Why is Crate Training so Important for Your Dog?

Crate training is a very polarizing issue, some people believe it’s the best thing for the entire family, including the dog. Others believe that crate training is cruel and ineffective. 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.

Proper crate training is an effective, humane, consistent method of training that can be highly successful. 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. 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. 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. A crate can also become a familiar, safe, even comforting place for your dog to be.

Dogs are descendants of wolves and, like wolves, are “den” animals. Being in a den helps a dog feel confident and secure. Proper use of the crate creates that “den” for them and they will actually be happy to go to it when sent there. 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.

Crate training can also establish important boundaries for your dog. 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. However, properly crating your dog when you leave the house teaches him where he needs to be when you are gone. 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.

The community of dog owners remains divided on whether or not crate training is a good thing; however, the facts show that when used correctly, crate training can be very effective and humane. 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.