact, the dog crate is so practical and indispensable, I wonder how a dog owner can survive without one.

Providing the Security and Comfort of a Den

In the wild, dogs are den animals who seek small cave-like enclosures just big enough to crawl into, turn around, and curl up or stretch out against its contours. House dogs without their own crates do the next best thing - they curl up under a table or in your favorite chair, crawl under a bed or behind the sofa, or find another relatively small space that has comfortable, secure "walls."

It is only natural then, that your new puppy would love his own crate - - a place where children can't bother him, where no one will disturb him, and where he's not in the way.

Although plastic crates are better for air travel, the most versatile dog crate is the fold- up "wire" crate with an easily cleaned metal tray floor. The wire crate provides a well- ventilated shelter from which your puppy can watch everything that goes on in his part of the house.

Crates are available from various manufacturers and in various styles, but no matter which you select, make sure your purchase is big enough for your ADULT dog to stand, turn around and comfortable lie down in. A crate that's too small will cramp your dog; one too large will not provide the safety and security your dog seeks at home or in the car. Your pup's breeder can advise you on crate size. Make a partition so the puppy just fits and move the partition back as he grows.

For the dog owner, the crate not only eliminates worry about where to keep your pup when you're busy or not at home, it eliminates a messy, newspaper-line kitchen or utility room.

Not long ago, a friend telephoned about locating a puppy for his young daughter. Knowing his household's schedule, children in school and both parents working, I suggested he consider purchasing a crate before he picked up the puppy. I extolled the crate's virtues - - its den-like qualities, facilitating housebreaking, and its providing a safe place for the puppy and a feeling of ease for the owners.

Several weeks later, my friend called again, to say he'd located a pup for his daughter, but he hadn't bothered to acquire a crate. Instead, they'd decided to enclose the puppy in the bathroom when they were away from the house! Not surprisingly, the dog objected by shredding the bathroom walls and door. Nevertheless, my friend did not "give in" to a crate for several months. Now, the crate is a permanent part of their den's furnishings.

For a number of reasons, a bathroom or other enclosed room is a poor substitute for having a dog crate in a room where the pup can be with the family - - in the den or the kitchen area for example, with easy access to an outside door. There, he can watch and learn about his family's activities. He gets plenty of air, and he can see into other areas of the house and even be aware of outdoor space. He does not feel shut out or uncomfortable; he will not hurt himself or damage the house. He's not in a stressful situation and neither are you.

Introducing the Puppy to His Crate

Once you've found a suitable spot for the crate, you can begin to accustom your puppy to it.

The crate must always be a haven for your puppy. It is for his life, not just housebreaking. It is his den, and should NEVER be used as punishment. For the pup's safety, remove all collars before placing him in the crate. Put a favorite toy or Nylabone in the crate. Place the pup in, talk to him, telling him how wonderful he is. If he barks or cries, withhold your praise until he stops. Then, praise him lavishly and remove him from the crate. If he's reluctant at first, show him a puppy biscuit, toss it into the back of the crate, and help him to find it. Give him lots of praise. Serve the pup his meals in the crate.

In other words, make crating a positive experience. The dog learns by repetition and association. Let him learn that the crate is a happy place, and that he's a g-o-o-o-o-d dog while he's in it and quiet. He'll soon wander into it by himself when he's ready for a nap!

A young puppy from 7 weeks of age can be left in his crate for several hours while you are away from the house. As your dog matures, he can safely be crated for a longer period of time. The dog, who has no concept of time, will sleep most, if not all, the time you're away.

Remember, before you leave, make sure your dog is not wearing a collar of any kind. Even though it may not seem possible, collars can catch on a crate. Also, leave your dog only a "safe" toy. Now you can be sure he's safe. And so are your walls, doors, rugs, shoes, bedspreads and everything else. Go, and enjoy!!

Crating and Traveling

Many families like to vacation with their pets or take them along on a day's outing. But how often do you see cars on the highway with a dog pacing from window to window, from seat to seat? No matter the size of the pup or full-grown dog, a crate is the best place for a dog while traveling.

A loose dog can cause a serious accident. You can lose concentration on driving if you have to help settle him down, or he can cause you to lose control by jumping on your lap to get closer to you or to get a better look at the dog he saw out the driver's window.

Just like people, the dog can be injured by a falling object or by flying forward if you have occasion to slam on your brakes. So, the crate becomes your dog's safety belt. When you stop for lunch, to shop, to set up camp, or to arrange for lodging, the dog can remain in the car with the windows or doors open without being endangered by the summer heat or by dashing out onto a busy street. Or you may tick the crate in the car's shade or under a tree while you enjoy your picnic or visit with friends. And many motels allow pets that are crated in the room while their owners are at dinner (and whose owners clean up after their dog outside.)

In these and countless other instances, the crate makes traveling with your dog as enjoyable as having his company at home. And your dog is always comfortable and secure in his own surroundings.

Slant-front crates are perfect for station wagons. Most hatchbacks will nicely hold a medium-size square front crate. And many cars with seats that fold down can easily house crates of any shape.

And Other Uses

The crate has other uses as well. If your dog is ill or has injured himself, he must be kept quiet. His crate is the perfect place to recuperate. If company comes and a guest feels uneasy about dogs, Towser will happily stay in his crate. If an overnight guest arrives with his dog and you want to keep the two separated, you can accommodate the other dog by keeping yours crated.

Consider purchasing a dog crate - - whatever the brand - - before you pick up your new puppy. It will help make owning a growing dog the delight such and experience is supposed to be.