Crate training is a very polarizing issue, some people believe it’s the best thing for the entire family, including the dog. Others view it as cruel and inhumane, refusing to even consider the possibility. There certainly are some inappropriate uses of crate training that can be inhumane, but people can provide a safe and secure environment for their dogs by learning to use crate training correctly and effectively.
Crate training, when done correctly, is not only humane, but can even be enjoyable for your dog. Crates are not meant to be the place where you put your dog away, out of your hair, when you don’t want it to bother you. Your dog or puppy should never be left in the crate for hours on end, with the dog only being let out for very short periods or when it’s convenient for you. It’s true that crates can be effective in keeping your dog out of danger when you can’t see what it is doing, but excessive use of crates for this purpose is not good.
With proper use, there are many benefits to crate training. It is an effective aid in house breaking as a dog will not soil in a small area it cannot leave. Dog also may get into trouble by damaging things that are important to their owners, or by ingesting things that can be fatally poisonous to them; proper use of the crate will prevent both of these issues. It also directly benefits your dog by giving him his very own safe place to go to for comfort.
Dogs are descendants of wolves and, like wolves, are “den” animals. Being in a den helps a dog feel confident and secure. Once your dog is used to going to the crate, he will go there happily when you tell him to, because it is like his own little house within the house. This becomes an important area for your dog anytime he or she feels uncomfortable. Many dogs will actually go to their crate completely on their own when they feel afraid or insecure.
Another bonus is that it teaches your dog boundaries and encourages good behavior. It will promote good behavior along with establishing boundaries, as long as it is never used as a punishment. When you are away from home and you crate your dog, it learns where it needs to be when you’re not there. Your dog may even become so comfortable with its crate while you’re away from home that it will automatically go there, whether you lock it in or not.
Yet, despite the proven success of proper crate training, the dog owning community remains divided on whether it is a blessing or inhumane. Your guiding points should be: 1) purchase the best quality crate possible, 2) it should be neither too large nor too small, and 3) never overuse the crate inappropriately. You’ll find that when you use crate training only when appropriate and necessary, the result will be a well-trained puppy or dog with a happy owner!
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