Dog Cages - unfolding

No tools required. simply lay our dog cages on a flat surface, lift over one half of the cage and lay it flat. then lift from the centre just like unfolding a box. The end panels clip into place once lifted.

 

                              

Dog cages location
Try to locate the cage in a room that you use regularly such as a lounge or kitchen. This will encourage your puppy or dog to regard the cage, as its own home without feeling lonely or isolated when you leave him to go out. At first leave the cages door open so that your dog can go in and out of the cage at will. Do not make a toilet area in your dog's cage, you are using the cage to house-train him. Think of your cage as an enclosed bed. You can use puppy training pads in your kitchen to help with general house-training.

Dog cage bedding
The ideal bedding is veterinary fleece, which should cover the whole tray, to avoid leaving a toileting area inside the cage. This type of bedding is specifically designed to be hypoallergenic and machine washable at a hot temperature. Often recommended by breeders and vets it is very safe and helps to keep your dog warm and dry.

Dog Toys and Treats
Place your puppy's favourite toys and  treats inside the dog cage. These toys may include, a Durable Nylabone (also see our puppy starter pack), a ball or cotton bone. Toys should always be inedible and large enough to prevent them from being swallowed. Avoid giving your puppy or dog real bones.

Water
A bolt-on water bowl should be attached to the inside of your dog cage if your puppy is to be confined for more than one hour. This cannot be knocked over by your dog and can be raised in height as your puppy grows.

Introducing a puppy to a cage
So that your puppy associates his/her kennel crate with comfort, security and enjoyment, leave small treats in the crate. Your puppy will then discover the treats whilst exploring his new home, so associating the crate with a pleasant reward. Also feeding him in the crate has the same effect. Always praise your dog when he enters his new crate. Do not force your puppy into the cage. We suggest you induce your puppy into his crate with a small treat or toy. Overnight you may need to place your puppy in his cage and shut the door upon retiring. Dog cages can be located in your kitchen, lounge or your bedroom overnight.
It is advisable first to crate your puppy for short periods of time while you are home with him. In fact, crate training is best accomplished while you are in the room with your dog. This prevents an association being made with the cage and you leaving him/her alone

Introducing an adult dog to a cage
Adult dogs often take to cages quite quickly, however dogs that are not cage trained from puppies or may be suffering from separation anxiety should be introduced to a cage slowly, in your presence until they are completely comfortable with their new home. Some dogs prefer to be in darkened cagees, so you may consider a dog cage cover, which will help your dog feel safer. NEVER leave your dog unattended in a cage if there is any possibility he may become distressed in your absence, as he may injure himself.

A few key points to remember
1. Always allow your dog the opportunity to "empty" himself outside before leaving him in the crate.
2. When your puppy is quite young, be prepared to get up early in the morning to take him out. Always stay out with your puppy, and praise him when you get the required result.
3. Very young puppies may have an occasional accident in the cage. Do not make a fuss, just be prepared to clean it up. They quickly learn to go outside their own cage.
4. Never use the cage as punishment for your dog. You need your puppy to be happy to go into his crate at any time.
5. Once your puppy has been inoculated, give him plenty of exercise and socialise your dog. Local dog trainers offer puppy classes. This is an ideal way for your dog to get used to other dogs and people.
6. A dog crate can be used at any time in a dog's life. Many pet behaviourists recommend a cage even for older dogs.
7. Do not leave your dog in direct sunlight or in a conservatory or anywhere he may overheat.
8. Do not make a toilet area in your cage, cover the whole tray with veterinary fleece, so that your puppy regards the cage as a bed. You can use puppy training pads in your kitchen to help with general house-training.

Important
The above information is a guide to the use of dog cages. Our cages are designed as training or transport cages, and are not designed to contain a distressed dog, or a very powerful dog not wishing to be contained within a crate. Hanscan or Prizepets will not be responsible for damage to a cage or injury caused to a dog by the misuse of our products or not following the above instructions. This does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer.