How Old Should You Start Crate Training A Puppy?
18.05.20 May 18, 2020 Getting A Puppy

How Old Should You Start Crate Training A Puppy?

We want nothing more than for our dogs to feel safe, comfortable and happy, and this is precisely what crate training is intended for. Dogs should view their crate as their haven and own personal den - a place they will voluntarily go to get some rest. You may be wondering how old you can start crate training, what the perfect puppy crate training schedule is, and if you can crate train an older dog. Our pet experts have put their top tips in this week's blog to help make your crate training journey as smooth as possible.     How Early Can You Start Crate Training A Puppy? It is important to start as you mean to go on and introduce your puppy to their crate as soon as you bring them home, at about 8 weeks or so. Getting your puppy used to the crate early on helps settle them in to their new home quickly and efficiently; helping nervous puppies feel safe and also helping them with their toilet training. We would suggest you have a crate set up ready for when you bring your puppy home. The crate should be big enough for them to grow into as an adult, but set-up slightly different whilst they are crate training.   How To Set Up A Cage For Crate Training We recommend using one of our Cosy & Calming puppy crate beds, which are designed to fill around half the crate and then popping a piece of vet bed or some puppy pads down on the other half of the crate. This will divide your crate into two areas to help keep the crate cosy & comforting for your puppy. You could also use one of our crate covers to help block out any light and get your puppy in a routine with sleeping.    Benefits Of Crate Training A Puppy Gives them a safe space of their own which can help them stay calm in new or stressful situations, or when they're tired  Can help to toilet train them A safe place for your dog or puppy to go when they're not being supervised It can make travelling with your dog easier as their safe space can come with you Can help with separation anxiety   How To Crate Train A Puppy Slowly but surely is a great attitude to take when crate training your pup, never force them to go in but simply encourage them with treats and toys to go in.  We recommend keeping the crate door open in their area during the day so they can go in and out at will. You want the puppy to see the crate as their den; their escape from the rest of the household when they need a rest. It’s important not to lock them inside for long periods of time – the crate should never be used for punishment either. The longest they will be inside the crate is probably at night time. You may wish to put the crate next to your bed, or just outside your bedroom at night time, so that they are near you and you can keep a close eye on them at intervals throughout the night. If they fall asleep at any point in the day, you could pop them in their bed inside the crate, to help reassure them that the crate is a safe, comfortable space just for them. Young puppies will get used to the crate really quite quickly if they are introduced to it in the first few weeks of puppyhood. By encouraging your pup to nap in their crate in the day it will make the transition to crate training them at night that little bit easier. We have a more indepth guide on how to crate train your puppy here, it has all of our pet experts top tips and tricks from crate training your puppy.   Puppy Crate Training Schedule 6am  or as early as possible - Puppy will be very excited to see you and desperate for the toilet - take your puppy out first thing for a toilet break. Then provide playtime in and around the crate. 8am - After breakfast, take out another toilet break and walk. Then take back to the crate for a little play and a nap (door open) 9.30am -Toilet training, then another little play. Another toilet break and encourage a nap in the crate. 