Another common dental problem is broken teeth. Chewing on hard toys and treats like antlers and bones can break your dog or cat’s teeth. A broken tooth can expose the nerve of the tooth, which is very painful for your pet. Additionally, the exposed nerve can become infected and cause even more problems for your pet. At this point, the tooth will need to be removed.

WHAT IS A DENTAL CLEANING?
During a veterinary dental cleaning, unless unable due to a medical issue, veterinarians will put your pet under general anesthesia to protect both your pet and the veterinarian. The veterinarian will use dental tools to remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth. Then, the veterinarian will use a special polishing paste that smooths out any scratches in the enamel of the teeth. A fluoride treatment or barrier sealant will then be put on the teeth to help strengthen and desensitize the teeth, while also preventing more plaque from developing.

While your pet is being seen for a cleaning, the vet will also get dental x-rays to check on your pet’s teeth both above and below the gumline. These x-rays will allow the veterinarian to see any problems that wouldn’t be visible on the surface of the tooth. The vet will also check to make sure no teeth are broken or infected.

HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR PET?
It is very important that pets go in for regular dental cleanings as veterinary dentistry can remove built-up plaque. However, there are a few things you can do at home to help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy as well. The best thing you can do for your pet’s oral health is to brush their teeth. Cats and dogs aren’t that different from humans, and daily brushing can prevent the build-up of tartar and plaque, which often lead to periodontal disease. While daily brushing isn’t always an easy feat, focusing on brushing your pet’s teeth frequently can save the teeth down the road. Buy pet-specific toothpaste and either a regular or finger toothbrush, and you can start brushing your pet’s teeth slowly.

You will want to proceed in a manner that allows your pet to get used to the brushing. Allow your pet to lick some of the toothpaste off of the brush. This lets your pet get used to the taste of the toothpaste and the feel of the brush. The first few times, just brush the front teeth. As your pet feels more comfortable, you can start brushing all the teeth. Follow the brushing with a treat for a little encouragement.

Although not as effective as brushing, you can also buy liquid and foam oral products that help kill some of the bacteria in your pet’s mouth. There are also toys and treats that can help remove plaque and tartar build-up from your pet’s teeth.

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Getting weight off a dog is never easy or fun as it requires persistence and dedication. Dogs can gain weight for a wide range of reasons, like underlining health issue, too many treats, or overeating. Regardless of the reason, an overweight pet is never a good thing, and it is important for pet owners to look into it as soon as possible. Statistics have shown that about half of American pets are either obese or overweight. This can lead to stress on your dog’s body, aggravate other health issues, and may take some years off your dog’s life. Here are the top 10 reasons your dog can’t lose weight.

Excess Food

This may seem an obvious point but there are certain ways your dog might be eating too much without your knowledge. This is especially true if other members of your household give your dog people food or treats. A smart way to keep track of your pet’s people food or treats consumption is to put a mark on a calendar or whiteboard when a treat was given. This will allow all members of your household to keep track.

Genetics

Some dog breeds are just more likely to gain weight more than others. The reasons for this weight gain vary, from being greedy, eats anything dog or being a typically sedentary dog who needs to be encouraged to exercise, to having a high requirement that dog owners don’t usually meet.

Aging

Just like humans, as dogs age, they lose their muscle mass with time. This condition is also referred to as sarcopenia. A loss of muscle mass is usually associated with a slower metabolism, which causes fat gain. Diets with higher protein levels have been shown to help delay or slow the loss of muscle. To avoid this, ensure your dog stays active and healthy in old age, and take them to see the vet once they begin to slow down so much so that the quality of their life is suffering. The vet will know the best option for your dog to get back on their steps.

Not Enough Exercise

Another reason your dog may be having difficulty losing weight is if they are a bit too sedentary. However, there can be a twist to this exercise equation. Just like humans, dogs tend to adapt to exercise routines, which may over time render them less effective. If your canine friend takes walks every day, you can add 5 to 10 minutes of higher intensity to the mix. A rousing game of fetch is a great option.

