It's one of the best investments you can make.

For thousands of years dogs have responded to their instinct to den by creating one under a table, in a corner or a closet. 

To you it's a crate, to your dog, it's a den,  a home with a view. It provides a secure area with walls all around--a forest without bugs.

It's a housebreaking tool because dogs and wolves do not soil their den. You can take your puppy from its home to its bathroom to teach housebreaking.

It's great for puppy socialization, allowing your puppy to be in the middle of everything without being in the middle.

It teaches a puppy about time out and gives you a chance to take time for yourself.

It prevents destructive chewing when you can't be in the same place as your puppy.

It's a place where a dog can dream about food or rest quietly knowing it's shielded from cats, kids and other dogs.

It's a sanctuary for your dog, a way to escape small children when it needs some space; an opportunity to teach kids about "space" and how everything needs a little.

It's a familiar, homey place for your dog because  it's scented by its own body with a soft rug and favorite old chew toy.

To an old dog its crate is like a pair of slippers,  friendly, relaxing, well worn and well known.

(c) 1999 Barbara Bouyet