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Before crate training your Pit Bull
puppy, you'll need to acquire a crate. There are many types and variations of
crates available for purchase. It is important to pick the type of crate that
will best suit the needs of both you and your puppy.
You should also take
into consideration the size of your dog now, and how large he may be when fully
grown to avoid having to purchase more than one crate. It is also important to
remember that the crate will be his own individual space, and you want to make
it as comfortable as possible so that your Pit Bull will enjoy his time
there.
Since the puppy will be spending a lot of time in his crate, you
should put several of his favorite toys and treats in the crate for him. Keep in
mind that any toy you purchase should be large enough for the dog not to be able
to swallow it, to avoid any injury to your pet. Having toys to chew own will not
only give the dog something to chew that he can't destroy, but it will help to
prevent boredom while he is in the crate.
Due to the strength of the Pit
Bull, it is important to purchase tough toys that are made to last. They tend to
really like Kong toys, and they can be stuffed with treats, which will usually
keep him interested at least for a couple of hours, or until he gets all the
treats. You can also purchase bones and toys that are especially made for Pit
Bulls, they are tougher and usually safer for them to have than regular toys and
bones. Regular bones, such as rawhide bones, can be dangerous for Pit Bulls,
because they are strong enough to chew off bits of bone and get them lodged in
their digestive tract.
If your Pit Bull will be spending more than two
hours in the crate, it is a good idea to equip it with a water bottle in case he
gets thirsty. Many pet stores sell the same type of water bottles that are used
for hamsters or gerbils, just in larger sizes. These tend to work well in the
Pit Bull's crate.
You should also put some kind of bedding in the crate
to help your Pit Bull puppy be more comfortable. Old towels or soft blankets
usually suit this purpose very well. Occasionally Pit Bull puppies will chew
their bedding, if this happens, be sure to remove all the pieces so that the
puppy doesn't swallow them. If the puppy wets his bedding, just remove it until
the puppy stops using his crate as a bathroom, then put it back in.
Since
the crate is your Pit Bull's own private space, it is important not to let
children or visitors play with him while he is in his crate. He should be left
alone to play or rest as he likes. If someone wants to play with him, he should
be taken out of his crate first. You want your Pit to like being in his crate,
and feel comfortable spending time there.
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