Calorie Consumption

Ironically, some dog foods advertised for senior or overweight dogs can contribute to weight gain. If the dog’s food calorie count is lowered by removing protein or fat and adding carbohydrates, insulin production will be stimulated, which causes an increased appetite and higher body fat. Instead, choose a dog food that is lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein to keep your furry friend lean and full.

Eating from Another Pet’s Bowl

Another reason your dog is not losing weight might be because they are stealing food from other pets. This is especially true for dogs in a multi-pet household. Meal feeding your animals once or twice a day is the best way to prevent this problem. Start by separating feeding the dieting dog, and once the pets have finished eating pick up the bowls. If there are cats in your household, place their food bowls where the dogs can’t reach. Alternatively, you can put the cat’s food bowls in a part of your house where the dogs don’t have access to.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis is a common form of arthritis in pets and it is caused by their joints’ cartilage wearing down. This condition sometimes causes hip pain in dogs. The more they are overweight, the greater the strain on their joints. Sadly, the pain osteoarthritis causes make it difficult for your dog to exercise and will make it very likely for your pet will gain weight from this condition. Consult your dog about the treatment of osteoarthritis, which might include pain medication and physical therapy.

Hypothyroidism

Around 4-6 years, dogs with hypothyroidism sometimes start to display some symptoms of this disease, which include lethargy, excessive shedding, and weight gain. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is smart to take them to the vet for treatment right away.

Hyperadrenocorticism/Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s disease is a common disease found in dogs six years or older. This disease occurs as a result of the overproduction of the cortisol hormone by the dog’s adrenal glands. Some of Cushing’s disease symptoms include a stiff walk, lethargy, weight gain, and a dull coat.

Hip Dysplasia

Symptoms of hip dysplasia include difficulty hopping up into a car or climbing stairs as well as limping. Also, your pet may show indications of pain when their hip is touched, and chew or lick at the hip area. If you start noticing symptoms like this or if your dog starts having difficulties performing other routine activities, then visiting a vet is recommended. Inactivity as a result of hip pain may lead to weight gain. This will make the hip dysplasia pain worse. Your vet might recommend massage therapy, pain-relief medication, or even surgery in more severe cases.

With these tips, a little detective work, and some patience, you can discover your pet’s weight-loss saboteur and get your friend back on the track to wellness and health in time. If you think your dog can still lose weight, visiting your vet to explore potential solutions and causes can help you avert detrimental issues that can result from an overweight dog.

Recommended Weight Loss Dog Food

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Sometimes, we fall into the temptation of wanting to feed our furry friends with table scraps and small treats when they sit next to the dinner table. However, it is important to know that you may be harming your dog by feeding it certain foods. Dogs are part of the family but it does not mean they can share all the food we eat because many of them are bad for dogs. Read on to learn more about the 11 foods that are bad for your dog.

Chocolate

Chocolate is harmful to your pet because it changes the central nervous systems in dogs. This is because it contains theobromine which is a stimulant that can be lethal to your pets. Dark chocolate is especially bad for your dog’s health as it is worse than white chocolate and milk chocolate. This is because the intensity of the chocolates’ color is directly proportional to the amount of theobromine. Its toxicity largely depends on the chocolate’s cocoa content and the dog’s size.

Apart from chocolate, avoid giving your dog any drink that contains caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Vomiting and palpitation are the most common signs of chocolate poisoning and in severe cases, it could lead to death.

Garlic and Onions

Although garlic and onions are known in the herbal world for their amazing health benefits, disulfides and sulfoxides are present in them which can cause anemia and damage the red blood cells. Poisoning by these substances is often tricky as symptoms tend to show up just after 3 to 4 days after ingestion. Weakness and reluctant to move are some of the symptoms you would see in affected dogs. All onion types are bad for dogs, including cooked, raw, or dehydrated onions, and leftovers from the dinner table that have cooked onions.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can also be very bad for dogs because it contains a toxin that restrains the locomotory function of a dog. Often, after a dog consumes macadamia nuts, it can cause vomiting, weaknesses, swelling joints, gait, muscle or joint pain, a faster heartbeat, and a rise in temperature. It can even lead to paralysis in the worst-case scenario.

