Many people use crates for housetraining their puppies or keeping younger dogs out of trouble when nobody is home. Often, once a dog is successfully potty trained, the crate ends up on Craigslist or Freecycle, ready for a new home.

Keep in mind that crates are not just for puppies, and that crate training, like all training, is a "use it or lose it" enterprise. Dogs should learn to be crated and practice crating throughout their lives. Even if you don't need your crate for potty training anymore, you will be glad to have it in case of emergencies.

Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY.
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Between three and six months old, puppies can develop fear aggression around other dogs, cats, strangers, grandma...oh, there are so many triggers. And we are inclined to excuse it so readily. The nip is so small; isn't it cute to see how they run and hide behind their favorite human? No, it is not! This willful adolescent behavior is unacceptable in any environment and indulging it can lead toward adult problems that land that formerly cute puppy in the shelter. A stern "NO" and removal of the puppy from the group to a quiet spot where he will be ignored for a while are the kindest reactions.

Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog
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