The Pros And Cons Of Crate Training

There is an ongoing debate about whether or not crate training dogs is beneficial.

With crate training the dog is put in a cage, usually made out of plastic or metal that?s about the size of your dog, for shorter periods of time over the day.

People in favor state that crate training gives the dogs a refuge where he can ?hide? and feel comfortable. It?s much like a little room just for him. Your dog feels safe in there, because of all the toys and other objects with a familiar smell. It?s his retreat from the hectic world around him.

Those who favor crate training say that potty training is much easier when combined with use of a crate. Dogs, they state, will naturally avoid to evacuate, and wait until they’re released to go outside.

Opponents counter that locking the dog into a cage barely large enough to turn around goes against his natural desire to explore. It prohibits the dog’s ability to get to know its environment and he?ll have a lack of outside stimulus.

They will also point out that many puppies that are left too much time in the crate will eventually play in their own droppings. Those against the use of crates give the example of the many times we see puppies playing in their own waste at pet shops. They say that putting your dog in a crate is more convenient for the owner than for the dog.

As always there is something to say for both points of view. There are not many scientific studies done on this subject and opinions differ evenly. Provided you don?t let your puppy to long in the crate and you walk him regularly, crate training probably is a good way to train your dog.

Even proponents recognize that excessive time in a crate is bad for the dog. Any dog locked up in a small space is not getting the exercise he needs and may be restrained from evacuating for longer than is healthy. So I recommend to keep the crate time to no more than two hours maximum.

Opponents worry that dogs in their crate can harm themselves when they make attempts to open the crate to escape, or because they?re bored. Always use a safe crate, one that?s designed especially for dogs. The crate should be sturdy enough, so it can resist your dogs? attempts to get out. And above all make sure the crate can?t fall over.

Advocates believe that once your dog is crate trained, car, train and plain travel is much easier, because he is used to the crate. They feel at home in the crate, especially if you give him something that smells familiar. This is especially interesting for owners that travel regularly with their dog.

Critics suggest that (except in cases of permanent re-location) it’s best to leave pets at home. Apart from short trips to the grocery store or vet, animals are better off in familiar territory.

But after all you should decide. You might want to give crate training a try and see for yourself. You?ll be the judge and decide if this is for your dog or not.