Raisins and Grapes

Raisins and grapes are great for humans, but they are harmful to dogs. This is because of the pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides that dirty them. Additionally, they are harmful because they contain a lot of fungi, vitamin D, metal or mold in them.

Raw Fish and Meat

Raw fish and meat are a favorite breeding ground for bacteria causing food poisoning. Besides bacteria, there are also some fish varieties that harbor parasite growth. One of them is salmon. Raw salmon contain parasites that can cause poisoning in dogs. Once you notice your dog has consumed this, don’t delay treatment as it can be lethal after 2 weeks of infection.

Avocados

Avocado is another food you should avoid giving to your dog. There is a compound found in avocados known as persin which can upset the dog’s stomach. Persin is found in the avocado leaves, plants, and fruit. The slippery pit can also get stuck easily in your pet’s intestinal tract and cause pain as a result of the blockage. Surgery is usually needed to fix this problem most times. Also, avocados can cause stomach upsets and stomach aches that include vomiting and diarrhea.

Apple Cores

The seeds and cores of an apple contain toxic cyanide, which can be harmful to your dog. Cyanide stops blood from transporting oxygen through the body, and this will stop many bodily functions when the right amount of oxygen is not supplied. The poisonous apple core can lead to a few things, like coma, shock, hyperventilation, seizures, collapse, dizziness, breathing problems, drooling, dilated pupils, and apprehension. Dogs can take apples as a treat but only after taking out the core and seeds. Also, avoid giving your dog a rotten apple.

Alcohol

Don’t give your dog alcohol of any kind and ensure your pet does not lick up any spilled whiskey or beer. Alcohol can harm your pet’s brain and liver, just like it does to humans. Likewise, your canine friend can experience tremors, breathing problems, or problems in coordination. But the effect is worse in dogs because their organs are quite smaller than humans’. Alcohol can also cause the blood sugar level of your dog to drop, and your dog will need to get glucose very fast to halt brain damage. This is because low blood sugar levels can lead to seizures in animals.

Bacon

Even if your furry friend gives you puppy dog eyes, you should never feed them cooked or raw bacon. Cooked bacon contains a lot of fat which can cause canine pancreatic. Whether cooked or uncooked, fat trimmings can also lead to this problem. Bacon can cause cardiovascular disease, hypothyroidism, and obesity because it has a lot of calories. The high amount of salt found in bacon can also cause bloating. Bloating can be very harmful to your pet as it can cause a lot of gas in your dog’s stomach.

Wild Mushrooms

While white mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat, wild mushrooms can be very dangerous for them. If eaten, wild mushrooms can cause salivation, excessive urination, convulsions, diarrhea, restlessness, vomiting, kidney damage, liver damage, drooling, abdominal pain, coma, or death. The toxins will gather in their bodies if not treated right away and can lead to liver or kidney failure. Just like most poisonings, the best way to control the poison of wild mushrooms is not to take it in the first place.

Artificial Sweeteners

Avoid giving your dog any food with artificial sweeteners. This is because they can contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can lead to an excessive amount of insulin being sent into the dog’s blood, causing kidney failure or even worse death. Attractive as they can be, candy and chewing gums contain this sweetener. So, watch your pet intently to avoid ingesting this, because it could cause adverse effects even when ingested in a small amount.

Now that you know what your dog shouldn’t eat, be sure to feed your furry friend quality dry dog food and wet dog food which can be purchased right here on our website.

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Not sure what toys to get for your dog? Does your dog seem to like a toy for a short time only to lose interest in it later on? Do you have so many toys for your dog lying around but your dog just doesn’t seem interested in playing with them very much at all? Well, keep reading because we will share two simple steps that will help you change the way you think about choosing a toy for your dog plus we will share some great advice on how to get your dog playing in no time at all.

In this article, we will show you how to choose the right enrichment toys for your dog that will help get them playing again and keep them occupied. Finding the right enrichment toys for your dog is as easy as two simple steps. Step 1 look and step 2 link. By looking at our dog, we are looking at the behaviors that they naturally like performing and then step 2 we are linking those behaviors with the right enrichment toy that will help our dog perform those behaviors. Now, when our dog gets to perform those behaviors they like doing, it’s rewarding and fulfilling.

