Crates have become a popular training method in recent times. They have helped dog owners train difficult dogs and have in fact influenced the number (reduced) of dog abandonments. Crates allow dogs to be trained in a safe secure environment.
Crates can be of great use when you are traveling and also for when you are house training your dog. They have many benefits, some of which I will outline below.
Debate over whether crates should be used for cog training is evident, most commonly between veterinarians and dog trainers. Many vets disapprove of crate training dogs while many professional dog trainers swear by it.
Some have a question of whether or not this is a type of jail where the dog was offered no trial and must suffer inhumane punishment. The fact is the dog sees the crate (once he is trained to it) as a home and a place of comfort that really belongs to them. The crate has many advantages that will help both you and your dog get along much better and it is a valuable training tool.
Some other benefits of having a crate include being able to leave your dog at home without being concerned about your furniture being destroyed, your carpet being used as a restroom, and also you know that your dog feels safe when you are not there. Crates also encourage your dog not to pee on the floor (they don’t like peeing where they sleep) and aid in potty training. Furthermore, they help a lot when traveling in the car.
Avoid leaving your dog in its crate all day. They need an opportunity every few hours to stretch their legs and exercise if possible. You should also try to let them out every one in a while to go to the toilet.
Crate training works fantastically for some dogs, but it’s not right for others. No two dogs are the same and as such you should see what works best for your dog.
Crate training works best when your dog is still a puppy. If you seem that no matter how persistent you are with your dog, you never get results, it might be time to stop attempting to use this method and to try a different one.