Finding Pets For Your Kids

Coton de Tulear dogs are beautiful and make a fun companion when you go out on your walks and trips to the park. Since they are small and don't take up a lot of space, they can be great for apartments and small homes. This means that if you get a dog, especially a puppy, he will need housebreaking. One way to housebreak a dog or puppy is to use crate training. Crate training not only helps potty-train your dog but is also an important tool in keeping him safe.

Reasons to Crate Train

Dogs are naturally denning animals, so they feel secure when they are in a snug, dark place to hide when stressed or tired. They have a natural instinct not to defecate or urinate while they are in their den. You can use this instinct to your advantage by crate training your dog. Crate training, if done correctly, helps your dog learn to control his bodily functions naturally. It can also give you a sense of security that your dog will not get himself into trouble while you're sleeping or away from home.

Picking Out a Crate

Choose a crate large enough that your dog can turn around and lay sideways with his legs fully extended. You don't want to go larger than that because your dog may "designate" an area as a toilet and that would defeat the purpose of crate training. Crates can either be wired or made of plastic with solid walls. Plastic crates are preferred for their sturdiness as well as privacy. Place the crate in an area where he can easily be seen as well as where he can see what is going on, but out of the way so as not to be an obstacle. You can also move the crate to other rooms when necessary, but make sure your dog is not isolated.

Introducing Your Dog to the Crate

It's important that the crate becomes a positive thing and not something that causes fear. Make the crate appear inviting with blankets and toys. When introducing your dog to the crate, place a treat or other incentive inside without shutting the door. At the same time, give the dog a training cue or word associated with going in. After he's freely entering the crate on his own, then shut the door for a few minutes and give a training cue when he's let out. You can gradually increase this time, but don't leave a puppy in the crate for more than a few hours as they have to eliminate often. If you have to leave the house for a long period during this time period, then try putting your puppy in a doggy daycare until he is fully crate trained and housebroken.

Eventually, with patience, your Coton de Tulear will be fully crate trained to the point where you can leave him in there for overnight, or when you need to keep him constrained for his own safety. In between crate times, make sure he gets plenty of family interaction, attention, and long walks. Don't use the crate as punishment, or force him to go in, and always encourage your dog to go into the crate on his own

Contact a breeder that has Coton de Tulear puppies for sale for more information and assistance.