“Should I crate train my dog?”
Short answer - YES! I usually hesitate to give one-size-fits-all advice for dogs, but the crate is an exception. There are many benefits and no downside, as long as it’s done right.
It’s no secret that there is a pretty big stigma around utilizing crates. If you aren’t educated about the biological needs and instinctual behavior of canines, then on the surface it can seem cruel. And of course, just like any other tool used for dogs, it can certainly be abused. If you are satiating the rest of your dogs needs, making sure they are crated for an appropriate amount of time, and keeping the crate a positive place, it can be extremely beneficial for your dog and for your family.
There are so many reasons that I love the crate for dogs. You can use the crate to:
potty train
give your dog a safe place to relax and have restful sleep
eat meals away from other pets or children
allow your dog a break from guests
ease separation anxiety
satiate your dog’s primal denning instinct
If you decide that you can manage all of those aspects without a crate, then that’s great! But you may still want to consider crate training anyway. There are many different scenarios that you may need to resort to putting your dog into a crate - and you’d want to make sure they are comfortable doing so. Perhaps you’re moving across the country, and the only way to get your dog from point A to point B is by flying. Or maybe you have a dog that spends a lot of time at the grooming salon and your groomer crates those who arrive early or are waiting to be picked up. Or maybe your dog is at the vet and your vet needs to keep them crated while they are being cared for. Or maybe there’s an emergency like a natural disaster, and your dog must be crated to be kept safe. Or maybe your dog is just a maniac in the car and you need a safe solution. Most of these scenarios are already stressful for your pet. Having your pup already crate-trained can save you both from a lot of added anxiety and consequent issues.
All of that being said, some guidelines must be followed to ensure the well-being of your pup. Adequate exercise and mental stimulation, appropriate durations in the crate, and the correct size of crate are all necessary.
If you have any questions or would like more guidance with crate training, please reach out to us at katie@sitstaycalm.com.
