Let’s talk crates and dogs. But before we do, let’s clarify that the kinds of crates we’ll be discussing aren’t what some of you may be visualizing. These aren’t wooden freight delivery crates full of mysterious artifacts from an Egyptian temple. Crating dogs is a general term for keeping your dog in a cage (called a crate) for the purposes of potty training and to provide it with a secure “home” it can call its own.
When my family first came over to visit our new puppy many years back, they were shocked to see we had a crate setup in the corner of our living room. Never, in their wildest imagination, would they have thought that two people so devoted to animal welfare would employ such a device. It seemed cruel to them, and completely at odds with our personalities. What they didn’t realize is that crate training is an efficient and harmless way to potty train a young dog and, in later years, provides it with a place it can consider its own.
The unfortunate reality is that crates carry a stigma simply by virtue of their looks. People just assume that having a crate in your home means you’re inclined to lock your dog away for the slightest infraction. But that certainly isn’t the expected use for these things. Your dog’s cage should become a welcome sanctuary, like a wolf den.
Used properly, your dog will learn to love his crate. Though we haven’t needed to close the door in years, our dog (one of 3) is now 10 and still walks into her crate through out the day to nap, escape from rambunctious children and to hide from passing thunderstorms. Her crate is her home within a home and a sanctuary.
Most dogs learn to love their crates and, trust me, you will learn to love this training technique as well if you apply it properly. Knowing that your dog is safe and secure when a repair man comes is just one of the benefits of crate training, but the main point is to help potty train your dog.
I must stress however that crates must be used PROPERLY or you can do emotional damage to your dog. There are several important rules to follow when using a crate. First of all, no puppy should be left in a crate for longer than five hours (less if at all possible!). Most puppies will not eliminate where they sleep, but you cant expect them to hold their tiny bladders for hours on end. You must set up a puppy potty schedule and stick to it. NEVER depend on the crate beyond a reasonable length of time to prevent your puppy from having accidents as they can only hold it for so long.
Never use your crate as a means of punishment. You want your puppy to view his crate as a sanctuary. He should see it as a warm and cozy place to rest, not as a place he is sent to when he is bad. Crates are ideal when an over excited pup needs a break or when circumstances require your dog be locked away to be safe such as when a door must be left propped open to move furniture.
If I’ve gotten you over your unwarranted disdain for crates, you may now be wondering what kind of crate would be best for your dog. While that decision is largely one of personal taste, there is one fundamental element that applies universally and that’s size. The crate should be large enough for your dog to turn around in and sleep comfortably. But don’t make the mistake of going too large or your dog may elect to eliminate in one corner while sleeping in another. If your dog still has growing to do, getting a larger crate is fine. Just install a divider and adjust as your dog grows.
Our dog’s crate is the standard metal “wire” cage. This model breaks down easily for relocation or storage, allows for good airflow and let’s the dog view the world around it. To enhance the den simulation, we toss a blanket over it (leaving the door exposed) at night. For those of you with puppies, the removable tray in the bottom is great for easy cleanup. Your puppy will almost inevitably have an accident or two at first and this feature is a real time saver.
Crates can be wonderful training tools and a great sanctuary for your dog. But, if you really have difficulty stomaching a crate, a puppy play pen might be more your speed. Just don’t expect the potty training benefits out of this alternative. At the very least, both a crate and a play pen will afford you a safe place to put your pup if needed (such as when your front door may be open for extended periods to accommodate workers).
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