I feel mean sticking my puppy in his crate :( I've heard its the only way to successfully housebreak, though..
2006-07-29 13:13:40 · 17 answers · asked by Jennifer F 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Crating your dog will save your house! Especially with small puppies. I put my puppies in the crate everytime I can't watch them 100% of the time, they eventually get used to it.
2006-07-29 17:21:35 · answer #1 · answered by ~Kricket~ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, look at it this way the "crate" is your dogs room, and after a while (for some dogs) it will become your dogs favorite place in the house like it's little "hiding spot" in the house. It's the place your dog can get away from noise, and be left alone. I don't agree with the first answer, because some times people will go run errands and it's raining outside, so you have to put them in the crate, it's better than leaving them in the rain! Although i call it a kennel, the word crate just sounds so cruel!
2006-07-29 14:03:20 · answer #2 · answered by dog_luver714 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Actually putting the puppy in his crate at night or when you have to be gone is the best way to successfully housebreak him. Also, the puppy will become accustomed to his crate and will actualliy go there by himself for some alone time so I don't think its mean at all. Besides you wouldn't want him to get into something that could hurt him while you are gone.
2006-07-29 13:47:09 · answer #3 · answered by Mary R 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Crates are not mean!
In the wild, a dog would live in a den - usually a hollowed out tree stump, or a small cave, or an inconspicuous hole in the ground. It's a safe place where a dog would be most comfortable. A crate serves the same purpose. It's his own private clubhouse. A crated dog won't destroy your home, and he won't get into anything that might harm him.
Remember, dogs are different species than humans. They are not human babies. Crating a human baby is cruel (and illegal). Crating a dog is normal and will do both he and his owner more good than harm.
2006-07-29 13:29:47 · answer #4 · answered by Ginbail © 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No it's not the only way. Some people just think it is. Personally, I just try to catch them in the act, take them to the door, show them how to scratch at the door, or to make a sound or to come get me when they need to go out. I recently found a puppy & it has taken me about 3 days to train her. It's not that difficult. Just takes time. Personally, I would not use a crate...seems cruel to me too. I have other dogs though & they are all trained. So it's easier when the puppy has others to show them how it's done.
2006-07-29 13:23:15 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of using a crate to housebreak. You just have to take them outside immediately after they eat, then praise them when they go poop. I have always trained them to pee on newspapers during the night, then gradually move the papers closer to the door, then put them on the porch, and they get the idea. A pup can't really control their bowels and bladders very well until they are over 6 months. The only use I have for a crate is to put my Malinois/German Shepherd into when someone is in my house. She must be crated or she will bite. But she is used to her crate, as are most Malinois or Malinois crosses.
2006-07-29 13:20:54 · answer #6 · answered by 420Linda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so long as you make sure the crate has something soft in the bottom for puppy to lie on, its nopt really mean. its like the dog's bedroom. maybe put in a few toys, no water because puppies can get angry and knock their bowl over, spilling all the water and giving you a big mess to clean. dont feel mean because sometimes dogs need their space and like to go lie down and take a nap. they can do that in a crate. its not the only succesful way to housebreak, either. every twenty minutes and between activities (such as after naps, done playing, finished eating, after a walk) take puppy out and they will no longer go inside. it worked for my little lab mix in two days, so i know from experience!!!!
2006-07-29 13:29:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think crate's are a good place for puppys. It is a place they can be safe as long as you don't use the crate as punishment. It should be a safe haven for the dog to sleep and should be open always except when the dog's asleep.
2006-07-29 13:17:53 · answer #8 · answered by leslie 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no, i would put my puppy in the crate to sleep in at night and when i thought he should rest. if u put the puppy in the crate untill he gets older and then let the door open and take him out he will go and take a nap in the crate. my dog used to do that.
2006-07-29 13:44:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have to put your dog in a crate for more than 5 hours a day, you shouldn't have a dog. Just eh way I feel
2006-07-29 13:16:26 · answer #10 · answered by sbeaz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