12pm - Lunchtime with a toilet break and a little play. Another toilet break if needed and then encourage a nap in the crate. 2pm - Toilet break and playtime. Another toilet break and encourage another nap in the crate (door open) 5pm - Toilet break after dinner. 6pm - Toilet break. Playtime in and around the crate.     How Long Does It Take To Crate Train A Puppy? Some pups absolutely love their crate from day one, whereas for others it takes a little longer. Patience and reassurance are key in this process. Not all dogs learn at the same speed but with a little time, your puppy with learn to love their crate and view it as their own safe den!   Can I Crate Train An Older Dog? Dogs definitely have the capability to be crate trained at an older age. Whether you’ve rescued an older dog or simply never got round to it when your dog was younger, you can still achieve the successful results of crate training. There are several benefits of going through this process with an older dog. These include: Creating a personal safe space for your dog Establishing a routine for them Making transportation easier and more convenient Creating a place they can go to calm down in situations they find to be uncomfortable or stressful. It turns out that you can teach an old dog new tricks - it just requires time. Crate training an older dog is typically more difficult than crate training a puppy, as younger dogs don’t have formed routines that need to be broken. Older dogs, however, tend to be creatures of habit. Time needs to be taken for them to unlearn their old routine before going on to practise a new one. How Do You Crate Train An Older Dog? An older dog will soon appreciate the cosy interiors of their crate, more so than an excitable new pup. Place your crate in a quiet location so your dog has somewhere to escape for a daytime nap during louder times in your household. Follow the steps below on how to crate train your older dog. Prepare the crate - Choose a crate that’s big enough for your dog to stand up, lie down and move around in with ease. Pad it with blankets and, if applicable, their existing bed. Leave it in a busy location in the house and let your dog explore it naturally at first for a few days. Prepare yourself - If you have any negative preconceptions about crates, your dog will sense them and mirror your anxiety towards the crate. Begin training in a relaxed and positive manner. Prepare your pooch - It’s recommended that you should take your dog out for some exercise prior to training as a method of burning off some energy and make them more relaxed. A toilet break will also help to limit distractions and focus their concentration going into the training process. Create positive associations - Transforming a crate into a place where your dog feels happy is extremely important, so put treats and toys near the front of the crate. Every time your dog follows your command or goes in voluntarily to retrieve the items, be sure to give them lots of praise and positive reinforcement.  Entice your dog inside the crate - Once your dog is comfortable going near the opening of the crate, move the toys and treats inside, along with their water and food bowls. If your dog is reluctant, place these items at the opening of the crate until your dog is comfortable sticking their head in. Then begin to slowly move them towards the back of the crate until your dog enters it completely.  Close the door - Close the door when your dog enters the crate for a few seconds prior to opening it again. Repeat the process and keep the door closed for longer periods of time, as long as they remain comfortable. Increase time spent in the crate - Once your dog is happy being left in the crate with the door closed, leave it shut for a couple of minutes and gradually work this up to an hour before trying it for longer periods of time. Eventually, your dog will learn to like the crate and may even go in of their own accord.

