Should You Crate Your Dog?
While this decision is not a life threatening issue and there have been no heated debates on the subject that I know of, there has been some controversy among owners about the practice of using dog crates. This article is intended to provide some clarity so you can make up your own mind.
On one side of the aisle are those owners that view crating as something similar to the putting your dog in jail. So the crate to them, seems like a prison and putting Fido into it, as punishment. I would agree only to the extent that some owners do misuse it as a place to banish the dog - not a good idea and also one that doesn't work.
On the other side are those who think letting a puppy or new dog have free rein around the house - especially if left alone even for a short while, is just asking for trouble. To them, dog crates are a convenient tool that can be used humanely as a training aide to assist in channeling a dog's behavior.
Dogs are natural explorers and left unsupervised, are definitely going to investigate every corner of the house - often leaving telltale evidence in the undeniable excitement of their adventures.
Even without the excitement, accidents will occur. It doesn't take long for a dog to get himself into all kinds of trouble - so why put him to the test. Plus there are plenty of danger zones around a home. This, coupled with the fact that dogs like to put almost everything in their mouths, considerably raises the bar on danger for a home alone dog.
Dog crates not only can be used to keep a dog safe, but are also very useful during puppy housetraining when dogs have far less control over their bladder. Dogs will not normally soil their crate bed so do put a cozy cushion in the crate for extra comfort. The most important thing to remember in using crates correctly is not to over-use them after the housetraining phase is past. Ideally, a crate should be viewed by a pet in a positive light as his place of refuge to go to when he needs a break.
When dogs are raised in the wild they are kept safe in a den built by the mother. Dog crates are the human-made equivalent of a den and a dog is introduced to the crate at a very early age, will come to view it as its den, willingly using it to feel comforted and safe as he needs to. To encourage a dog to use a crate, locate it in the corner of any room used by the family where he can freely have access to it. Being able to see the comings and goings of the family while in his den will satisfy his instincts to be close to his "pack". And, if you stock it with some of his favorite toys, it will make it more enticing.
If a dog really gets to enjoy his crate (den), he is more likely to choose it as his preferred spot for overnight sleeping - leaving you to enjoy your bed more completely! Likewise, the family couch may become less crowded. Moreover, a crate is mobile so you can use it to take the dog to the vet, travel by air, or for greater safety when traveling in the car.
Dog crates come in a variety of styles and sizes and are normally made of plastic or wire. Many come with bumpers and interior mats. Exterior covers are also available for a more designer look. Wire crates are a good choice if your dog breed has strong chewing tendencies, while plastic ones are needed for airline travel. Getting a crate that's adjustable is a good choice, so that you can increase the interior space as your puppy grows.
So, should you crate your dog? Hopefully, this article has helped you answer that question.
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