Is your dog crate trained

Some may say that crate training is not an essential part of owning a dog, but it should definitely be on the "to do" list just in case of an emergency. It is best to start every dog out young with his/her safe place or den so to speak, a place of their own. A crate does the job beautifully whether the pet is crated when the owner leaves, at bedtime, or simply while napping a few hours a day. Eventually, pet owners will discover that if the crate door is left open the dog will meander to the safe place on its own and claim it. This training is vitally important when your pet is taken to the veterinarian, transported via vehicle and must be crated, or is left in the care of another person for any length of time. Many individuals get the wrong impression of a crate, but if used correctly it can be your pet's happy place. The difficulty comes in when pet parents have not introduced crate training in any form or fashion and we receive an emergency call to pickup the pet or transport the dog to the veterinarian. It is nearly impossible to coax the dog into the crate. The dog will usually buck like a horse and after we receive a few black eyes the dog is contained in the crate. However, the dog is so frightened he/she begins to literally eat the crate and tear it apart. This behavior can result in severe injury to the dog. Wouldn't it have been much easier to start crate training young? It certainly would help veterinarians and shelters handle pets. It also may make your furry friends a bit more comfortable too knowing they have their own "den" or safe space to relax. Crates can be purchased online and are fairly cheap. Give little Fido his safe place.