Putting your brand-new puppy or adopted dog into a pet-safe crate while you're asleep, at work, or out on the town is an excellent way to protect your home from unnecessary damages and keep your pet away from household dangers such as cleaners, toxins and foreign objects. However, there are some alternatives to crate training for your dog if you decide this method isn't right for your pet.
Restrict your dog to a pet-friendly room
Perhaps the biggest issue many dog owners have when it comes to utilizing crate training is the fact that their beloved pet is confined to a very small space with little room to stretch out or move around. For this reason, setting up a separate room to serve as your pet's personal space while you're away is one of the best alternatives to crate training. If your dog can't be trusted to stay out of the trash, keep away from items on the counter or wait to relieve himself until you take him outdoors, create a personalized room for him to call his own where he won't be tempted to get into trouble.
Depending on your pet's tendency for mischief, this process could be as simple as putting him in an extra bedroom and sliding a pet-safe baby gate into the doorway so he can still see his surroundings without being able to escape. Remove all breakables, trash cans, and other temptations from the room to prevent him from ingesting foreign or toxic objects or destroying your personal belongings. Remember, a stressed out, bored or unhappy dog can wreak havoc on your home when left unsupervised, so pull out all the stops by providing plenty of dog toys to keep him entertained while he spends some time without your company.
If your pet problem revolves around your dog's habit of relieving himself in the house, consider confining him to a room with a tiled or linoleum surface that can easily be mopped up and kept sanitary when accidents occur. Use a baby gate to secure the doorway so your dog doesn't feel trapped, and leave enough food and water to keep him satisfied until your return. The primary reason crate training is such a popular practice for dog owners is the tried-and-true theory that pets won't soil the areas in which they sleep. If you're unwilling to put your pet into a crate for short periods of time when you leave your home, confining your canine to a small room that can be properly puppy-proofed and kept clean is a great alternative to crate training for your dog.
Construct an indoor or outdoor kennel
If you're not fully convinced that confining your pet to a specific room or removing prized possessions and potential problems is the best bet for your particular situation, consider constructing a kennel in your garage or outdoor space. A quick trip to your local hardware store or supply shop should provide you with access to large portions of chain link kennel panels that are specifically designed to safely and humanely confine your canine companion while you are away. Purchase a corresponding tile board for the floor, which can easily be mopped or wiped clean should it become soiled. Set up the kennel in the corner of your garage or in a secure portion of your yard. You can then choose from an assortment of floor-covering options, many of which are washable and suitable for outdoor use. Erecting an indoor or outdoor kennel out of prefabricated kennel panels is an excellent way to cut down on your pet's potential to damage your home's decor while still providing plenty of room for him to stretch out and move around, making it another perfect alternative to crate training for your dog.
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