Maybe your dog likes to dig or maybe your dog likes to chew, whatever behaviors your dog prefers to do, look at those behaviors and then link it to the right toy that will help your dog express his/her behaviors while they are interacting with it. For example, if your dog likes to dig, rather than restricting them from the prized veggie patch or garden area, simply create an area like a sandpit especially made for your dog to dig in.

Also, investigate by hiding the odd favorite toy, long-lasting chew, or some tasty food treats in there at random times for them to find. You will also make this area much more attractive to your dog. By giving your dog their own special place that’s approved for their preferred digging behavior and making it interesting for them, you’re also increasing the novelty for them. So it’s not just a digging area but you’ve also created another game for them to play in the form of a treasure hunt.

Chewing Behaviors

There are so many toys out there that are designed just to be chewed but sometimes you need to look a little further to find the right type of chew-based toy for your dog. Toys that can allow your dog to perform different behaviors at the same time; for example, chewing as well as pulling or tugging are very good choices for dogs that prefer to physically interact with their chew toys rather than just sitting quietly and chewing on them. So what chew-toys does your dogs spin most of the time? Take note of the texture, the feel, and the material – does it squeak, does your dog like to incorporate a chase or fetch behavior with this chew toy at the same time, how can you put a spin on this toys theme and provide a chew toy that your dog can fetch or chase at the same time and interact with it safely when they are home alone.

One of the best ways to maintain a novelty for any of your dog’s toys is to make sure that any toys that are in use are put away and out of sight. And when you are giving your dog toys, make sure you give them different toys on different days and rotate them around so they get something different every day. That increases the novelty for them as well.

Here are some important points that need a special mention.

When thinking about which dog toy to purchase, take into consideration your dog’s physical features and their mobility. If we think about different dog breeds like a chihuahua compared to a Great Dane or a pug, they each have their own different physical features and so we need to take into consideration their ability to manipulate the item and interact with the item. That takes some flexibility and some dexterity, so consider those things and then decide if that item is suitable for your dog.

If you have a large breed dog especially one that is young and still growing, it’s really important to ensure that the physical exercise that’s associated with that enrichment item is moderate and gentle. This is very important in helping protect your dog’s joints and musculoskeletal system in general. So just keep that in mind when you are choosing an enrichment item that might require some physical exertion from your dog.

When you are looking at your dog’s behavior, always put it into context for the situation in which it’s occurring and make sure it is usual or normal for that situation or environment. Now, for example, some behaviors like excessive digging and excessive chewing may be warning signs that your dog may not be feeling as comfortable and safe in the environment that they are in. So further investigation would be warranted and the best thing to do if you have any concerns is to talk to your regular veterinarian as soon as possible so they can rule out any medical conditions or other factors that might be contributing to any of the behaviors that you might be concerned about.

What are some behaviors that your dog naturally likes to do? Please share your experiences and your comments in the section below because we would love to hear about them.

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The healthiest dog foods for small breeds are designed to provide superior nutrition for those dogs whose ideal adult weight is less than 20 pounds. This is because they have smaller stomach capacity and they burn more calories per pound than larger dogs. Smaller dog breeds benefits from dog foods optimized for their smaller physical size and a higher rate of metabolism.

Since small dog breeds have smaller mouths and teeth, the healthiest dog foods for them usually have a smaller kibble size which makes chewing the food easier. In this article, we will review the nutritional requirements of small dog breeds and provide you with our top picks for the healthiest dog food for small breeds.

Nutritional Requirements of Small Dog Breeds

Dogs are scavenging carnivores, so most of the nutritional needs come from animal sources. Here is an overview of your dog’s nutritional needs:

• High-grade animal protein – at least 18 percent of his diet.
• At least 5 percent fats and a blend of omega fatty acids.
• Essential minerals and vitamins to ensure a nutritional balance.
• Lots of moisture for healthy digestion and hydration.

The most important nutrient for any dog is protein. It supports your dog’s lean mass and provides the building blocks for strong muscles. It is usually better if it comes from animal sources like fish, poultry, and meat because animal proteins contain all the essential amino acids that can’t be synthesized by the dog’s body on its own.

