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Most dog owners, expert authorities and veterinarians recommend dog cages
(also known as crates) as the best way to raise a puppy.
The dog crate is a sanctuary for your
Shar-Pei. It is your pet's well protected home. "Not so much
that your pet can not get out, but that humans cannot get in." according to
a recent release from a major dog food manufacturer. The pet crate is
comfortable to your Shar-pei puppy because, like his wild ancestors he
instinctively seeks the safety and security of a den'." The fact that
we may see the crate as a very limited space, or very confining, is only a
human view. The dog finds a crate a secure haven, more secure than the
confusing and sometimes frightening outside world.
The most important benefit that accrues
to the pet owner who utilizes crate training is the control of the puppy
when it is alone at home. When puppies are left alone and allowed to
roam to large areas, they become anxious, lonely and bored. By using a
pet crate, the owner creates the positive behavioral patterns which enable
the relationship between the pet and his owner to develop and grow.
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Make sure your attitude toward using
a dog crate is a positive one! Remember, that you are doing your
Shar-Pei puppy a real favor. "Crate training" will reduce fear,
insecurity, and stress related problems for your puppy.
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Use an adequately sized collapsible
crate with an epoxy-coated floor pan large enough for an adult size dog to
stretch out comfortably. A smaller space for the puppy can be
created by sliding cardboard or a piece of masonite between the wires of
the crate. When the puppy grows, the partition can be removed.
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Keep the crate in a semi-private spot
in a "people" area (such as the kitchen or family room). This spot
should be away from drafts and direct heat.
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Well before bedtime, place the pup in
the crate and offer a treat. Close and lock the gate.
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Immediately establish a routine,
using the crate for nap times and whenever the puppy must be left alone
(3-4 hours). Take it directly from the crate to your chosen outside
elimination spot, praise his performance, and go directly inside.
The puppy will then be able to make the association. Your
relationship with your pet will be enhanced if you keep it's life
structured.
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Treat any resistant to crate
confinement in a "no nonsense" manner. Remember, you are not being
cruel. At the first sign of any separation responses (such as
barking or howling), intervene with a sharply raised voice. The idea
is that the pup associates its behavior with the startling raised voice.
Some pups will not respond to a raised voice, but most will respond to the
sounds of a shaker can (a coffee can with a few coins), or a newspaper
slapped sharply against the door.
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Usually the pup settles quietly in
the crate after three or eight attempts at emotional responses.
After the puppy is quite, keep it inside for about 10 minutes. Do
not praise the pup immediately after releasing it. This can
reinforce the desirability of leaving the crate.
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After an interval of 30-45 minutes,
repeat the procedure. Extend the pups quiet time to about 30
minutes. Then gradually extend your absent periods, and in a short
time, you can be gone for several hours.
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Provide soft washable bedding (such
as a towel or bath mat) and one safe chew toy in the crate. Other
than treats, do not put food or water inside the crate. Remove the
collar and tags to prevent possible entanglement.
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