Is Crating mean?

Question

I have a 8 month old Pomeranian, and when he's left alone he gets upset and pees in my shoes, and tears stuff apart. We recently starting putting him in a crate when we're away and at night. I feel so bad, he looks really unhappy. Do you think crating your dog is mean? Should I stop doing it? What are some alternatives to crating? Thanks!!

Answer 1

Crating is fine as long as you take him out when you are home.

Answer 2

Your dog is trying behaviors that have worked before to get him what he wants. If turning on the big, sad puppy dog eyes will work (can't imagine why it would, ha ha....) then he'll do it again until someone takes pity on the poor puppy - and lets him out so that he can go finish destroying your wardrobe. Not.
So make the crate a happy place to be by feeding him in there, and only letting him have special chewy treats, stuffed Kongs, etc, when he's in there. Always reward him for going in there - don't shove him in with your hands, unless you really want him to hate it (and you) Let him make the decision to go in there and reward that every time. I make the "race to the crate!!!" a game with my young dog and she loves it.
You're smart to nip this behavior in the bud right now. The peeing thing and the destruction will not be an issue in a few months, because your dog will be more mature and will be crate trained. Don 't overdo it with the crating - be certain that your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Good luck!

Answer 3

I don't think it's mean unless the owner leaves the dog in the crate all day or when they are home. I use a crate for one of my three dogs because she tends to chew things up when I leave the house even for 5 minutes. I only crate her when I leave the house which is only like an hour each day but I don't make her sleep in it at night because she behaves.
The only alternative to crate training is putting the dog in a room such as the kitchen and using a baby gate so it cannot get into another room to destroy things.

Answer 4

I do not think crating is bad. I did it for my dog. Dogs in the wild occupy "cave" like places. It makes them feel secure. The crate needs to be located in the place the family occupies and closed only during the times when family is gone. Dogs should be exercised and allowed to do their business before and directly after they are crated.
The crate should be treated like a small bedroom for your dog. Just big enough for them to stand in and turn around. They will sleep most of the time in their crate. It doesn't hurt to give them something to chew as well.
The humane society has a good deal of quality information on crating try accessing their web site.

Answer 5

Crating isn't mean if you do it right. You have to put in a lot of toys and make sure that the crating periods don't last for more than a few hours. If done properly, a dog will think of the crate more of a room than a prison, and will be perfectly comfortable in it.

Answer 6

No. Crating is an effective method to train dogs. When dogs are not trained, they turn to wild animals. At the beginning, dogs of course don't get used to be confined. They make noises (howl, bark or cry) to get your attention. If you ignore the noises, they realize that it doesn't work and accept being in the crate. You don't need to feel bad. It's part of the discipline. You need to continue to train him in the crate. You also can try to give him his favorite treat when he goes in. Eventually, he will associate going into crate get rewarded.

Answer 7

Crating is only mean if you leave you dog in a crate at all times.
Crating is a wonderful way to train your dog it also works to keep them from getting in to things that might be dangerous to them when you are not home.'
So don't stop crating your dog.after a few weeks it wont bother your dog to be crated.
And in a few months you should be able to let him out when you are gone if you want to with no problems. Good luck.

Answer 8

No I have 3 dogs,2 use a crate when I leave the house as it is for their protection as well as the house. They do not mind a bit and like their crates,if they are sick of us or playing they go in on there own to rest. Good Luck,Follow basic common sense do not crate when you are home and do not leave them in for extended periods of time.

Answer 9

Crating is no where near mean. Dogs are canins. Den animals, just like thw wolf. They will eventually think of that, and their safe place. It's good to crate and animal. I have a 3 month old Dachshund, and she gets crated while I'm gone. But she doesn't get crated at night. She sleeps with us, otherwise she goes crazy. Sometimes I would try to let her sleep with you. Then he may not get as angry with you, cuz that much needed bonding time. Now, no matter where I am, mine comes to sleep by me.

Answer 10

I always hated the idea of keeping my dog in a crate. My older one never needed it. But I was keeping them outside during the day, and it was getting too hot, so I got the puppy a crate. She loves it. She doesn't mind going in there when we leave, and sometimes just goes in there to sleep. As long as it's not a punishment, it's fine. Don't yell at your dog, then send them in there, or force them.

Answer 11

if you do not wish to crate the dog, at least limit the amount of the house he can get to. also consider having toys for him to play with so maybe he will leave other things alone. When you are home make sure you spend enough time with him.