Sunday, November 04, 2007

Crate Training: Top Three Reasons Why You Should Bother

Article Title: Crate Training: Top Three Reasons Why You Should
Bother
Author: Lisa Failla

Imagine walking in the house from a long day at work, ready to
kick your feet up, relax, and enjoy the rest of your quiet
evening at home. Then picture sticking your key in the lock and
turning it, just to open your front door to a disaster; the
trash from the kitchen strewn about the house, the stuffing torn
out of pillows and worst of all—a stinky wet mess just waiting
for you at the foot of your bed. Sounds like a nightmare, right?
Even better—this is the life of a brand new dog owner.

This sounds like a horrible quandary, and it really is. It
seems that puppies are programmed to deposit waste in the worst
possible spot and to chew up everything that ever meant anything
to you. Take heart in the fact that with proper training and a
bit of maturation on their part, your pet will grow out of this
destructive behavior, but what about in the meantime? This is
where crate training comes into play.

There are several reasons why crate training is a good, solid
step in properly training and housebreaking your dog. To begin
with, here are three of the more understandable reasons why you
should bother crate training your dog.

Reason #1: Crate Training Can Ease the Pain of Potty Training

Potty training your new puppy can be a big deal; with all the
accidents it can be a frustrating time and easy to feel like you
and your dog aren't getting anywhere. After a while, puppies get
very good at hiding their mess as well, and sometimes they can
do that in the worst of places.

To prevent this from happening to you, get a small wooden dog
crate or a wire dog crate for your pet or one with a movable
gate where you can adjust your pet's living space. This prevents
them from going to the bathroom in one corner and sleeping in
the other. You may not think so, but your dog is much more
finicky than you think, and they won't want to wallow in their
own filth; if they must hold it, they will.

Reason #2: Crate Training Can Ease the Pain of Separation

Many dogs destroy property simply because they are bored, or
due to the fact that they want to 'get back' at their owners, so
to speak, for leaving them alone for so long. If it seems that
your dog is tearing up your home out of spite, that isn't just
something you are thinking—it is the truth.

Having a wooden dog crate or some type of wire kennel
established where your pet can go complete with a comfy dog bed
and some durable toys for diversion can help ease the pain of
separation between you and your pet. Separation anxiety is real,
but having a comfort zone for your pet is a good way to make
things better, and a dog crate is a great way of doing so while
confining your pet to one area at the same time.

Reason #3: It Can Help to Prepare for Non-Pet Friendly Places
and Circumstances

One of the pains of pet ownership is when you come across a
place where your pet is not welcome. If you are traveling with
your dog and your host is not comfortable with is or her
presence or you are looking into involving your dog in any type
of travel via airplane or train, it is always a good idea to
have your pet comfortable with and acclimated to a dog crate.
There are specific requirements for how your pet must travel,
and most all public transportation requires that your pet be
confined to a kennel or dog crate. Of course, having some type
of kennel training established can make this a much more
comfortable, smooth experience for you and your four-legged
friend.

In general, there are several attitudes toward crate training.
Some pet owners feel like it is cruel to confine a pet to such a
small space and other people feel like it is a necessary step in
training. For a well-behaved and well-rounded pet, crate
training is always a must, for these three reasons and many
more.

About The Author: One of a kind dog supplies like Wooden Dog
Crates and Upscale Dog Furniture can be found at
http://www.PamperMePuppy.com

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Know Your Good Chihuahua Breeders

Article Title: Know Your Good Chihuahua Breeders
Author: Dave Jackson

Kids want a dog? As a family, you should consider the
Chihuahuas! Before you buy, you should realize that there are
certain things you should know first. There are many Chihuahua
breeders in all areas and choosing one that is well known is
most important. Ask your friends if they know anyone who owns
one of these dogs to recommend Chihuahua breeders, or check out
a few before you decide on your pet.
http://www.threebestdogs.com explains the top dog breed
personalities.

And there are very many breeds of Chihuahua, like the apple
head, tea-cup, long haired, doll faced and short haired. Good
Chihuahua breeders will not breed many different types, but only
one type. Some Chihuahua kennels specialize in the toy breeds.
Once a buyer has chosen the breed he/she wants it is best to
visit the breeder a few times before finally taking the puppy
home.

Usually, reputable Chihuahua breeders will want to know what
the family is like and their background of owning pets before
they sell one. In the same line, buyers should ask Chihuahua
breeders questions about the dogs. This isn't as simple as
buying a new purse; the dog will be the newest member of the
family. Take a little time to observer around the kennel to help
make the right choice.

An important thing to note is if the puppies were brought up in
kennels or reared inside a home. If you are looking to buy you
should check around the home or kennel to see what the
conditions were like, make sure that they are well maintained.
Try and observe if the puppies are shy or if they are playful
and affectionate.

Questions to Ask Chihuahua Breeders

The first thing to ask Chihuahua breeders is for verification
or ID. Ask if there is a waiting list to be put on if there is
no litter and ask if their or puppies available at all times.
Another good step to take is to ask to see the mother of the
litter. Also ask if the breeder has taken the dogs for their
shots and that they are up to date. When you get your puppy you
should be able to ask for the Chihuahua breeders help and
support ever after the sale.

Here's a tip: Ask for the names of previous buyers. That was if
there are any problems you encounter, you can be aware if others
have faced the same with these Chihuahua Breeders. Ask what kind
of food the dogs eat and make sure that it is a premium quality.
Don't fall for a breeder who doesn't let you come to the kennel
many times before making a decision. If one is rushing you then
use caution, as he may not be reputable.

About The Author: Dave Jackson knows pups. His site,
http://www.threebestdogs.com will help match dog personality
with you or your family. Dave writes about animals and nature
and has a miniature schnauzer.

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