
Veterinarians and professional dog trainers have accepted crate training as a helpful tool for promoting desirable behavior in dogs and puppies. It’s also considered one of the most beneficial life skills to teach dogs to keep them safe in stressful situations. Moreover, the benefits of crate-training dogs and puppies go far beyond keeping the pets in an enclosed space. The dog crates also encourage the pet’s safety outside and inside the house.
What is a dog crate?
A dog crate is a plastic or collapsible metal pen large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around whenever necessary. This crate is a place for the dog/puppy to be in when there is no one around. The purpose of a dog crate is to provide confinement and promote safety, house training, and security for the dog. Furthermore, the crate also acts as the dog’s bed and sanctuary.
Why should a dog crate be used?
If used correctly and humanely, a dog crate can benefit the pet dog/puppy and its owner. Some of these benefits include:
Avoiding fear, confusion, and anxiety
Promoting bowel control
Convenient inclusion during trips and family outings
As dogs are immensely social beings, they need to feel included in the family and its activities. Hence, at times like these, crate training can prove to be incredibly beneficial as the dog/puppy feels safe inside the house and becomes an integral part of the family.
What are the benefits of crate-training dogs and puppies?
New dog owners might feel that the practice of crate training is cruel, but when used properly, the dog crate creates a haven for the pet. So, here are some of the benefits of crate-training dogs and puppies.
Crates keep the dog/puppy safe in the car
In most cases, dogs and puppies get scared and uncomfortable during car rides. This can lead to uncontrollable behavior such as yowling, lunging, barking, and constant movement, which is unsafe for the pet. However, dog crates restrict the movement of the dog/puppy, help them feel less anxious, and encourage calmness during a car ride. Furthermore, during an accident, the crate provides an additional layer of safety, ensuring the newest member of the family is safe from harm.
Crates help the dog/puppy settle down in a new environment
When on vacation, it might become difficult for the dog to remain calm in a new environment. This might lead to restlessness, and the puppy might also feel disoriented. However, if the dog/puppy is crate trained, it becomes easier for the family to take their pet along on vacations, as the dog feels a sense of familiarity and belonging inside the crate. This makes it easier for the furry member to adjust to the new surroundings without becoming overwhelmed.
Crates prepare dogs and puppies for emergencies
In cases where one needs to evacuate the house urgently, a crate-trained dog/puppy can prove to be one less stressor off the plate. The crate training not only helps load the dog in the car quickly but also gives the dog an additional safe place during such stressful times. Furthermore, it helps the pet dog/puppy remain still instead of roaming around in a new and unfamiliar area.
Dog crates help keep escape artists contained
Some dogs and puppies are incredibly talented escape artists, which may get them into trouble. However, when the pet is contained inside an escape-proof crate, the owner might feel less stressed, knowing that their furry friend cannot get into trouble. Furthermore, it also allows the dog to remain inside the safety of the house and not become the victim of an accident on the road.
Crate training prevents destructive behavior
Dogs and puppies are immensely curious beings. They may try to sniff out the most insignificant of things and may cause more harm in the process. If left free and unsupervised, the dogs may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture. Hence, at times like these, one can benefit from crate training their dog/puppy and avoid any destruction inside or outside the house.
Crate training benefits dogs across all ages
Usually, dogs instinctively keep their sleeping areas clean. Hence, crate training may prove beneficial for bowel control. Moreover, it also helps keep curious puppies safe, teaches them that freedom is a privilege, and helps them understand that they may get more space when their house training skills improve. In addition, when it comes to older dogs dealing with health problems such as incontinence, the pets do not need to learn a new set of rules, and the crate also provides them with a space to rest comfortably.
Further, one must understand that the most important part of crate training is to make it a positive experience for the dog/puppy. Hence, meals and treats in the crate can be used as a reward. However, the dog or puppy must not be left in the crate all day, so limit the crate time based on the age of the dog, the level of house training, and the time the dog or puppy spends in the crate every day. At a starting price of $19.99, puppy and dog crates can be bought online or at the nearest pet store.
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How to select the best laptop for you
Read moreIf you look at the past 10 years, laptops have been growing in popularity in comparison with desktop computers. Several types of laptops are available in the market including nextbook laptops and it is your responsibility to choose the most suitable ones based on your needs. It has become really easy to identify a laptop that meets your needs.
