As a professional dog trainer and performer with my dogs, the first bit of advice I can give a new dog or puppy owner is the use and importance of crating your dog. In a nut shell, crates save lives. In addition, crate training your pup is the BEST way to speed up the process of “house breaking”. Typically, dogs do not want to void where they eat and/or sleep. (Potty training tips will be featured next issue)

Crating or kenneling your dog is not cruel, mean or distasteful. Think about it, dogs are “den” animals. They like and crave the security of a small space, for instance, a closet or bathtub during a storm or during fireworks.

When you leave your pup at home, don’t set them up for failure by leaving them alone in a locked room or house where they could get into the trash and/or chew on furniture, clothing, floors and walls. Not to mention dangerous items; such as cleaning supplies, sharp objects and electrical cords.

Another important reason to crate train your dog is when you need to transport them to the vet or accompany you on trips to the parks, events or vacations. You would never allow your friends or family members to ride in your vehicle without being in the properly fitted seatbelt or car seat, so why would you have your dog ride free?