2. Protect your dog.
Crating a dog prevents it from chewing electrical cords or eating poisonous
plants, toxic cleaning fluids, or nylon socks (which can tear up your dog's
intestines.) These are only a few dangers awaiting new dogs left alone in a
home.
3. Protect your property. A
crate costs between $25 and $200, depending on its size and where you buy it.
That's a bargain compared to the cost of replacing furniture and other
belongings your new dog can destroy.
4. Curb and prevent separation anxiety.
You love you dog, but you can't spend every minute of every day
with it. The crate can help you teach your dog to enjoy spending time alone.
5. Introduce chew toys. A dog
engrossed in chewing a toy will stay out of mischief. Give your dog time in
its crate with two stuffed chew toys, and it'll become hooked on its crate and
stay out of trouble.
6. Give a timeout. A new dog
gives your great rewards, but it also can drain you. If your dog becomes
excessively excited or starts nipping, use the crate for a brief timeout.
Don't do this to punish your dog. (Never use a crate negatively.) Rather, the
timeout allows your dog to regain its composure so it can interact
appropriately with you.
7. Travel safely. Whether your
dog travels by air or car, a crate is one of the best ways to ensure safety.
Additionally, when you stay in a hotel, keep your dog in a crate to prevent
damage.
8. Provide Security. Crates provide your dog with its own quiet place to hang out—especially important if you have a busy household and children. To encourage your dog to accept people petting it while inside the crate, praise it and give it tasty rewards on occasion. Also, let children know not to bother your dog while it is inside the crate. That's its quiet time