The eBark: Rockingham Dog Club Issue 3 April 2016 | Page 26

People use crates for lots of
reasons, like to help with
housetraining or travelling.
Our dogs use theirs to sleep in
at night. But, the crates are also
a great place of escape when a
dog's world seems scary. When
there is a big thunderstorm, the
crate is the perfect size and
shape to crawl into and feel
protected from the noise and
lights. Even a socialized dog
that is used to having three or
four people come over to visit
can be overwhelmed when all
the relatives arrive for a holiday - crates come to the rescue.

ground, and it has the added
benefit of being portable and
lockable.
Dogs are less likely to bark
when they can see less, and
they feel more protected
when "danger" can't see them.
What can make a wire crate
feel as safe and cosy as a den
includes a soft pad to sleep on
and a tie-on cover.
We prefer the carrier because
it is solid (with ventilation
holes). With either one, you
just need it to be large enough
for the dog to be able to
change position. A larger one
feels less like a safe den and
adds the risk of it being used
as a bathroom.

Crates not only give your dog a
place to feel extra safe, they
come in handy to actually keep
them out of danger. When
there are workmen in the backyard, the dogs feel secure in
their crates, but they also won't
accidentally be allowed to run
in the street or get hurt by nails
or power tools.

(www.Dogs,
Tricks, Tips
& Insights.
Ed. B