Crate Training Dogs
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People who are for crate training dogs debate that crating affords the dog a sense of 'property' and privacy, a place it can call it's own. In this little home within the home, the dog feels secure encircled by familiar smells and objects. Here, the dog can withdraw from fearful noises or boisterous children.
Crate training can be a useful aid to toilet training. The arguement is that dogs will naturally avoid soiling their 'den' and wait until they're released to go outside.
Opposers of dog crate training say that shutting up the dog into a cage hardly large enough to turn around in inhibits its natural desire to roam. It takes away the dog's ability to explore its surroundings at will and to soak up stimulating sights and smells.They point to the frequent instances when puppies will play in their own waste and simply soil themselves worse. Locking the dog away, they say, is more for the convenience of the owner than the well-being of the dog.
As with any debate of this sort, there are without doubt good and bad points on both sides. Provided certain 'rules' are followed, there's probably no harm, and perhaps some good, to be had from crate training.
Most dog owners acknowledge that unreasonable lengths of forced crate time is bad for the dog. Any dog locked up in a small space is not getting needed exercise and may be held back from eliminating for longer than is healthy. So, keep the crate time to no more than two hours maximum.
Opponents worry that crated dogs can hurt themselves through an instinctive desire to break loose or rowdiness inside the cage. Make certain that the collar won't snag. Check to ensure there are no sharp edges on the crate, and that construction is strong enough to withstand the dog's normal jostling and pushing on the walls. Above all, be sure it can't overturn.
Advocates maintain that crate trained animals will do better when traveling in cars, trains or planes. They're used to the confinement and they have a familiar-smelling environment with them during a time of stress. For owners who have to take their pets on long trips, there may be some value in this view.
Critics of crate training dogs suggest that it's best to leave pets at home. Apart from short trips to the grocery store or vet or to a neighbor's house, animals fare better in familiar territory. But, if you must take them, be particularly careful to do so in a well-constructed crate. Make sure no objects can fall into, not just out of, the cage.
There will always be people for or against crate training dogs, using common sense is the best way to judge the actual effect, good or bad, on your particular pet. Try leaving the door open after a few weeks of training and see whether they seek or avoid the crate. Let the dog give you it's own answers.
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