Dog

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.

Yes, I agree, crates dont look very appealing. I, for one, wouldnt want to be kept in a crate. Then again, Im not a dog. The truth is, most dogs actually LIKE their crates. Dogs are similar to wolves. Both enjoy a cozy den-like atmosphere and that is exactly what a crate becomes to your four-legged friend.

In time, your dog will learn to appreciate, even love his crate. My own dog, now 10 years old, still goes to her crate to nap or when she’s frightened of a thunderstorm. We no longer need the crate for its original purpose (to adjust her potty habits to our work schedules) but have left it up simply because she wants it. We never even bother to close the door. It’s just her special spot to rest and feel secure.

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.

I must stress however that crates must be used PROPERLY or you can do emotional damage to your dog. There are several important rules to follow when using a crate. First of all, no puppy should be left in a crate for longer than five hours (less if at all possible!). Most puppies will not eliminate where they sleep, but you cant expect them to hold their tiny bladders for hours on end. You must set up a puppy potty schedule and stick to it. NEVER depend on the crate beyond a reasonable length of time to prevent your puppy from having accidents as they can only hold it for so long.

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.

Wire crates are probably your best bet. They allow better air flow and better viewing for your pup. At night, you can cover the wire crate with a blanket so that you form a den like atmosphere (your dog will like this!).

Crates can be wonderful training tools and a great sanctuary for your dog. But, if you really have difficulty stomaching a crate, a puppy play pen might be more your speed. Just don’t expect the potty training benefits out of this alternative. At the very least, both a crate and a play pen will afford you a safe place to put your pup if needed (such as when your front door may be open for extended periods to accommodate workers).