Fat provides dogs with a concentrated source of energy as it contains 9 calories/gram as against 4 calories/gram for carbohydrate and protein. Besides fat and protein, dogs can benefit from limited carbohydrate content in their diet to provide an added source of energy as well as essential nutrients and fiber. Dogs can’t fully digest plant foods so it is important the carbohydrate comes from digestible sources. Other beneficial supplements you should look for include: probiotics, chelated minerals, and vitamins.

How to Choose the Healthiest Dog Foods for Small Breeds

It is important to feed your small dog with a dedicated small dog breed food because their calorie needs differ from large dogs. This is a great way to ensure your dog gets the appropriate concentration of nutrients and calories in his diet. Here are some things to look for in healthy food for small breed dogs.

Smaller Kibble Size

Small breed dogs have a smaller stomach and mouth than the average dog, so to make his food easier to chew it needs to be sized appropriately.

Nutritionally Balanced and Nutrients-Rich

Typically, mineral supplements and synthetic vitamins are needed to ensure a balanced and complete nutrition for dogs.

Rich in Calories and Healthy Fats

A small dog breed food has a higher concentration of fat and calories than typical kibble, but it is important the fat comes from healthy sources.

High in Animal Protein

Dogs need a minimum of 18 percent protein in their diet, but generally, more is better. Make sure you look for a quality source of fish, poultry, or meat as the first ingredients.

Top 5 Healthiest Dog Foods for Small Breeds

When it comes to the healthiest dog foods for small breeds, the higher the ingredients quality, the better. Higher ingredient quality means more nutrition for the dog. Small breed dogs can’t eat as much as a larger dog, so what is even more important is the nutrient density.

If you are unsure of where to look for the healthiest small breed dog food, you can try one of the dog foods we have reviewed in this article.

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The fast-paced world we live in today demands our attention and this can wear us out easily. One of the best ways to reduce the stress that daily life brings is to own a pet. Pets constantly give gratitude and love, they can provide entertainment, and they are happy just being in our presence. With a wide variety of pets to choose from – whether it is birds, fish, gerbils, or rabbits – the decision can be quite overwhelming, but today we will focus on the two of the most loved domesticated animals in the world.

According to a report, the most common pet are freshwater fish with a population of about 142 million owned as pets around the world. Cats are second at 88.3 million and close behind at 74.8 million are dogs. But if your reason for wanting a pet is companionship and fun, then you are likely looking for either a dog or cat. The option you opt for comes down to the available space in your house, the time you have to dedicate to your new friend and your personality.

Generally, cats are less demanding and more independent, whereas dogs are obedient and loyal but require more exercise and attention. Cats live as old as 25 and dogs can live for up to 18 years. Looking back in time at these feline and canine rivals, The Independent a British newspaper published information from a study of ancient fossils of cats and dogs. The study revealed that historically the cat family has been much better at surviving than the dog clan, and sometimes at the latter’s expense.

The study showed that cats have played a significant role in making 40 dog species extinct, out-competing them for scarce food supplies because they are generally more effective hunters. And there was no evidence that dogs have wiped out a single cat species. That is sure to anger many dog lovers, but that was long in the past and almost all the dogs and cats are domesticated, which is why we love to spend time with them. So if you are in the market for a pet, how do you choose between a canine companion and feline friend? Let’s see if we can help.

How to Choose

First, you need to consider how much time you can dedicate to your new friend. Dogs usually more time than cats and don’t like to be left alone at home. Both come with different price tags. Dogs are more expensive than cats, but there is always the option of visiting the pound and taking on a rescue animal. Some cats live their life indoors and require a litter tray, whereas others will stay out, only coming in for food.

If you are choosing a dog, it is important to consider its size. Larger dogs like Labradors or German Shepherds, cost more to feed and need more space. Dogs are more affectionate and needy when it comes to mood. On the other hand, cats are more independent though it varies by breed. For instance, Siamese cats are playful and intelligent but can be quite noisy, while short-haired cats are affectionate and long-haired cats are generally laid back.