By Megan Willis

Read more

We want nothing more than for our dogs to feel safe, comfortable and happy, and this is precisely what crate training is intended for. Dogs should view their crate as their haven and own personal den - a place they will voluntarily go to get some rest. You may be wondering how old you can start crate training, what the perfect puppy crate training schedule is, and if you can crate train an older dog. Our pet experts have put their top tips in this week's blog to help make your crate training journey as smooth as possible.  

 

How Early Can You Start Crate Training A Puppy?

Great dane puppy sleeping in a dog crate

It is important to start as you mean to go on and introduce your puppy to their crate as soon as you bring them home, at about 8 weeks or so. Getting your puppy used to the crate early on helps settle them in to their new home quickly and efficiently; helping nervous puppies feel safe and also helping them with their toilet training.

We would suggest you have a crate set up ready for when you bring your puppy home. The crate should be big enough for them to grow into as an adult, but set-up slightly different whilst they are crate training.

 

How To Set Up A Cage For Crate Training

We recommend using one of our Cosy & Calming puppy crate beds, which are designed to fill around half the crate and then popping a piece of vet bed or some puppy pads down on the other half of the crate. This will divide your crate into two areas to help keep the crate cosy & comforting for your puppy. You could also use one of our crate covers to help block out any light and get your puppy in a routine with sleeping. 

 

Benefits Of Crate Training A Puppy

  1. Gives them a safe space of their own which can help them stay calm in new or stressful situations, or when they're tired 
  2. Can help to toilet train them
  3. A safe place for your dog or puppy to go when they're not being supervised
  4. It can make travelling with your dog easier as their safe space can come with you
  5. Can help with separation anxiety

 

How To Crate Train A Puppy

Slowly but surely is a great attitude to take when crate training your pup, never force them to go in but simply encourage them with treats and toys to go in. 

We recommend keeping the crate door open in their area during the day so they can go in and out at will. You want the puppy to see the crate as their den; their escape from the rest of the household when they need a rest. It’s important not to lock them inside for long periods of time – the crate should never be used for punishment either. The longest they will be inside the crate is probably at night time.

