THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 29 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 theconnectionsnj.com • Over 50 years of outstanding customer service and quality repairs. • Computerized unibody and frame alignment by ASE Certified technicians. • Expert, on site computer paint matching. • Foreign and Domestic vehicle repairs. • Free estimates. • Insurance claims specialists. • Paintless dent repair available. 57 Morristown Rd. • Bernardsville, NJ 07924 • 908.766.3588 dba Doug Lowrie Auto Body www.pacecollision.com Pace Collision License #00506A l For your classic car restoration needs, visit our friends at Somerset Hills Classics www.somersethillsclassics.com 908-221-1968 r d s There are endless benefits to crate training and having your dog have access to a space where they can go to decompress and relax; just like your own bedroom! You can go to your room, close the door, jump into your bed, and take a nice nap after a long morning of taking care of the kids and gardening! It’s the same for our dogs. They need space to breathe and have some quiet time just like us. Other than a place for relaxation, the crate is a great tool to use for new puppies, even older dogs alike. Having them in a secure place when they are not supervised could potentially save your dog’s life. It gives you peace of mind knowing they can’t get into trouble. If you are not able to supervise them, you still might find yourself stressing about what they are doing. The crate eliminates stress on both ends! The crate is wonderful for young puppies especially because they need plenty of sleep to grow their noggins! If puppies are lacking quality sleep without disruption, they begin to act in ways pet parents deem unfavorable. And of course, the crate helps with potty training! The crate can even be beneficial outside the home. If the dog finds his crate safe and comfy (remember, dogs are den animals!), it can assist the dog in transitioning locations; such as traveling in the car (even a plane), going to the groomers, going to daycare, or even going in for an emergency vet visit. Imagine already being stressed and not knowing where you are going, at least you know you are safe in your crate! Not only feeling safe mentally, but physical safety should also be a concern for pet parents. Crates in cars keep your dog from interfering with the driver and keep them contained in case of an accident. Plus, there is a hefty fine if you are pulled over and the police officer sees that your dog could potentially hinder the driver’s performance. Overall, crates keep our dogs out of trouble regardless of age and they keep our stress low knowing our pups are safe. It is important to start your crate training as soon as your new dog becomes a member of your family because everything is so new to them – they are going to want a place to rest and process all of the new information they’re receiving. Positive associates with the crate are built over time and should be continuously rewarded especially in the first steps, regardless of age. Sleeping in the crate at night helps but the crate should also be practiced during the day, even if you are home! Small segments of time that can be increased as you progress, work for any crate situation: just a home crate in your living room, or the crate in the car. Slow and steady wins the race. Having something to do in the crate also assists in the positive association concept: a stuffed kong, a bully stick, and a lick mat are all good examples of something your dog can engage with safely in the crate. Crate games that build enthusiasm to enter the crate are also beneficial. Most of the time, we find that people have negative feelings about crate training their dog and we try our best to educate them as to how it could be a life saver – literally! If you are interested in getting your dog started with crate training or need help with building positive associations with the crate, we are here to help! At My Dog’s Got Class, we love to teach pet parents about the benefits of crate training Crate Training There are endless benefits to crate training and having your dog have access to a space where they can go to decompress and relax; just like your own bedroom! 1. Space to breathe and have some quiet time. 2. Sleep - Young puppies need plenty of sleep to grow their noggins! 3. Potty training! 4. Assist the dog in transitioning locations. 5. Keep dogs out of trouble PETS’ CORNER At My Dog’s Got C give people who are Co
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzA2NDY0