And as individuals, both dogs and cats have different personalities, so interact with them before taking them home to see if you can be buddies. That might help you choose, but there is more to take into account when your pet joins you at home. What about other considerations of daily life with your new cat or dog?

Feeding

All animals need feeding and because you will be feeding them, they will be your BFF. The amount of food a cat has to eat largely depends on its size, but they need less food than most dogs unless you are shopping for one of those tiny little toy dogs, that some folks carry around in their handbag. Cat food comes in canned wet or dry form and adult cats need up to 300 calories per day. You can also feed your cat fish, such as canned tuna, as a treat now and then, but if it makes up a large part of their diet, they are at risk of thiamine deficiency.

How much a dog eats depends on its size. Commercial dog foods are available in both wet and dry forms, and most dogs need up to 30 calories/pound per day. Dogs, of course, love bones but don’t give your dog cooked bones because cooked bones may injure and splinter their intestines. Another dangerous food for dogs is chocolate. For humans, it is a pleasurable treat but it can poison a dog.

Grooming

Cats famously dislike water, but luckily they need bathing, though they should be brushed regularly, especially if they have long hair. Most cats enjoy the activity as it relieves ant itchiness, particularly during the hot months.

As for dogs, they need regular bathing and grooming, especially those with long hair. In the summer, dogs will shed and lose their coat, so grooming aids this process, and if you don’t take the time to clean your dog, he or she will soon start to stink up your entire house.

Health and Hygiene

Both dogs and cats can get infected with fleas, lice, ticks, and other parasites. When this occurs, disinfectants like Advantix or Frontline are required to clear the pets of infection, though Advantix is used only on dogs because it is very dangerous for cats. Frequent bathing and grooming will help to avoid these outbreaks, as will visiting the vet regularly to ensure the pets injections are up to date and other health checkups are carried out.

House Training

Cats can easily be trained to use their litter-box. This needs to be cleaned at least once a day. But other than that, they tend to keep themselves to themselves.

On the other hand, a dog needs to be housebroken, socialized, and trained. Usually, training takes about two months and according to The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan, the 5 essential commands your dog must learn are come, sit, stay, down, and leave it.

At the end of the day, dogs are for some people and cats for others. If you spend a lot of time away from home, then maybe a cat is best, but if you have a big house and yard and like a pet to stand guard, then you are probably more suited to own a dog. So what’s your pet choice and why? Let us know in the comments.

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We have taken cats out of their native habitats, sheltered them indoors, and fed most of them a meat-flavored cereal diet. Under these conditions, cats become under-stimulated, overweight, and over-sugared. Your cats rely on your dietary choices, so it’s important to know how to choose the best pet food for overweight cats.

How to Choose a Great Pet Food for Overweight Cats

From their metabolism to their claws, cats are designed to hunt and eat animals. Cats have almost zero requirements for carbohydrates since their prey is not more than 10 percent carbohydrates. Many conventional cat weight-loss diets are in conflict with this. They decrease fat and protein to keep calories low while bumping fiber and carbohydrates levels up.

These diets are wrong in several ways as they may cause muscle loss by restricting protein intake. Additionally, cats are obligate carnivores and they are hard-wired to feel satisfied with fat and protein – not carbohydrates. This means the diets are not as satisfying as diets rich in the fat and protein cats instinctively crave.

It is critical to honor your cat’s natural needs to keep your cat satisfied and maintain a healthy muscle mass. The ideal pet food for overweight cats is one that is low in carbohydrates, moderate in fat and high in protein.

Top 5 Best Pet Foods for Overweight Cats

If you want to keep your cat around for as long as you want, be a responsible owner and help your fussy feline maintain healthy body weight. Try one of the best pet foods for overweight cats reviewed above for cats that need to lose weight.

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Before you start crate training your puppy, it’s important to understand the philosophy behind this method. If you properly crate train your dog, they will view the crate as a private room, as a haven, and a quiet place to relax. Unlike what some may think, they won’t view it as a rigid structure of punishment and confinement. Some benefits of crate training include house training as the puppy won’t like to soil his sleep area. They will also have limited access to the rest of the house so they can learn the house rules.

