Posts Tagged ‘crate training dog’
Why You Should Crate Train Your Dog
Crate training is hailed by some as an amazing blessing. But others view is as cruel and inhumane, disputing its use as a training tool. It cannot be denied that there have been instances where crate training was done improperly and caused harm, but when done correctly it is an excellent training tool that provides your dog with his own safe environment.
Crate training, when done correctly, is not only humane, but can even be enjoyable for your dog. Crate training was never meant for caging or confining your dog just because it’s bothering you at the moment and you just don’t want it around. Crates are also not meant to be used hours on end, locking your puppy or dog away and only letting it out when you feel like giving it attention. Care should be taken not to use the crate excessively, but only when you are truly unable to watch what your dog is getting into.
With proper use, there are many benefits to crate training. Dogs will not urinate or defecate in a confined area, so using a crate is an extremely effective way of potty training your puppy. Utilizing the crate will also prevent your dog from getting in trouble when you are away, either by destroying things that will leave their families unhappy or getting into things that could harm or even kill them. A crate can also become a familiar, safe, even comforting place for your dog to be.
Descendants of wolves, dogs are naturally “den” animals. The den, or crate, will make your dog feel more confident and comfortable. Proper use of the crate creates that “den” for them and they will actually be happy to go to it when sent there. It also creates a place your dog knows he can go to for safety when he is uncomfortable of scared. Properly done, crate training will teach your dog that the crate is also his safe zone and when frightened or upset, your dog will go to it for comfort.
Another bonus is that it teaches your dog boundaries and encourages good behavior. You should never use a crate to “punish” your dog for bad behavior, but you can show a dog what its boundaries are, to promote good behavior. Crating your dog when you are not home teaches them where they belong anytime you leave the house. They will become so comfortable with the crate and the known expectation, that they may even go to it on their own when you are away, and stay in it on their own even if the door is not locked.
Despite all the evidence to the crate’s positive results, the dog-owning community remains greatly divided about its use as a proper training tool. 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. Proper crate training will help you to rear a well-trained, happy dog that you and the entire family will be love and cherish.
