What to Put in a Puppy Crate
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Getting a puppy is very exciting but can be daunting as well. Crate training your puppy is worth the effort, and you will reap the benefits of your hard work for many years. Crate training will ensure that your puppy has a safe and secure place to be shut to keep him out of trouble! Puppies can be destructive if left unattended, and crate training will give you peace of mind when out of the house. Puppies should not be left unattended for long periods, and your crate training should work to gradually increase the length of time that your puppy is shut in his crate. If you are training your puppy to enjoy spending time in his crate, then make sure you set your crate up to provide a safe and pleasant environment for your pet.
Bedding for your Crate
You will want to make your puppy's crate as comfortable and inviting as possible, and the first aspect to consider is the bedding. If your puppy is a chewer, then consider your bedding choice carefully. Some crate beds are less chewable than others. Measure your crate, and then choose accordingly. If you have a wire mesh type crate inside your home, choose a bed that fits the whole base of your crate. If you are using a puppy pen or dog run system, then you can make a cosy area in the corner of the pen or run. Make sure that whatever you put in is washable. Generally, a dog won't sit in its sleeping area so crate training can help with house training, but accidents happen, and puppies only have small bladders. A washable bed can be invaluable in those early weeks and months.
Toys Perfect for Puppies
Puppies are playful and inquisitive. A bored puppy can quickly learn destructive and annoying habits that can be hard to break. Giving your puppy toys to play with in his crate will increase his enjoyment of crate time and help to prevent bad habits from forming, such as destructive chewing or howling. Puzzle toys are an excellent choice for your puppy, as these give mental stimulation and fun. There are plenty of different puzzle toys available for puppies as well as for the older dog. Rotating the toys in the crate is good so your dog doesn't get bored of his existing toys.
Chew toys
Puppies are prone to chewing. Often, they chew to help during teething, as their gums can be sore during this time. Some breeds are more likely to chew than others, but each puppy has a distinct personality. If your puppy seems very keen on chewing, choose some indestructible toys to play with. Soft toys aren't a good choice for chewers, as they will chew the toy up and can swallow the parts. Always introduce new chew toys at home with your dog so you can monitor how chewable they are. Some dogs can chew through anything, so whatever you leave your dog with can't harm them.
Water and Food Bowl
Water is vital for good health, so always ensure your puppy can access clean, fresh water. If you are worried about your puppy knocking over his water bowl, then choose a clip-on water bowl, which can be securely attached to the side of the crate. Many dogs won't knock over their water bowl, depending on the type of dog. If you are using food in your puzzle toys, remember that this food must be deducted from your dog's daily allowance. It can be easy to remember all the extra treats your dog has and overfeed him. Most dogs will be fed out of their crate in the evening so they won't need food inside their crate. However, all dogs and circumstances are different, and your dog may be happier eating his food inside his safe crate.
What to Put in the Crate the First Night?
It can be daunting bringing your puppy home for the first night. They are often sad and confused, having been removed from the comfort of their brother, sisters and mother. If you can be confident that they won't chew, there are warm, soft toys that replicate a heartbeat that can help settle a puppy. In the old days, people used a hot water bottle and an old alarm clock with a tick to recreate the same sensation for the puppy. Whatever you choose to use, monitor your puppy to ensure that he is not chewing. Any whining at night should only last for the first few nights while the puppy adjusts to his new routine.
Where to Buy Dog Crate?
There are many dog crates, from wire mesh to soft-sided. Here at Dog Kennels Direct, the wire mesh dog crates are the best type we exclusively stock. You can see our range of dog crates here. Wherever you buy your dog crate, ensure it is well-made, robust and large enough for your puppy. Bear in mind that your puppy will grow! So, buying a crate that is big enough for your fully grown dog's future size is sensible.
Make your Puppy's Crate a Safe and Secure Place
We like to make our homes warm, comfortable and inviting, so make sure you do the same for your puppy's crate. Most dogs enjoy their crates, viewing them as a safe place to relax and sleep away from the hustle and bustle of a busy home. Invest time in your puppy and their crate training to build good associations with their crate, which will benefit you for years to come. Whether you are looking for a crate for a new puppy or complete kenneling solutions for your dog, the team at Dog Kennels Direct are always on hand to help. Simply call us today on 01942 316 431