You may wish to put the crate next to your bed, or just outside your bedroom at night time, so that they are near you and you can keep a close eye on them at intervals throughout the night.

If they fall asleep at any point in the day, you could pop them in their bed inside the crate, to help reassure them that the crate is a safe, comfortable space just for them. Young puppies will get used to the crate really quite quickly if they are introduced to it in the first few weeks of puppyhood.

By encouraging your pup to nap in their crate in the day it will make the transition to crate training them at night that little bit easier. We have a more indepth guide on how to crate train your puppy here, it has all of our pet experts top tips and tricks from crate training your puppy.

 

Puppy Crate Training Schedule

Ridgeback puppies sleeping a dog crate with a bed and puppy pad

6am  or as early as possible - Puppy will be very excited to see you and desperate for the toilet - take your puppy out first thing for a toilet break. Then provide playtime in and around the crate.

8am - After breakfast, take out another toilet break and walk. Then take back to the crate for a little play and a nap (door open)

9.30am -Toilet training, then another little play. Another toilet break and encourage a nap in the crate.

12pm - Lunchtime with a toilet break and a little play. Another toilet break if needed and then encourage a nap in the crate.

2pm - Toilet break and playtime. Another toilet break and encourage another nap in the crate (door open)

5pm - Toilet break after dinner.

6pm - Toilet break. Playtime in and around the crate.

 

 

How Long Does It Take To Crate Train A Puppy?

Some pups absolutely love their crate from day one, whereas for others it takes a little longer. Patience and reassurance are key in this process. Not all dogs learn at the same speed but with a little time, your puppy with learn to love their crate and view it as their own safe den!

 

Can I Crate Train An Older Dog?

Adult dachshund dog in a dog crate

Dogs definitely have the capability to be crate trained at an older age. Whether you’ve rescued an older dog or simply never got round to it when your dog was younger, you can still achieve the successful results of crate training. There are several benefits of going through this process with an older dog. These include:

  • Creating a personal safe space for your dog
  • Establishing a routine for them
  • Making transportation easier and more convenient
  • Creating a place they can go to calm down in situations they find to be uncomfortable or stressful.


It turns out that you can teach an old dog new tricks - it just requires time. Crate training an older dog is typically more difficult than crate training a puppy, as younger dogs don’t have formed routines that need to be broken. Older dogs, however, tend to be creatures of habit. Time needs to be taken for them to unlearn their old routine before going on to practise a new one.

How Do You Crate Train An Older Dog?

An older dog will soon appreciate the cosy interiors of their crate, more so than an excitable new pup. Place your crate in a quiet location so your dog has somewhere to escape for a daytime nap during louder times in your household. Follow the steps below on how to crate train your older dog.

  1. Prepare the crate - Choose a crate that’s big enough for your dog to stand up, lie down and move around in with ease. Pad it with blankets and, if applicable, their existing bed. Leave it in a busy location in the house and let your dog explore it naturally at first for a few days.
  2. Prepare yourself - If you have any negative preconceptions about crates, your dog will sense them and mirror your anxiety towards the crate. Begin training in a relaxed and positive manner.
  3. Prepare your pooch - It’s recommended that you should take your dog out for some exercise prior to training as a method of burning off some energy and make them more relaxed. A toilet break will also help to limit distractions and focus their concentration going into the training process.
  4. Create positive associations - Transforming a crate into a place where your dog feels happy is extremely important, so put treats and toys near the front of the crate. Every time your dog follows your command or goes in voluntarily to retrieve the items, be sure to give them lots of praise and positive reinforcement.
  5.  Entice your dog inside the crate - Once your dog is comfortable going near the opening of the crate, move the toys and treats inside, along with their water and food bowls. If your dog is reluctant, place these items at the opening of the crate until your dog is comfortable sticking their head in. Then begin to slowly move them towards the back of the crate until your dog enters it completely.
  6.  Close the door - Close the door when your dog enters the crate for a few seconds prior to opening it again. Repeat the process and keep the door closed for longer periods of time, as long as they remain comfortable.
  7. Increase time spent in the crate - Once your dog is happy being left in the crate with the door closed, leave it shut for a couple of minutes and gradually work this up to an hour before trying it for longer periods of time. Eventually, your dog will learn to like the crate and may even go in of their own accord.

