Your thoughts on crate training?

Question

I agree that crating a dog can give it a safe place to rest and training her can make her more loyal and happy. What I really was asking though, is can you give me some advice? I got a 4-month old puppy from the humane society, they guessed that she was some sort of black lab/terrier (maybe schnauzer) mix. Her name is Hippo, and she knows how to Sit, Come, Give and understands No. She's very cute, and when I brought her kennel in and put a little pad in there for her she hopped right in and sniffed around. Immediately I treated her and told her how good she was, petting her and praising her and saying, "Kennel." I put two of her favorite toys in there (a squeaky hippo, of course, and a rope) so that she knows it's a good, safe place. I understand that this takes time, and I will desperately need her to remain in the crate quiet during the day for at the very most 3 hours 3 days a week. She LOVES her Kong, and I am hoping it will be a helpful tool with her training.

Answer 1

Crate training is an effective way to establish yourself as "boss" and minimize housebreaking accidents.

However, I personally feel that all animals should have more freedom than a crate allows, and therefore I dislike crate training (except, perhaps, for sleeping). There are many who will tell you that crate training is the ONLY way to go; from my personal experience that is not true. The most important thing is your attitude toward your dog, and crating it isn't the only way to establish yourself as the leader. In my opinion, it's too often used as a crutch for people not willing or able to give their dog the amount of attention and training it deserves (Keep in mind I said "too often" not "always").

I, personally, have always trained my dogs by being firm yet affectionate with them from day one, and training by positive reinforcement. I've never had a misbehaved dog, and I've never used a crate or kennel. With my animals, I ignore bad behavoir (which is worse than punishment, to a pet's view) and reward good behavoir. I give my pets as much freedom as safely possible, allowing them outside (with known, obeyed, boundaries) when I can and allowing them the run of the house when I cannot. I've found that simple confidence is nearly all it takes -- if YOU believe that your pet will do what it's supposed to do, and you let it know what you want it to do, it obeys because it wants to please you -- isn't that the purpose of a "pack leader"? This training technique works most of the time on cats, too, which many people think to be "untrainable".

If you choose to go with crate training, be sure to read up on it and know what you're doing. Dogs need exercise and mental stimulation, just like any living being does. The crate is meant as a safe haven for the dog, and a training tool, but never a punishment and certainly not a dog's whole world. YOU should be that.

Answer 2

I think they are a necessity for some breeds not so much others. My lab/dobe mix was never crated and never had a bad habit but my boxers on the other hand need them . One was trained in one and now does not use one and the other has separation anxiety so she has to be in one when I leave if I still want to come back to a house that is still standing. As long as they are big enough and you make them comfortable your dog will like them . She acts like it is her den and she goes in there by herself when she wants to be alone or rest. If she didn't like it she would stay away from it all the time.

Answer 3

It is great.
Keeps the puppy safe from things he should not eat or chew keeps the ohuse safe from the chewing pup.
Gives the pup a place to call his own and he can retreat into it anytime he wants some peace.
Makes housebreaking easier. And gives you a place to stick the dog if you have a workman or starnger in the house where they can not get bitten or have contact with the dog.

Answer 4

It works great. It gives the dog a safe place. It also helps with housetraining. And if there is ever a need to go to the vet overnight, it's more used to being crated.

Answer 5

I think it is satisfactory. The one quandary I've had with it's when humans shove their dog in there even whilst they're house. How lazy. Also i do know humans say you're speculated to get a cage with simply enough room for them to lay down but that simply seems terrible to depart an animal in a tiny cage for any such lengthy component to the day. We had a small dog, got him a medium sized cage so he had room, he stayed in it at night time and at the same time we have been at tuition just for not up to a yr unless he used to be potty informed. Once potty knowledgeable he slept in his own little mattress and was once free to walk around our residence whenever and frequently wherever he wanted. But that is with excellent coaching of direction.

Answer 6

REALLY wish my Lab had been crate trained as a puppy! (I didn't have her as a puppy)

EDIT...It sounds to me like you are on the right track! Just remember to NEVER use her crate as punishment. When you're home, always leave the door of her crate open giving her the option to go in her own space any time she wants to. (She will probably cry at first when you leave her locked in there and go to work, but eventually she'll be ok.)

Good luck!

Answer 7

its great. our dog used her crate while we were at work/school for about 10 years. if she was left out in the house, she would crap all over, but in her crate she didnt.

our other dog never used one. she should have. we just didnt know about it back then. she chewed thru a wall when we were gone.

our newest pup hasnt had to use one all that much. only a few times. she screams like a jackle when she's in it tho, and i feel back. but she's only 6 months and a chewer (and avid pee'er) so she cant be left alone. she lucked out and gets to go to work with daddy every day.

Answer 8

Sounds like you are doing great. Keep up the good work I wish more people cared as much as you.

You can't believe how many people give up pets becuase they think crating is cruel. But they think turning their back on them is the good thing to do??

Answer 9

None of my dogs were ever crated, except one occasion when I flew an 85# golden cross country. Crates are an easy way to get the dog out of your way, kind of like shirking your responsibility. (not you personally, just my opinion)

Start training your pup from day one. Come, sit, stay....then you will have a well mannered companion to be proud of.

Answer 10

Great idea---keeps the puppy safe and helps him feel safe, too. Also helps with housebreaking.