what does everyone think about crate training?

Question

its really for when im at work which is only 3 days a week, 3 and a half hours at a time, i thought i would put toys and favorite blanket in there and make it really nice.

Answer 1

I think it is marvelous. As long as the crate is used is a correct manner. It is a place for the dog to go as "his" place. It does create the den atmosphere. Do not use it as punishment. Do not leave your dog for LONG periods of time. I recommend to owners that they use it for short trips (store, etc.) If they are going to work, then the crate is used during the day for no more than 4 hours, with a break for a walk and exercise. You can get water containers so your dog has access to fresh water. My dogs go to their crate with their toys and chewies, and they sleep in them when I am not home. As long as it is treated as a positive, it is perfectly fine.

Answer 2

crate training isn't cruel for some reason some people think it is,but dogs are den animals if in the wild their den {which is where they sleep and stay when it's too hot outside for them}would most likely be smaller than the crate you bought,the crate should be like the den with enough room to stand up, turn around,and lay down.The crate helps dogs feel safe and secure,and from getting hurt,while you can't watch them,otherwise they can chew wires,eat poisonous plants or get hurt any number of ways if left to roam the house unsupervised.It is a very big help with house training as well,if you have the right size crate they will not go to the bathroom in there increasing early house training,and also decrease stress on the dog in certain situations.as the dog is trained and the crate is left available you'll see the dog choose his crate as his favorite sleeping spot,on his own.If you are unsure speak to your vet and trainer about the proven benefits crates provide for a healthy happy dog!! :):):)

Answer 3

both of my dogs are housetrained however I don't let them have full run of the house. Bad experience....so they stay in a huge crate with toys and they seem to do just fine. I let them out when I go home for lunch and as soon as I get home from work. I hate having to leave them there but the last time my miniature schnauzer chewed on everything..including the remote. I also leave a tv on for noise. This is also how I housetrained them too. So they don't use the bathroom where they also sleep at.

Answer 4

Crate training is a very good thing for dogs.
If something goes on in your home and you need to have the dog away from it you can tell them to kennel up or get in your box or crate up and they will you close the door and deal with what ever with the dog underfoot.
Also if you have a dog who is not good with strangers you can crate them when you have people in the house.
Also you know that if they are in the crate when you are gone they are not tearing up the house or getting into anything that could hurt them.
I have crate trained all of my dogs. Now I find mine sleeping in their boxes with the doors wide open. Mine think the crate is their personal cave and they seem to like them.

Answer 5

we're doing it right now and it seems to be working fine. another bonus of the crate is that dogs will come to realize that its their space.... kind of like your bedroom. When its tired or just wants some alone time, it can go in the crate (assuming you are keeping it out). make sure you don't force the dog to go in it, though, otherwise it could associate it with punishment. a little coaxing (with a treat) works fine. also, you don't want them to associate it with you leaving because that could cause separation anxiety later. make sure you use the crate when you are home, too... but no longer than an hour. and don't put food or water in the crate... that would defeat the purpose of housebreaking. they can't hold their bladders long and with free access to food and water, you'd need to take it outside constantly. our puppy is 9 weeks old and seems to be fine with the crate. just read up on it and you'll find lots of useful tips.

Answer 6

It's the only way to go. Just make sure the crate is the correct size for the dog. Not to big...not too small. And don't leave the dog in for too long of a time.

Answer 7

I crate trained both of my dogs and it was the best thing I ever could have done. They were easier to house train and when I'm gone for long periods of time, they don't mess the house up or their crates. You'll create their own little private living environment, a place to call their own. I don't see it as cruel, but as a way to bring order in your house so that they know you're in charge otherwise you'll have dogs that don't listen to you.

Answer 8

I think its very cruel to lock up any animal. Why get an animal, if its going to be locked up for hours at a time?
If you fear the dog may mess in the house, why not block him off in the kitchen, where he can still see the outdoors, and be able to move around a bit?
Plus he can have his water bowl in the same room,along with some puppy pads to pee or poop on.
If crating a dog, this animal will feel, as though hes back at the pound and ready to be euthinized.

Answer 9

Crate training is the way to go. What's you're planning sounds good. The dog will just settle down and take a nap until you get home, but make sure to take it out right away.

Answer 10

Crate training works great. However one must realize that a crate is not for locking your dog away for hours at a time when you are gone because you do not want it to pee in the house or chew your furniture.