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    13.03.24 March 13, 2024 Dog Breed Guide

    Red Setter Ultimate Guide

    If you're considering adding a Red Setter to your family or already have one, congratulations! Red Setters, also known as Irish Setters, are beautiful and energetic dogs known for their stunning red coats and friendly dispositions. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into all aspects of Red Setter ownership, from their personality and traits to health concerns, training tips, dietary needs, grooming essentials, and more. Red Setter Facts and Information Red Setters originated in Ireland, where they were selectively bred for their hunting abilities and striking appearance. They are descendants of various land spaniels and setters, with the breed's modern characteristics refined over centuries of breeding. Red Setters are known for their elegant and athletic build, with a graceful yet powerful presence. They possess a keen sense of smell and exceptional hunting instincts, making them valuable companions for bird hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Red Setters are also cherished for their affectionate and friendly nature, forming strong bonds with their families and enjoying companionship and attention. Red Setter Fact File Kennel Club Breed Group Gundogs Size Large Daily Exercise 2+ hours a day Coat Type Medium length, flat and wavy Coat Colours Red  Lifespan 10+ years   Red Setter Personality and Traits One of the most endearing qualities of Red Setters is their affectionate and outgoing nature. They are known for being friendly, playful, and highly sociable dogs, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike. Red Setters thrive on human interaction and are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialised. Their energetic disposition means they enjoy plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Red Setters have a keen sense of smell and love to explore, making them excellent candidates for activities like hiking, jogging, and agility training. Red Setter Health Issues Like all breeds, Red Setters may be prone to certain health issues, including: Hip Dysplasia Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) Hypothyroidism Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD) Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate the risk of these conditions. Responsible breeding practices can also play a significant role in reducing the incidence of genetic health problems. Raising a Red Setter Raising a Red Setter requires patience, consistency, and dedication. Early socialisation and training are crucial to ensuring they develop into well-behaved and balanced adults. Positive reinforcement techniques work best with Red Setters, as they respond well to praise and rewards. Red Setter Training Training a Red Setter requires a firm yet gentle approach. These intelligent dogs thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy learning new commands and tricks. Positive reinforcement training, such as treats and praise, is really effective when training your Red Setter. Red Setter Puppy Training Tips When training a Red Setter puppy, start with short, frequent sessions to keep their attention and prevent boredom. Use positive reinforcement techniques and be patient as your puppy learns. Consistency is key, so be sure to enforce rules and boundaries consistently. Crate Training a Red Setter Puppy Crate training can be a valuable tool for both housebreaking and providing your puppy with a safe space of their own. Choose a crate that is appropriately sized for your Red Setter, with enough room for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably; we recommend an XXL size in our deluxe dog crates for Red Setters. For a Red Setter puppy we recommend using one of our Cosy & Calming puppy crate beds, they fill half of the crate so are perfect for crate training and are designed to cocoon your puppy to sleep. If you’re looking to crate train your Red Setter puppy our ‘Complete Crate Training Guide’ has been written by our Pet Experts and contains all of their tips, tricks and advice on how to successfully crate train your puppy - read it here. Best Bed for a Red Setter When selecting a bed for your Red Setter, opt for a durable and comfortable option that provides adequate support for their joints. Look for beds with orthopaedic foam or memory foam to cushion pressure points and promote restful sleep, our Twill orthopaedic mattresses are a perfect choice for a supportive bed. Alternatively our Rhino tough range is a great choice if your Red Setter is a chewer, they are made from a durable faux leather and are chew and scratch resistant. How Much Exercise Does a Red Setter Need? Red Setters are a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Aim for at least an hour, if not 2, of vigorous activity each day, which can include walks, runs, playtime, and interactive toys to keep them mentally stimulated. Best Walking Accessories for a Red Setter Invest in high-quality walking accessories such as a sturdy lead, harness, and collar. For Red Setters we’d recommend picking a durable material such as leather for their collar and lead, our padded leather collars and leads are a great choice as they are handcrafted using the finest Italian leather so are great quality. Best Food For Red Setters A balanced diet is essential for maintaining your Red Setter's overall health and well-being. Choose a premium-quality dog food formulated for large dogs that is rich in high-quality protein, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. For both adults and puppies we recommend looking at the following brands: Carnilove, Orijen and Acana, all three brands are really high quality with good ingredients, and they all have both puppy ands adult formulations specifically designed for large dogs. Best Toys for Red Setters Red Setters are active and playful dogs that enjoy a variety of toys to keep them entertained. Choose durable toys that are suitable for chewing, fetching, and interactive play. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys are excellent options to challenge their problem-solving skills and provide mental stimulation. To appeal to their hunting nature we recommend looking at the Nerf range of interactive dog toys, from the Trackshot launcher duck to the tennis ball launchers, the Nerf toys will appeal to their retrieving instincts. Red Setter Grooming Tips and Best Grooming Products Regular grooming is essential for maintaining your Red Setter's coat and skin health. Brush their coat at least once a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Use a slicker brush or grooming mitt to gently remove tangles and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. Invest in high-quality grooming products such as shampoo, conditioner, and grooming tools designed specifically for long-haired breeds like Red Setters. The Bugalugs all in 1 shed control shampoo is perfect for Reed Setters, the formula cleans, soothes and nourishes, reducing shedding with essential oils such as aloe vera, wheat proteins and oat kernel oil. Be sure to check their ears regularly for signs of infection and trim their nails as needed to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. In conclusion, Red Setters are wonderful companions known for their beauty, intelligence, and loving nature. By providing proper care, training, and attention to their needs, you can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding relationship with your Red Setter for years to come. Remember, each Red Setter is unique, so take the time to understand your dog's individual personality and preferences. With love, patience, and commitment, you'll be rewarded with a loyal and devoted companion for life. To shop the best picks for your Red Setters check out our Red Setter collection - we’ve hand selected the best products specifically for them.