The fundamental question must always be what are you searching for in a laptop? What type of device is good for you to purchase? Are you interested in playing games on the laptop? Do you want a device that offers a long battery life? Are you going to carry the laptop wherever you go? These are some of the questions that you need to find answers prior to buying a laptop.
Best devices for students
Generally speaking, students will be searching for laptops that are cheap and they also look for the one that offers good battery life. That is why most students prefer a nextbook laptops or mini-laptop. This is a very good option and the battery life of these devices is pretty high compared to other devices. These types of devices are highly portable as well. Several students search for a slightly oversized nextbook laptops and these products come with a larger CPU with increased power as well.
Best devices for travelers
Businesses travelers always look for a laptop that has adequate computing power and they also want a highly portable one. Another important aspect is that the laptop must be built into a sturdy case for protecting all your work documents. Compact products such as Panasonic laptops are a good option. 12 to 15 inch laptops are definitely a good option and you should not focus on the price too much. The focus should be on the quality of the device.
Best devices for the home users
Home users must be careful picking the right option that meets their own requirements. It can be something pretty similar to a desktop and 15 inch laptops are really popular for this category. There are plenty of options available in the market and you have to be really careful while making a choice.
Best devices for gamers
The quality and functionality of gaming laptops have increased considerably. Gamers are always searching for laptops that come with best processing power and they also give utmost preference to good graphics/video card. 15 inches to 17 inches are the most preferred choices and some people opt for bigger versions. Top brands offer high end gaming laptops and you can customize them according to your needs using the latest parts.
Your purpose must be given the top priority and the most suitable one must be selected after carefully considering all the options available in the market.
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Five of the best senior cell phone plans
Read moreAll cell phone plans these days come with high-speed internet and unlimited minutes. Both of these may not really be useful to seniors.
They don’t let you browse use the internet or talk beyond a paltry limit. The best alternative, then, is to find senior citizen cell phone plans that are affordable, and suitable for your requirements. If you belong to the low-income category, you could get free cellphones for seniors under the Lifeline Assistance Program.
You have a variety of smartphone plans for seniors to choose from. Here are a few.
T-Mobile Pay As You Go: T-Mobile is one of the best cell phone service providers in the market. This carrier offers deals that suit everyone. Plus, they’ve also released mobile phone plans that are tailor-made for seniors. On the T-Mobile Pay As You Go plan, you have to pay a monthly fee of $3. You get either 30 minutes or 30 text messages in this plan. To avail this, you’ll need to have a compatible phone. Whether you bring your own phone or not, you will have to pay $20 for a sim starter kit. Also, there is no annual contract, no deposit, and no credit check.
AT&T GoPhone Daily: One of the most trusted brand across the US, AT&T has a very convenient plan for seniors who hardly need to make any calls. The name of the plan is AT&T GoPhone Daily. The best part is that you have to pay $2 per day of usage of incoming and outgoing calls. It means that you don’t have to pay anything on the days that you don’t use your phone. This is one of the best senior phone plans. If you are using the phone for the day you get unlimited minutes and texts. You don’t even have to pay an activation fee. If you already have a compatible phone you can get a sim for $4.99. However, if you are buying the sim online you’ll have to be careful as a $25 refill card may be added. Make sure to uncheck this item while making a purchase.
Republic Wireless 1GB: For seniors who use the internet often. Available at just $20 this plan gives you not only 1GB of data but also gives you unlimited minutes and texts and is one of the best phone plans for seniors. Republic Wireless is one of the newest service providers but has made a stand with offers such as this one. This plan has no contract but it is important to know that this is not a prepaid service.
T-Mobile monthly basic: Yet another plan from T-Mobile that is ideal for seniors. This plan is priced at $30 per month. You get 5GB of high-speed internet and you get 100 minutes and unlimited texts. If you can make do with just 100 minutes of talk time this is one of the most reasonable cell phone plans for seniors out there.
Greatcall WeTalk 200: Priced at $14.99, this plan gives you 200 minutes of talk time. It is important to note that you don’t get any texts or data.