Ways to make puppy enclosures
An open-air cage for puppies is not an obligatory, but very useful structure if you keep them in a house or apartment. It is an enclosed space with or without a roof and is made of various materials. This design allows you to leave dogs unattended for a short time without worrying about their safety and safety of things. If it seems expensive in stores, you can choose one of the ways to make your own puppy enclosure. Read also the article: paddock!
Why does a puppy need an aviary?
A puppy enclosure in an apartment is a great way to save yourself from all these problems. He assists the owner and protects the animal from dangers in the house:
- the puppy is in a safe space and cannot cut himself or swallow inedible items;
- the owner can do household chores without worrying about the pet;
- the floor and carpets remain clean if a diaper is placed in the aviary;
- the possibility of keeping the dog in isolation if there is a suspicion of any disease or it is in quarantine.
The puppy's enclosure should be made of durable and safe material. If the animal is selected from an open fence, it is worth improving the structure and complementing it with a lattice roof.
Ways to train your dog to the aviary
A puppy enclosure can be stressful and the animal will try to get out of it. At first, the process may cause dissatisfaction and complaints, but if you arrange the structure correctly, the puppy will like it in a few days. Experienced breeders who have already managed to get a huge number of litters, including at the same time, can give a few tips for beginners:
- the aviary should be located in the corner of the room, where the dog will not interfere with people, but will be able to see the whole room;
- a compulsory set inside the enclosure - a feeder and a drinking bowl, a lounger or a house, a diaper;
- in addition, put all the dog's toys there;
- on the first day, you can leave the puppy in the aviary for 1 or 2 hours, then you can send him there overnight.
If you equip the aviary with all the necessary little things, the dog will tolerate time well alone.
Ways to train your puppy to the enclosure may differ. Each dog is different and will react differently to isolation in a separate room. More phlegmatic animals have no problems with the new aviary and enjoy spending time alone. Active puppies should build a larger enclosure so that they can move around and play with toys. During the period of changing teeth, when the dog is trying to gnaw on furniture and surfaces, it will not be superfluous to buy special hard treats for it at the pet store. Thus, you can protect the furniture and the owner's hands, and at the same time distract the puppy's attention from lack of attention.
Varieties of enclosures for small dogs and puppies
Cages for puppies in an apartment can have different shapes and sizes.For small and medium-sized puppies, it is not recommended to make its height less than 50 cm, otherwise the animals will quickly grow up and be able to get out of it. If such attempts become more frequent, it is worth adding a roof to the enclosure.
There are several types of aviaries on sale:
- open enclosures of various shapes, most often classic polygonal ones are used;
- metal structures - cages through which the dog can observe what is happening;
- a tent-shaped house - a small fence, often folding.
Open enclosures should have high walls so that dogs cannot get out of them.
Closed designs are more reliable, but can only be used after puppies are weaned. If they still feed on her milk, she should be able to get to her offspring.
Homemade aviaries from available materials
A home puppy enclosure is a simple design that can be easily made by hand. The basic rule is that the enclosure is sturdy and made of materials that are safe for the dog. In purchased structures, all connections are carefully sealed, there are no sharp edges, and you will have to pay attention to this at home. In addition, making an aviary with your own hands takes time.
A classic open or closed aviary can be built in different ways:
- from wooden planks using a saw, self-tapping screws and door hinges;
- from metal mesh and rods using a wire or a welding machine, pliers and door hinges.
Regardless of the selected material, the frame is cut in the form of a cube or quadrangle. Wooden planks are connected with self-tapping screws, metal rods are welded or fixed with wire. Next, add 3 walls, nailing the boards with nails. If the aviary is metal, the mesh is pulled over the frame and connected at the corners with wire or a welding machine. The last wall will act as a door, so it is hinged, and then the lock (latch) is fixed. It is better to put a piece of fabric inside the aviary, and cover it with a disposable diaper on top. A separate bed can be equipped with fabric or you can buy a lounger at a pet store.
Aviaries are needed not only for outdoor dogs to protect them from rain and cold. Puppies, even when kept in an apartment, need a similar design for convenience and safety. The ideal option is round-the-clock monitoring of the animal, but even the most responsible owners cannot provide it. Therefore, experienced breeders recommend putting an aviary in the apartment and equipping it with everything necessary to keep the dog safe.