Let's talk crates and dogs. But before we do, let's clarify that the kinds of crates we'll be discussing aren't what some of you may be visualizing. These aren't wooden freight delivery crates full of mysterious artifacts from an Egyptian temple. Crating dogs is a general term for keeping your dog in a cage (called a crate) for the purposes of potty training and to provide it with a secure "home" it can call its own.
On coming over to visit my new puppy for the first time, my sister was shocked to see we had a cage for the dog in our living room. She couldn't believe that a couple who so loved their animals, donated to animal charities and worked as advocates for animal rights could be so cruel as to cage or "crate" their new dog. In truth, there was a time when I thought the same, but that was a product of being uninformed. Crating a dog (responsibly) can actually be a wonderful and beneficial tool for pet and owner alike.
The unfortunate reality is that crates carry a stigma simply by virtue of their looks. People just assume that having a crate in your home means you're inclined to lock your dog away for the slightest infraction. But that certainly isn't the expected use for these things. Your dog's cage should become a welcome sanctuary, like a wolf den.
Used properly, your dog will learn to love his crate. Though we haven't needed to close the door in years, our dog (one of 3) is now 10 and still walks into her crate through out the day to nap, escape from rambunctious children and to hide from passing thunderstorms. Her crate is her home within a home and a sanctuary.
Most dogs learn to love their crates and, trust me, you will learn to love this training technique as well if you apply it properly. Knowing that your dog is safe and secure when a repair man comes is just one of the benefits of crate training, but the main point is to help potty train your dog.
It can't be stressed enough, however, that you must use your crate properly or you will completely defeat its purpose and risk emotional damage to your dog. First and foremost, don't leave your puppy in its crate for longer than five hours and only that if it's unavoidable (because of your job, for example). While the premise behind the crate is to play on your dog's instinct not to eliminate where it sleeps, even the strongest instinct can't win out against a young dog's bladder.
You should never use the crate as a means of punishment for bad behavior. Remember, to effectively serve as a potty training aid, your dog must think of the crate as its home and sanctuary. You're trying to play on his inclination to avoid eliminating where he sleeps. If you punish him by crating him, you will confound the effort. He won't see his crate as a home in which he shouldn't poop but will treat it with the same indifference as your expensive rug. Make his crate his sanctuary and it will serve its purpose best.
Choosing a crate for your dog is less about style than it is about size. You're shooting for something large enough to allow your dog to sleep comfortably and turn around in. But bigger isn't better. Too large of a crate will defeat potty training purposes and your dog may eliminate in one corner while sleeping in another. If you purchase a larger crate because your dog is still growing, use a divider to make it small enough to accommodate your dog and your potty-training objective.
Our dog's crate is the standard metal "wire" cage. This model breaks down easily for relocation or storage, allows for good airflow and let's the dog view the world around it. To enhance the den simulation, we toss a blanket over it (leaving the door exposed) at night. For those of you with puppies, the removable tray in the bottom is great for easy cleanup. Your puppy will almost inevitably have an accident or two at first and this feature is a real time saver.
Overall, crates, when used correctly, are wonderful training tools. If you really dont like the idea of a crate, then a puppy play pen might be more your speed. No matter which you choose, it is important to keep your puppy safe from potentially dangerous situations.
On coming over to visit my new puppy for the first time, my sister was shocked to see we had a cage for the dog in our living room. She couldn't believe that a couple who so loved their animals, donated to animal charities and worked as advocates for animal rights could be so cruel as to cage or "crate" their new dog. In truth, there was a time when I thought the same, but that was a product of being uninformed. Crating a dog (responsibly) can actually be a wonderful and beneficial tool for pet and owner alike.
The unfortunate reality is that crates carry a stigma simply by virtue of their looks. People just assume that having a crate in your home means you're inclined to lock your dog away for the slightest infraction. But that certainly isn't the expected use for these things. Your dog's cage should become a welcome sanctuary, like a wolf den.
Used properly, your dog will learn to love his crate. Though we haven't needed to close the door in years, our dog (one of 3) is now 10 and still walks into her crate through out the day to nap, escape from rambunctious children and to hide from passing thunderstorms. Her crate is her home within a home and a sanctuary.
Most dogs learn to love their crates and, trust me, you will learn to love this training technique as well if you apply it properly. Knowing that your dog is safe and secure when a repair man comes is just one of the benefits of crate training, but the main point is to help potty train your dog.
It can't be stressed enough, however, that you must use your crate properly or you will completely defeat its purpose and risk emotional damage to your dog. First and foremost, don't leave your puppy in its crate for longer than five hours and only that if it's unavoidable (because of your job, for example). While the premise behind the crate is to play on your dog's instinct not to eliminate where it sleeps, even the strongest instinct can't win out against a young dog's bladder.
You should never use the crate as a means of punishment for bad behavior. Remember, to effectively serve as a potty training aid, your dog must think of the crate as its home and sanctuary. You're trying to play on his inclination to avoid eliminating where he sleeps. If you punish him by crating him, you will confound the effort. He won't see his crate as a home in which he shouldn't poop but will treat it with the same indifference as your expensive rug. Make his crate his sanctuary and it will serve its purpose best.
Choosing a crate for your dog is less about style than it is about size. You're shooting for something large enough to allow your dog to sleep comfortably and turn around in. But bigger isn't better. Too large of a crate will defeat potty training purposes and your dog may eliminate in one corner while sleeping in another. If you purchase a larger crate because your dog is still growing, use a divider to make it small enough to accommodate your dog and your potty-training objective.
Our dog's crate is the standard metal "wire" cage. This model breaks down easily for relocation or storage, allows for good airflow and let's the dog view the world around it. To enhance the den simulation, we toss a blanket over it (leaving the door exposed) at night. For those of you with puppies, the removable tray in the bottom is great for easy cleanup. Your puppy will almost inevitably have an accident or two at first and this feature is a real time saver.
Overall, crates, when used correctly, are wonderful training tools. If you really dont like the idea of a crate, then a puppy play pen might be more your speed. No matter which you choose, it is important to keep your puppy safe from potentially dangerous situations.
About the Author:
Learn more about caring for pets at www.bunnyroobeagle.com, a site devoted to everything pets from treat recipes to dog behavior training.
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