Leaving their pet at home is not something that dog owners ever want to do, but many do not have an option. Hearing your pet whine for you as you shut them in the house is painful and many people feel hugely guilty.



As recompense, many dog owners will return to a house strewn with rubbish dug out of the waste bin, precious items used as chew toys and ominous puddles on the carpet.



If you are not lucky enough to be able to take your dog to work with you or have appointments which necessitates that your pooch remains behind, dog crates could be a solution.



While some dog owners worry that using a crate seems harmful, they'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that it can, in fact, have the opposite effect. The crate provides security for the dog and establishes a space as exclusively their own. These are a great option for night time, too.



Some dog owners find that their previously boisterous dogs become much calmer after a crate was introduced. Others have noticed how whining has stopped. These comments leads you to think that the dog feels much safer, therefore is happier, especially if the crate is furnished with a nice blanket, some toys, water and treats.



Additionally, it leaves the house in one piece. Dogs who are languishing luxuriously in their crates cannot rummage through the bin, rip up the post, chew expensive shoes or nibble on wedding cakes (a true story), which in turn means that you will not have to scold you dog for doing, quite frankly, what any agitated animal would do.



The crate should be large enough so that your dog can stand up, stretch, turn around and lie down, this is so important when your dog is being left in the crate for several hours at a stretch.