Puppy training is one of the most important stages for any pet owner. The early days that you spend with your new dog will pave the way for future habits, connections, and behaviors.
That’s why it can be a very important thing to set strict boundaries. One of the ways people do this is by crate training their dogs.
Even though it is common practice for many dog owners, it can look an awful lot like locking your new dog away in a cage—causing many people to believe that it is inhumane.
So should you crate your dog? Is it a cruel thing to do, or a necessary step to get them house-trained and comfortable in their new home?
If you’re wondering about these questions, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’re going to take you through everything you’ll need to know about crate training.
What Is Crating Or Crate Training?
Crate training is a method of introducing a puppy or a dog to a safe space that allows them to feel comfortable and at home. It is most commonly used when introducing a puppy to a new home.
Dog crates are made of either dense wire or fabric, and are usually a small (but big enough for them to fit), enclosed space that acts as a little den for your pet.
The general idea of a dog crate is to give your puppy (or older dog, depending on your circumstances) a place that is their own.
A crate is a soft, comfortable place that your puppy will come to understand as their own place. It will keep them warm, safe, and secure throughout the night, or at any other time when you have to be away from them.
Crates will typically have locks on them, but this is purely for safety. Let’s say you have a brand new puppy who has just been brought into your home.
They will not yet be house-trained, and will likely be unsure and confused about their surroundings.
More than this, if you leave them on their own in a larger space, there are a lot of opportunities for them to hurt themselves.
A dog crate is a way to combat this. Many dog owners choose to put their dog in a crate overnight, as it allows them to stay safe and secure while the household sleeps.
Once morning comes, they can be let out and enjoy the day alongside you. People don’t tend to keep their dogs locked in their crate for any longer than the course of a night.
Is Crate Training Moral?
The bad associations we may have with the idea of crate training most likely come from the fact that a crate is a type of cage.
In the past, people would simply cage animals in order to control them—but crate training isn’t about this at all. Crate training is simply a way to allow your dog to feel secure and safe in a place that is its own.
In many ways, you should think of it as their very own den. This is the place where they can go whenever they feel stressed, tired or if they just want to relax a little.
Crate training is only immoral if you’re keeping your dog locked within the crate for long periods of time. This can cause them to feel neglected and alone.
Most dog owners will crate train for a period of time, and then eventually replace the crate with a dog bed.
This can be done once the puppy or dog has grown more confident and is house trained to the point where they can be safely left alone.
The Main Benefits Of Crate Training
There are a few main reasons why crate training is a great choice for your dog. In this section we’re going to break some of them down for you.
1. A Safe Place: A crate can give your dog as safe space that is their very own. They will be able to retire to this place whenever they feel the need to. After a time, you’re likely to find that your dog will willingly go there as and when they need it.
2. New Environments: Bringing a dog into a new environment can be a very distressing experience for them. A crate can allow them to feel more at home and settle into their new space much faster.
3. Security: Puppies can get into a lot of trouble if you’re not around to protect them. Many dog owners use a crate to protect them from harm.
4. Toilet Training: Toilet training can be tough. Since dogs will avoid going where they sleep, you it can help you to create boundaries in your home.
Final Thoughts
We would highly recommend crating your dog, especially if they are a small puppy that you’ve just introduced to your house.
Crating allow you to make a safe place that your dog will come to know as their own.
The only real downside to crating is the price of buying one (as well as filling it with soft, comfortable things), and the negative connotations some people have with them.
Just know that crating is massively worth it, and a big step in the right direction when it comes to house training your dog.
It is very important to foster proper boundaries and keep your dog safe as they adjust to a new environment.
We hope that this article has taught you the basics of crate training, a nd that you’re now confident about whether or not you should do it.
If you still have some questions, make sure to check below for our short Frequently Asked Questions section.
We wish you the best of luck with dog training and hope that you pet is secure and comfortable in your new home soon!
