MTM - The World's Premier Fold-Flat Dog Crate

The fold flat dog crate is designed and built in Britain to the highest standards. It is constructed of purpose made electro-plated wire mesh and has a removable, easy to clean, polyethylene tray. The crate folds flat for easy handling and storage, it is simple to erect and there is a wide range of sizes with end door, side door and double door versions from which to choose. It is vital that the crate should be large enough for the fully-grown dog to comfortably lie down, stretch out, turn around and sit up straight.

According to animal behaviourists, dogs are territorial creatures and instinctively seek out a place of their own where they feel secure and safe. With proper exercise and training, the crate can provide such a place for your dog, which he can seek out and recognise as his own very special den. When fully trained it can provide him with security and privacy when he is tired or unwell, or just had enough play.

The use of the crate within a vehicle can have many advantages. The crate can be positioned in the rear of a hatchback vehicle, estate vehicle or on the rear seat of most cars. The dog is safely contained within his "home from home" and the driver is less likely to be distracted by the dog moving around in the car. When the car door is opened, the dog cannot immediately jump out but is safely inside his crate until his owner is ready to supervise his exit. The proper use of the crate when travelling can mean that your dog can accompany you in comfort and safety and at journey's end; he will have his own familiar den.

The welfare of the dog must be paramount at all times. The crate is sold for the purpose of providing a dog home or den where the dog feels safe and happy and, although when closed will provide temporary confinement, it is never meant to be used to restrain an unhappy or distressed animal or for enforced or prolonged confinement.

Satisfied users of the crate have found the following method of training to be successful, although experience has shown that responses vary from dog to dog. Before the crate is erected for the first time remove your dog from the room. The crate should be placed in a "people" area in the home, perhaps the kitchen or living room, where the dog can see what is going on and not feel isolated from human companionship. It should not be positioned in a draught or near a source of direct heat or in strong sunlight. To create a den-like atmosphere ideally position the crate in a corner and cover the top, and possibly one side, with a blanket. Create a cosy bed with either your dog's regular bedding, which has his own scent, or new bedding plus an unwashed item of your clothing such as a tee shirt or an old sweater. Place favourite toys and treats near the rear of crate and secure the door open. Always ensure that your dog is not wearing a collar, or anything else that could get caught when using his crate, and that he always has water available and food when appropriate.

When you bring your dog into the room ignore the crate entirely: your pet should soon find it and the treats inside. It is important to keep ignoring the dog so that he feels no apprehension and comes to accept the crate in his own time. Just replace the treats every few hours and have patience. Eventually, he should decide that his new den is a good and safe place to be but the time taken to reach this stage will vary with individual animals. Throughout this introductory stage, it is vital that the door should remain secured open at all times. When you feel that your dog is relaxed and happy in the crate, close the door for a few minutes but do not leave the room. Re-open the door and repeat this door open/door closed routine as appropriate over time.

It is generally accepted that a young puppy is easier to train to a crate than an older dog, but older dogs may be trained successfully. The ease with which a dog may be trained successfully to use the crate will obviously vary from dog to dog and from owner to owner and, in occasional cases, the temperament, character, age and experience of a dog will make it unsuitable for crate training. Great care must be taken to control the environment in which the crate is used so that the dog is not subjected to any external stimulants that may cause him agitation or stress. For example, even a perfectly trained and happy dog may become agitated should a cat come in through an open window or should he be left in his crate in a room with other unrestrained animals. It is important that children should be taught to respect the crate as the dog's own special place and that when he is in there he must not be teased or excited. The crate is intended for occupation by a single dog and not recommended for multi occupation unless the owner is satisfied that the crate can be used in this way. The crate must not be used for the purpose of confining a dog for long periods, for example, whilst the owner is at work.

At all times it is the owner's responsibility to ensure the proper use of the crate for its designated purpose. The manufacturer will not be responsible for any damage or injury caused by, and or as a result of, any misuse, abuse or unreasonable use of the crate. No liability can be accepted for loss, damage or injury arising as a result of the incorrect use of this product, howsoever caused.

These crates are used by veterinary practices, dog show exhibitors, dog trainers and obedience and field trial competitors. They are also used by breeders, groomers, working dog owners, dog rescue and animal welfare societies - in short, people who understand and care about dogs. Once you and your dog become used to using the crate, you should both appreciate the benefits.

Mike Taylor Manufacturing Ltd., England.

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