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Many dog owners wonder what dog supplies are important to have for their little friends. While they know they need to provide food, shelter, and toys, there are often questions regarding the use of dog crates. The questions are usually related to house-training.

First we need to discuss how dog crates can compare to dog dens. In the wild dogs have dens as their homes. This could be a cave, an area under fallen a log, or even under an out building. These dens provide the dogs with a certain amount of shelter and protection. The dens make them feel safe.

Essentially, the dogs will use their dens as a place to sleep and relax. They strive to keep the area clean. In other words they do not urinate or defecate inside the den.

Dogs living in the home also look for a place to serve as a den. They may choose to use a spot behind or under a piece of furniture. But if a dog crate is provided they are very likely to accept that as the den – that is, if the dog crate is used correctly.

Dog crates should never be used as a place of punishment. Instead they should be the dog’s safe place – the place they go for comfort. Be sure that the crate is large enough to be comfortable for your pet. You can help create that feeling of reassurance by adding a soft blanket or other bedding material for your furry little friend. It’s also a good idea to keep a favorite toy in the crate.

The idea is to make the time in the crate enjoyable. This even includes when you are using a crate as a housebreaking aid. The reason crates are helpful in this training task is that you can keep your puppy (or dog) confined for a period of time without making a mess of the crate. Remember, the dog will accept the crate as his den and he wants to keep his den clean.

Keep in mind that puppies need to relieve themselves very often. You can expect the need immediately after waking up, after eating or drinking, after playing or other exercise, and sometimes in between. Of course you should not keep your puppy in the crate all the time. The crate should be used when you are not available to watch over your puppy.

However, it is best to allow the puppy to be in a confined area with you whenever possible. If you must be gone for long periods of time you may want to invest in a dog play pen. These pens offer a larger area but still provide a safe and confined place for the puppy to stay while you are gone.

Dog Crates: Indoor Dog Dens courtesy Dog Articles.

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Having a puppy is something many children dream about. They hear their friends at school talking about their dogs and the jealousy sets in. You might desperately want one yourself. The good news is that buying a puppy can be a great addition to your household and teach your kids great responsibility. Even so, there are some things you need to think about before making the final leap.

1. The first thing to consider is that puppies take a lot of time and attention. It can almost seem like you have to care for a newborn baby because the attention they need is constant. It will get easier as they become older, but even full-grown dogs need pampering. Many dogs and puppies are also very playful and need some form of entertainment or they’re likely to get into trouble.

2. Puppies also need to be trained in different areas as they get older. There are probably training classes in your area that increase in difficulty as your dog gets older. It is a good idea to send your children to the classes too so they know exactly how to interact with their pet.

3. Keep in mind that your puppy will cost a lot of money. Even if you try to calculate all the costs there will be some that are completely unexpected. Some of the many are food, toys, vaccinations, registrations, and dog training. If poor little pup gets hurt you’ll also find yourself with a large vet bill. Expect to pay for your dog what you would pay for a member of your “human” family because the costs can really add up.

4. Your puppy will get a lot larger depending on the breed. While that is a fairly obvious statement it does need to be said. If you have small children it can be intimidating to have such a large animal around. The best way to avoid any problems is to do your research before your purchase to make sure you’re getting a dog that is just right.

5. Another consideration is that your dog will need considerable exercise. If you enjoy exercising yourself this will be a no-brainer for you. On the other hand, if you are worn out at the end of a long day it can be a lot of trouble to take your dog for a walk. Many dogs also like to play with their toys and be active in general. There are breeds that are less enthusiastic so choose one of those if you prefer to be sedentary.

You will also need room for your dog to play and sleep. If you have plans to get a large dog you should make sure that you have a large area. Of course, there are also dogs that will always be so small they can fit into a purse. Make your decision based on the space you have.

Despite all of the things you need to think about it can be incredibly rewarding to be a dog owner. This is especially true if it’s the first time you’re going to buy a puppy. It is an experience like nothing else and they are oh-so-cute! If you decide to make the purchase, it will be a neat adventure for your whole family.

5 Things To Consider When Buying A Puppy courtesy of Dog Articles.

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