A dog cage represents the dog’s personal space in a home that belongs to him or her alone. You need to think carefully when you are picking the correct dog cage for your pet. An appropriate dog cage should allow your dog to quite comfortably stand up or sit down, and be sufficiently long to permit your pet to stretch out when lying down.

However, if your dog’s cage is too large, one section of the cage might be used as a bathroom. Dogs, like most animals, do not like to be around their waste and it will cause them feel uncomfortable. If the cage is too small the dog can’t move around and will again feel uncomfortable.

The ideal choice of dog cage are usually made of wire, which permits a good air flow and allows the dog to look where he is. If your dog has a barking problem when he is left in his dog cage then a cage cover may be necessary. You can simply use a large towel, or you can purchase a cage cover separately. If you purchase a dog cage that has a plastic tray you can pull out, any necessary clean ups are easily done.

If you are looking for a suitable location to place the dog cage, the kitchen is generally a good place. Dogs get pleasure from human companionship, so placing the cage near more heavily used areas will make your pet more comfortable while he is in the cage. Often times, especially with puppies, dogs will bark at night in their cage. This can mean either that they need to use the bathroom and want to go out, or that they are lonely and need attention. Putting an additional cage or just having one in your bedroom is a good thing to do because it allows them to be near you all night and let you know when they have to use the bathroom.

A dog cage is not that costly, but the size of the dog will ultimately determine this. Crates and cages run around fifty dollars at the lower end, but can range all the way up to 150 dollars or more. With out your dog cage, dog training will be much harder during puppyhood.

The expense of fixing furniture and other things commonly destroyed by dogs will allow you to actually save money in the long run. You can find dog cages at pet stores, kennels, catalogs or there are many great websites to visit on the internet.

Mike writes articles on the cages for dogs and about how to find cheap dog cages on the internet.

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Puppies should be house trained as early as possible. Over 80% of dogs in the U.S. are kept inside the home by their owners. Failing to properly teach them to control their bladders and bowels will have frustrating consequences later. Fortunately, providing a healthy does of consistent discipline, patience, and attention upfront can help ensure your pup is housebroken early. There will be accidents, so plan for them. In the same way toddlers eventually learn to use the toilet, your puppy will also learn to avoid making a mess in your home.

In this article, we’ll describe two important ground rules that you should follow when housetraining your puppy. We’ll also explain why establishing a routine is critical and how to handle the occasional accident when it happens.

Establishing The Ground Rules

Owners who are trying to housebreak their puppies often punish them when they make a mess, even if they don’t catch them in the act. Avoid doing this. If you see you pup having an accident, a stern “no!” is good enough. There’s no need for punishment; in fact, punishing him can have a negative effect.

Also, be generous with your praise. If your puppy is doing things properly, let him know. Remember, dogs need positive reinforcement from their owners. If you only reproach him when he makes a mess and neglect to recognize his successes, it will have a lasting effect.

The Value Of A Routine

The importance of a regular routine when house training your pup cannot be overstated. The repetition reinforces positive behavior. First, make sure you’re providing your pup with plenty of opportunities to go outside; once every two hours is appropriate because they cannot control their bladders for long. Second, choose a specific spot outside that he can use to eliminate, and stick to it. If he has an accident, place the rags you use to clean it up in that spot. The odor will remind him where he is supposed to eliminate.

Third, establish a routine that includes regular feeding, playing, and walking time for him. That will help him adopt a consistent elimination schedule.

Paying Attention And Dealing With Accidents

When your pup is indoors, watch him. Don’t allow him to roam freely throughout your house. That is an invitation for him to leave a hidden “surprise” for you. Instead, confine him to a certain area and pay attention to signs that he needs to eliminate. When you notice those signs, take him to his designated elimination spot and praise him for his success.

As noted, your puppy will have a few accidents. Don’t punish him. If you catch him making a mess inside, interrupt him without scaring him (avoid yelling or chasing him). Take him to his designated area so he can finish. Then, praise him for it. Too many owners are quick to punish their puppies for having an accident. The result is that a pup learns to fear his owner.

Housetraining a puppy requires patience and diligence. However, if you approach it in the right manner, your pup will not only learn to control himself, he’ll learn to trust you in the process.

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