Training Your Dog Using Dog Cages And Kennels
When the time comes to choose the right dog cage or kennel for your pet, keep in mind that they are not all the same, and that there is a correct type for each situation. There are kennels which are designed and made strictly for the comfort of small animals which are being transported. There are kennels that are built extremely sturdily, to house large dogs and keep them secure.
Dog cages can be made in virtually any size imaginable (even large enough to house a room full of adult sized people), and have many styles that serve various purposes. Make sure to get one that suits your exact needs and specifications.
If it is for traveling with your pet, you may want to get a cage that is fabric with a door of mesh and a roof that is zippered; or you may want to invest in the hard plastic type of cage with metal doors, or a kennel which is totally metal mesh save for a solid floor. Any of these are appropriate places for your pets safety and comfort while you are on a trip, be it for a vacation or going from one show to another. Also, these are ideal when you are not allowed to have your pet roaming free in a facility.
When used indoors, kennels are primarily used for training, whether it be potty training, behavioral modification, or just “damage control” when you leave the house and feel your furniture might be in peril if your canine friend were left to his own devices. By keeping the dog in the cage at night when you do not want to take him outside to go to the toilet, you can teach him to operate his body on a schedule that best suits your needs and schedule.
A training cage makes a good “time out” area when your pet makes a mistake and needs discipline. Your pet will quickly learn that if he doesn’t want to go sit in the cage he will stop doing whatever he did that got him there. While it’s not a substitute for your attention, sometimes a cage is a good way to keep your rambunctious pet under control during times when you’re not home.
If you are keeping your dog outside, you can also purchase cages or kennels which are designed for outdoor use; many of these have wood floors and can be attached to a doghouse so your pet has a safe, dry home for sleeping, and room to run around in during the day. Finally, walk-in cages are good for the temporary housing of several large dogs, and provide ease of access and cleaning.
Graham writes lots of articles on the dog travel cage and about how to find dog cages online.