For those of you who own a dog, especially a puppy, you will know how important training is.
Without training, the dog will become a nuisance and the enjoyment of having your own pet will be lost.
Of course, training could involve a swat and stern words.
But thanks to the creation of dog crates, training can also be less physical.
For example, you took Fido out for a walk but he didn't do his business.
When you bring him in, there is no playing until he succeeds; you don't want a mess on the carpet.
Instead, he is caged in his dog crate for ten minutes, then taken outside to try again.
He soon gets the idea that play is a reward for obedience.
These helpful crates are also used for protection both ways.
Let's say an over-zealous toddler wants to pull Fido's tail and you want to give Fido some private time without his need for hiding.
The crate now becomes a refuge, a sanctuary from the children.
On the other hand, some puppies get excited and the child is the one needing the protection, even from larger dogs.
It works that way as well.
Perhaps your dog cannot be trusted while you are away and no room in the house would make a safe haven.
It will keep him from getting into big trouble, and give you peace of mind that he will not destroy property while you are away.
From these ideas it is easy to see how useful a dog crate can be.
The crate is usually made of plastic or heavy welded steel wire.
The steel wire can be covered with a colored coating to eliminate rusting and to make it more attractive.
Of course, dogs do not have cones in their eyes so they are unable to see color.
But a colored box, whether plastic or steel, makes it look less like a jail cell and more like a home.
Pink dog crates are the most popular.
How large should this crate will be? The basic rule is that the crate does not need to be larger than is necessary for the dog to lie down, stand up, and turn around.
If your puppy grows rapidly, instead of getting a crate that is too large, try swapping without another pet owner.
A crate that is too large will make the training less successful.
Some dog crates have dividers to make the crate smaller and to allow for Fido's growth.
The better dog crates have at least two doors, making it easy to get your pet in and out no matter where the crate is.
Some even come with a third door on top, and this is especially helpful when Fido is still a puppy.