Savic high-quality dog crates
- The collapsible sides of the crate make assembly and disassembly quick and easy.
- All doors have two locks.
- All dog crates (except for the 61 cm size) have doors on both the front and the side, making them convenient for use in cars as well.
- The 61 cm crate has doors on the front and top.
- The sturdy plastic base is warm and easy to clean.
- The base can be conveniently pulled out from the side for cleaning.
Why do dogs love their crates?
Contrary to popular belief, dogs actually enjoy being in their crates. In the wild, canines live in narrow dens. Just like a den, a crate provides limited space, which gives the dog a sense of protection from dangers. Instinctively, canines choose a den in the wild – a shelter that provides them with safety and peace. For a dog, the crate is an alternative to a den.
- If a dog doesn’t have its own place at home, it often squeezes under a chair or table.
- The crate is a dog’s personal space where they can feel safe. The dog knows that the crate is theirs, and they can always seek refuge in it. However, they don’t feel lonely or isolated in the crate because it is transparent and well-ventilated.
- Dogs have an instinct to keep their place clean. Therefore, they wait until they are taken out for their necessities while in the crate.
- This allows owners to establish a routine for outdoor walks and helps prevent indoor accidents.
- Dogs have fewer behavioral problems such as excessive barking or chewing on furniture.
- Most importantly, the crate provides a secure place for the dog, making them happier and more confident.
- Dog crates are also great tools for traveling and training dogs to live indoors. Additionally, crates can be used for prevention and resolution of behavioral issues.
- The crate is a safe and secure place where dogs can sleep peacefully.
What are the benefits of a dog crate?
- It is a tool for training a puppy to live indoors.
- Allows dogs to travel safely.
- Prevents chewing on furniture and other items in the house.
- Protects dogs from potential hazards at home, such as electrical cords and toxic cleaning products.
- Provides a place for the dog to rest and recover from illness or injury.
- It is a safe place where dogs can sleep. The crate becomes the dog’s own shelter in your home.
Safety
- Before using the crate, remove the leash, collar, and hanging tags from the dog.
- Never leave the dog alone with toys that could cause harm.
- During sudden braking or an accident, there is a high chance that the crate with the dog will move in the car. This is dangerous for the dog, the driver, and the passengers. To prevent injuries, it is recommended to secure the crate safely in the car. The dog should be secured to the crate using safety harnesses. Never attach the dog to the crate using a leash and collar.
How to teach a dog to use the crate?
Step 1. Introduce the crate to your dog as their new home. Crate training should start early by allowing the puppy to rest and sleep in the crate. This teaches them that their new “room” is comfortable and safe.
Encourage the dog to go into the crate on its own. If needed, place a treat inside the crate. It is normal for them to be a bit hesitant at first and try to move away. The dog should be treated with understanding and should not be forced. Do not close the door. Let them enter or exit the crate as they wish.
When the dog is no longer afraid of the crate, hold your hand in front of the exit and let them stay in the crate for a moment. Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate. Don’t forget to praise them!
Once the dog feels comfortable with this exercise (probably after a few short training sessions), you can try closing the crate door. Now the door is closed, and again, don’t forget to praise the dog!
Soon, the dog will feel comfortable in their new home even with the door closed. Gradually, you can move away from the dog and the crate while continuously praising their good behavior. Eventually, the dog will calmly sit in the crate and be willing to sleep with the door closed in their new home.
Step 2. Teach your dog to relieve themselves. Puppies have a need to go potty every 2-4 hours. Take the puppy for a walk, for example, after meals, before and after napping. The owner should show them the way to the outside door, praise them, and take them out. This teaches the puppy a clear routine for going outside, which becomes familiar for their entire life.
As the puppy gets older (around 4-6 months), they can be left in the crate for longer periods. An even older puppy can be left in the crate for longer periods as needed, until the owner lets them out.
Some tips:
- When buying a crate for a puppy, choose one that will also be suitable for an adult dog. A crate that is too large for a puppy can lead to them eliminating in one corner and sleeping in another. In such cases, a suitable divider can be purchased for the crate.
- Get the puppy acquainted with their new crate.
- Place a comfortable and washable bedding in the crate for the dog. Make the inside of the crate as comfortable as possible for the dog. We recommend washing the bedding used in the crate as often as possible to keep it clean for the dog.
- Keep an eye on the puppy and their activities at home. By monitoring them, you can guide their behavior. Barking, eliminating, and chewing are all dependent on the owner’s guidance. If the dog is not taught proper behavior, they will do what they think is best!
- Do not leave the dog in the crate for the whole day. A six-week-old puppy can hold their bladder for about 4 hours, an eight-week-old for 5 hours, a 12-week-old for 6 hours, and a 5- or 6-month-old for about 8 hours.
- Do not use newspapers or pee pads in the crate. Try to establish the dog’s instinct that their home is not a place to eliminate.
- Do not let the puppy roam unsupervised in the house for too long. If they start behaving restlessly and impatiently (a sign that they need to relieve themselves), take them outside for a walk.
- Do not force the puppy into the crate against their will. Especially in the first few days, the puppy should be introduced to the crate gently.
- Never use the crate as a punishment for the dog! The dog’s crate should be their safe place, and they should not associate it with punishment, fear, or anything negative.