An average puppy without any negative experience with crates can be successfully crate trained in 3 to 7 days. If your puppy has been forced into a crate with no necessary training, they may exhibit anxiety and fear and this process may take 2 to 3 weeks or longer – depending on the intensity of the anxiety and fear.

Things You Need in Your Training Toolbox

High-Value Reinforcement

Figure out which treats are the most and least encouraging for your dog or puppy.  Reserve dog treats for very important behaviors such as recall and Classical Conditioning (teaching your dog to be calm around people, dogs and noises).  Using the highest value reinforcement for such what you find most important will yield faster results and save time.

A Crate

Go for a dog crate with a door that can swing open and close. Try as much as you can to avoid those crates with sliding doors.

A Treat Pouch

Good treat pouches help to improve your timing as it allows for easy access to food. Try to avoid plastic bags because their crinkly sound can distract your puppy and weaken your results with the training.

How to Crate Train Your Puppy

Step One: Step Right in

Teach your puppy that the crate offers an abundance of good things by scattering high-value food on the blanket inside the crate. In the beginning, you might see they are wary of walking inside. Be patient, give them time to think and give them the opportunity to look around for more tidbits that they might have missed.

Step Two: The Turn-Around

In the beginning, your puppy will start with two paws in and two paws out or they might walk in with all four paws and reverse out. Let your puppy progress at their own pace. Avoid the temptation to force your puppy into the crate. This will only prolong the process. Capture the moment your puppy turns in your direction by immediately delivering food. Be generous and provide as many rewards as possible before they ever even think to walk back out.

Once you are able to get your puppy to wait in the crate anxious to receive another treat, move to the next step. Don’t move forward if you see any apprehension in facial expressions or body movement (uneasiness about walking inside, scrambling to get out of the crate).

Step Three: The Texas 2 Step

Move to the next step once your puppy is comfortable walking in and turning around in their crate. Offer them high-value treat once they step in and turn around and withhold treat once they step out. Empowering them to choose between being inside or walking out will help reduce anxiety and form a relaxed, positive association with the crate training process. Don’t move forward if your puppy is exhibiting any apprehension about staying inside or walking inside the crate. If necessary go back to previous steps.

Step Four: Sit in Crate

Once your puppy manifests a clear preference for staying inside the crate, lure them into a sit to raise the criteria. Again, give them a high-value treat for the time your puppy remains inside the crate in a sit position. Then drum on the floor to ask them to step out. Repeat this exercise for some time until your puppy can walk into the crate, turn around, and settle into a sit.

Step Five: Closing the Gate

If your puppy is confident and comfortable with all the training exercises up until now, you can further raise the criteria by closing the crate door. Once the gate is closed, give your puppy up to 3 more rewards if they do not attempt to “bust out” as soon as you open the crate door. Repeat this process for a few more times to ensure your dog is relaxed with the gate is closed.

Frustrated barking, stress, whining, biting or pawing at the gate and loss of appetite are all signs you should drop your criteria and go back to a more basic crate training exercise. You will only prolong the entire process by pushing your puppy past their comfort zone.

Step Six: Walking Away

Next, close the gate and momentarily walk away. The goal throughout this training process is to keep your puppy way below their stress threshold. You will get better results if you are more gradual in your building criteria. Walk away about ten feet and walk back immediately to reinforce the puppy. Repeat this process a few times before opening the gate again.

Step Seven: The Finishing Touches

To close the gap between the practical and formal crate training sessions, start by having your puppy in the crate while you go check your mail, take a snack from your refrigerator, or grab a glass of water – reinforce your puppy intermittently for calm behavior.

It is also very helpful to have the puppy sleep near your bed in a closed-door crate at night. This lets them associate the crate with a place of safety, relaxation, and rest.

Note: don’t leave your puppy in the crate for more than four hours during the day, and at night for more than 8 hours. The duration for young puppies will vary because they will have to go potty more often. The general rule here is that a puppy can only “hold it” for the same number of hours as their age in months. So a 2-month puppy can hold it for up to 2 hours. However, young puppies can hold it for longer at night when their metabolism slows down. This varies from one puppy to another. Consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker to come visit during the day while you are at work.

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