    By Megan Willis

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  • English Setter Ultimate Guide
    13.03.24 March 13, 2024 Dog Breed Guide

    English Setter Ultimate Guide

    Are you considering welcoming an English Setter into your home? Or perhaps you already have one and want to learn more about caring for this elegant and energetic breed? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about English Setters, from their personality and traits to health considerations, training tips, grooming advice, and more. English Setter Facts and Information Before we delve into the specifics, let's cover some basic facts about the English Setter. The English Setter's origins can be traced back to England, where it was selectively bred in the 19th century. Developed as a specialised hunting dog, the English Setter played a vital role in locating and retrieving. This breed is renowned for its stunning feathered coat, distinctive setter gait, and friendly demeanour. English Setter Fact File Kennel Club Breed Group Gundog Size Large Weight 29-36kg Daily Exercise 2+ hours a day Coat Type Medium length, flat and wavy Coat Colours Black and white (blue belton), orange and white (orange belton), lemon and white (lemon belton), liver and white (liver belton), tricolour, that is blue belton and tan or liver belton and tan Lifespan 10-12 years English Setter Personality and Traits The English Setter is celebrated for its gentle and affectionate nature. These dogs thrive on human companionship and are typically excellent family pets. They are known for their playful and sociable disposition, making them great companions for both adults and children. English Setters are also intelligent and eager to please, traits that make them highly trainable. English Setter Health Issues Like all breeds, English Setters may be prone to certain health issues. Among the most common health concerns for this breed are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and hypothyroidism. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups can help mitigate the risk of these conditions. As with any pet, it's essential to provide proper nutrition, regular exercise, and preventative healthcare to ensure your English Setter leads a long and healthy life. Raising an English Setter Raising an English Setter requires dedication, patience, and consistency. Early socialisation is crucial to help your puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult dog. Expose them to various people, animals, and environments to help them become confident and well-mannered companions. Establishing a routine for feeding, exercise, and training will also help set the foundation for a happy and harmonious relationship with your English Setter. English Setter Training English Setters are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. They thrive on praise and rewards, so be sure to use plenty of treats and verbal encouragement during training sessions. Consistency and patience are key when teaching your English Setter basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Enrolling in puppy classes or working with a professional dog trainer can also be beneficial, especially for first-time dog owners. English Setter House Training Toilet training is an essential aspect of raising a well-behaved English Setter. Establishing a consistent routine for bathroom breaks and rewarding your puppy for eliminating outdoors can help expedite the house training process. Crate training can also be a useful tool for teaching your English Setter to hold their bladder and bowels until they are taken outside. Crate Training an English Setter Puppy Crate training provides your English Setter puppy with a safe and secure space of their own. Introduce the crate gradually, using positive reinforcement to create a positive association with the space, our crate training guide has all of our top tips on how to successfully crate train your English Setter puppy. With patience and consistency, your English Setter will learn to view their crate as a cosy retreat rather than a confinement. Shop our deluxe dog crates here and our cosy & calming puppy crate bed here for the perfect crate set up. Best Bed for an English Setter When choosing a bed for your English Setter, opt for a sizeable, durable bed that provides ample support and comfort. Look for beds with orthopaedic foam or memory foam to cushion your Setter's joints and alleviate pressure points. Consider a bed with a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning, as English Setters can be prone to shedding and dirt. Our Rhino Tough beds are wipe clean so are perfect How Much Exercise Does an English Setter Need? English Setters are an active breed that thrives on regular exercise and mental stimulation. Aim for at least an hour, if not 2, of physical activity each day, which can include brisk walks, runs, games of fetch, or off-lead play in a securely fenced area. Engaging your Setter in activities that tap into their natural hunting instincts, such as scent games or agility training, can also help keep them mentally and physically fulfilled. Best Walking Accessories for an English Setter When it comes to walking accessories for your English Setter, invest in a sturdy lead, collar and harness. For harnesses we love the Ruffwear front range harnesses, they come in a big range of sizes and are adjustable at both the neck and chest so you can get a good fit. Best Food for an English Setter Providing a nutritious and balanced diet is essential for maintaining your English Setter's overall health and well-being. Choose a high-quality dog food formulated for active breeds, the PRO PLAN Dog Large Adult Athletic Dog Food is a great choice for your English Setter with its high nutrients levels it’s great for keeping them fit and healthy. Best Food for an English Setter Puppy During the puppy stage, it's crucial to feed your English Setter a diet specifically formulated for growth and development. Look for puppy foods that contain essential nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy bone and muscle growth, like the Acana puppy food. Divide your English Setter puppy's daily food allowance into several small meals to prevent digestive upset and maintain steady energy levels. Best Toys for English Setters English Setters are playful and energetic dogs that enjoy a variety of toys to keep them mentally stimulated and entertained. Look for toys that cater to your Setter's natural instincts, such as interactive puzzle toys for stimulation, plush toys for comfort, and durable chew toys to satisfy their urge to gnaw. For hunting dogs like English Setters we particularly love the Nerf interactive range of toys, they’re designed for dogs who love to hunt and retrieve and our own dogs have had hours of fun with them. English Setter Grooming Tips Maintaining your English Setter's coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from mats and tangles. Brush your Setter's coat several times a week using a slicker brush or grooming rake to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Pay special attention to areas prone to tangling, such as behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail. Bathe your English Setter as needed, using a gentle dog shampoo formulated for their specific coat type, such as the Bugalugs shed control shampoo which has a formula that cleans, soothes and nourishes, reducing shedding with essential oils such as aloe vera, wheat proteins and oat kernel oil. In conclusion, the English Setter is a magnificent breed known for its beauty, intelligence, and loving nature. By understanding their personality, addressing their health needs, providing proper training and socialisation, and maintaining a consistent grooming regimen, you can ensure that your English Setter thrives as a beloved member of your family. Whether you're a seasoned Setter enthusiast or a first-time owner, the bond you share with your English Setter is sure to be one of a kind. Shop our handpicked English Setter collection here.

    By Megan Willis

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