It is a debate that has been going on for decades: to crate
or not to crate your dog? 'Crating' simply means putting
your dog in a cage usually while you are away from your
home or to calm your pooch. These cages are usually made
from plastic or metal.
Those in favor of crate training argue that a crate
provides a dog with a safe haven and a place to call its
own. The dog feels safe in his little den within your home
as familiar smells and objects surround him. Many dogs
seek out the comfort and security of their crate especially
if they are easily startled by loud noises or children.
Another advantage of crate training is that it can make
potty training that much easier. Dogs will usually avoid
soiling their 'den' and will wait until they are able to go
outside to relieve themselves.
For those against the use of crates, their main argument is
that locking a dog in a crate goes against a dog's nature.
As a pack animal a dog will naturally want to wonder or
travel through their territory. Some people also have an
issue with the size of the crate which is usually just
large enough for the dog to turn around in.
Another disadvantage, according to the opponents of crate
training, is that some puppies may still relieve themselves
in the crate and if left unattended this can be an
unhealthy environment for them. They argue that crating an
animal is not done for the benefit of the dog but for the
convenience of the dog owner.
There are always two sides to every story and the debate on
crate training in no different with each side presenting
their arguments for and against it. If a few general rules
of thumb are followed, there is most likely no harm, and
most probably some good can come from the use of crate
training. It is widely accepted that keeping a dog in a
crate for excessive periods of time can have negative
effects for the dog. Dogs need plenty of exercise and being
locked up in a small space is preventing them from any
exercise while it may force them to "hold it" for much
longer than is reasonable. Ideally, a dog should not be
crated for more than two hours maximum.
On the down side some dogs have been known to injure
themselves, sometimes quite badly, due to anxiety or
frustration from being crated. Keep an eye out for sharp
edges on the crate and it is a good idea to remove the
dog's collar to avoid it becoming a choking hazard if it
were to get caught on something.
One of the advantages of crate training is that it makes it
easier for dog owners to take their pet on car, train or
even plane trips. Pets who are used to a crate will feel
comfortable in the familiar-smelling environment in what
would normally be a time of stress.
Critics of crating suggest that other than short trips to
the store or friend's house, dogs tend to do better when in
familiar territory. So it might be better to leave pets at
home. However, if you do decide to take them on that trip,
make sure that the crate is well constructed to avoid any
accidents.
This debate probably will not be decide anytime soon. Try
to determine how your dog feels about the crate. You may
want to try leave the crate door open to if they want to go
in on their own. It may be better to let your dog decide
for itself.
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Stefan Hyross runs All About Dogs 'N Puppies which provides
information on ways of training puppies and dogs. Feel free
to visit the site for tips on housebreaking a dog and other
training ideas and information.
http://www.allaboutdogsnpuppies.com/
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