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Unfolding your new crate

No tools required. The crate simply unfolds and the end panels clip into place once lifted.

Use of Dog cages for indoor training

Providing your puppy or dog with an indoor crate takes advantage of dogs instinctive need for a "den" of safe home.
A cage can also be effective in house-training because of a dog's natural reluctance to soil its own sleeping place. Indoor dog cages can also help to reduce separation anxiety, prevent destructive behaviour such as chewing furnishings and potentially dangerous or valuable household items.

Most dogs which have been introduced to the kennel crate whilst still puppies, grow up to prefer to use their crate as an enclosed bed in particularly when they are tired and want their own space or territory. We recommend that you provide a kennel crate throughout your dog's lifetime

Location

Try to locate the crate in a room that you use regularly such as a lounge or kitchen. This will encourage your puppy or dog to regard the cage, as it's own home without feeling lonely or isolated when you leave him to go out. At first leave the cage door open so that your dog can go in and out of the cage at will. Do not make a toilet area in your dog's cage, you are using the cage to house-train him. Think of your cage as an enclosed bed.

Bedding

The ideal bedding is veterinary fleece, which should cover the whole tray, to avoid leaving a toileting area inside the cage. This type of bedding is specifically designed to be hypoallergenic and machine washable at a hot temperature. Often recommended by breeders and vets it is very safe and helps to keep your dog warm and dry.

Toys and Treats

Place your puppy's favourite toys and dog treats inside the crate. These toys may include, a Nylabone (see our puppy starter pack), a ball or cotton bone. Toys should always be inedible and large enough to prevent them from being swallowed. Avoid giving your puppy or dog real bones.

Water

A bolt-on water bowl should be attached to the crate if your puppy is to be confined for more than one hour. This cannot be knocked over by your dog and can be raised in height as your puppy grows.

Introducing a puppy to a crate

So that your puppy associates his/her kennel crate with comfort, security and enjoyment, leave small treats in the crate. Your puppy will then discover the treats whilst exploring his new home, so associating the crate with a pleasant reward. Also feeding him in the crate has the same effect. Always praise your dog when he enters his new crate. Do not force your puppy into the crate. We suggest you induce your puppy into his crate with a small treat or toy. Overnight you may need to place your puppy in his crate and shut the door upon retiring. The crate can be located in your kitchen, lounge or your bedroom overnight.
It is advisable first to crate your puppy for short periods of time while you are home with him. In fact, crate training is best accomplished while you are in the room with your dog. This prevents an association being made with the crate and you leaving him/her alone

A few key points to remember
1. Always be sure to allow your dog the opportunity to "empty" himself outside before leaving him in the crate.
2. When your puppy is quite young, be prepared to get up early in the morning to take him out. Always stay out with your puppy, and praise him when you get the required result.
3. Very young puppies may have an occasional accident in the cage. Do not make a fuss; just be prepared to clean it up. They quickly learn to go outside their own cage (bed).
4. Never use the cage as punishment. You need your puppy to be happy to go into his crate at any time.
5. Once your puppy has been inoculated, give him plenty of exercise and socialise your dog. Local dog trainers offer puppy classes. This is an ideal way for your dog to get used to other dogs and people.
6. A dog crate can be used at any time in a dog's life. Many pet behaviourists recommend a cage even for older dogs.
7. Do not leave your dog in direct sunlight or in a conservatory or anywhere he may overheat.

Important

Adult dogs often take to cages quite quickly, however dogs that are not cage trained from puppies or may be suffering from separation anxiety should be introduced to a cage slowly, in your presence until they are completely comfortable with their new home.
Our cages are designed as training cages, however a cage is not designed to contain a distressed dog, or a dog that is not happy to be in a cage. NEVER leave your dog unattended in a cage if there is any possibility he may become distressed in your absence, as he may injure himself.
The above information is a guide to the use of an indoor dog crate. Our cages are training or transport cages and are not designed to contain a very powerful or determined dog wishing to escape. Hanscan or Prizepets will not be responsible for damage to a cage or injury caused to a dog by the misuse of our products or not following the above instructions. This does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer.