Dog Crate Training: A Dog's Private Sanctuary Or A Doggy Prison?

Veterinarians, trainers and breeders all recommend crate training because it takes advantage of a dog's natural instinct to find a safe and secure place of its own.

It cuts housebreaking time in half and also helps solve some behavioral problems.

But if you don’t understand why and how to properly train your dog it can seem like a very inhumane thing to do to your beloved pet. If done responsibly crate training will benefit both you and your dog.

A crate should not be used to confine your pet for longer periods of time than recommended, to confine an untrained or unwanted pet or to punish a dog. A responsible dog owner who takes the time to learn how to properly crate train will have a very content and well-adjusted dog.

Crate Training Resources:
Learn How To Crate Train Your Dog

But crate training when done right can be taken far beyond the puppy years and can be very beneficial... to both you and your dog. Adult dogs can also be trained using the same methods as you would use with a puppy. Of course, it will probably take a little more time and persistence but it's well worth your effort.

Not sure if dog crates are right for your dog? Get expert help from our recommended professional dog trainers.

Four Great Reasons For
Crate Training Your Dog

1. It's Just Natural for your Dog

It's natural for dogs, like their wild ancestors, to seek out a place or to dig a secure... snug-fitting den. Our dog's wild ancestors used dens for protection from predators, shelter from the elements and as a safe place to sleep or just relax.

A crate is just a domesticated dog's version of a den. Creating a den-like environment in your home for your pet will give him a peaceful place that he knows is just for him. A well trained dog will regard his crate as his wild ancestors regarded their dens. If your pet is properly crate trained he will learn to regard his crate as a safe, comfortable haven.

With proper training, your dog will not mind spending time confined and at times will look forward to it. You’ll often find dogs happily lounging in their crates at all hours of the day.

Pet dogs will often retreat to their crates on their own when family life becomes a little too much. It's important to remember not to let the children play in your dog’s crate. Your dog should know that his crate is the one place that he can go when he needs some down time.

2. Traveling with Your Pet

When you travel in a vehicle with your dog don't forget to bring a folding crate along. Your dog will feel right at home where ever you take him when you provide him with a familiar, safe and comfortable place of his own.

Traveling by auto will be much safer for both you and your dog if you crate your pet. There's no chance of your dog unexpectedly darting out when you open a car door or of interfering with the driver. There are even some motels that will allow crated dogs. Your small pet may be able to travel with you on an airplane under the seat in front of you in this smart airline approved pet carrier.


3. Limit Access to Your Home

Until your dog learns the rules of the house and has gained your trust... confining your pet is an excellent way to limit access to your home. For example: You’ll want your dog to learn that it's OK to chew on his dog toys but that furniture, carpets, electric cords and other household stuff is off limits.

An untrained dog left unattended in a house can cause a great deal of damage to your home and can also injure himself. If destructive chewing is a problem, confining your pet in a crate can definitely help you control this unwanted behavior.

Training allows you to confine a destructive dog to a crate when you can't be there to supervise him. Always leave your dog with plenty of treat filled chew toys to keep him busy until you return.

4. Housebreaking / Potty Training

Until your dog develops full bladder and bowel control he shouldn't be given free run of the house. Crating your dog can actually shorten the time it takes to housebreak your dog. Dogs by nature do not like to soil the place where they sleep and eat. This is an essentioal part of crate training. So when your dog is crated he will naturally be learning to hold it until he is released and taken outside.

Your dog's self-discipline will help him develop bowel and bladder control more quickly. Your dog will quickly learn where you expect him to eliminate and he'll have fewer accidents during the housebreaking period.

If you're using a large crate that your puppy will grow into make sure to use a one with a divider panel. Too much room at this stage will allow your puppy to eliminate in the crate and still have a clean area to sleep in. This will defeat the purpose of using crate training for housebreaking and it will actually take you longer to housebreak your pet.