Not everyone agrees with the practice of crate-training your dog. Some pet owners think that putting their dog in a crate is cruel and may lead to behavioral problems, aggression, and separation anxiety. Other pet owners, veterinarians, and dog trainers recommend crate training as a way to keep your pup safe from harm when you’re not at home, a way to give your dog a safe haven, and a way to make it easier to potty train your dog. Let’s explore the possibilities with crate training.
Opponents to crate training believe that dogs are social animals and require attention and physical affection to form a solid bond with their owners. There is a lot of sense in this belief. Crate training also is not a substitute for potty training and other general training. Dogs are social creatures. They should not spend all their time in a crate. It can lead to a dog feeling socially isolated and neglected. Pet owners should include training and personal attention for their dogs.
Those on the positive side of crate training feel it is necessary for safety, damage prevention, housetraining, and traveling. Small puppies are especially protected by being crate trained. They need to explore their space and can get into trouble when left alone. But make sure puppies and small dogs are not left in a crate longer than 3 or 4 hours. Their bladders are too small to hold it any longer and no dog wants to sit in a soiled crate.
You should not feel guilty about leaving your dog in a crate. A dog will come to view its crate as a safe haven. It will give them a feeling of safety to go into a covered dog kennel. They actually feel calmer in their crate when they become used to it. Dogs naturally seek out small quiet spaces for calm. It also makes potty training easier. Your dog will learn not to soil its crate and will wait until you take it outside to potty.
Traveling with your dog in a crate is much more secure. It is safer during an emergency or evacuation also. You can keep your dog safe with you if you have to be in a shelter. It’s a great boost to peace of mind.
If you are thinking of crate training your dog be sure to read our blog from last week “What to Look for When Buying a Dog Crate.”
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