Behavior Tips : Whether or Not to Crate Train Your Dog

One of the most controversial decisions in the training and obedience of dogs is whether or not to crate train your pooch. Both the pro and con camps have a number of excellent reasons to choose to crate train your dog or avoid the entire process all together.

Before your make a decision whether or not to crate train your dog, enter into the situation with a clear head and open mind in order to make the best decision possible. Furthermore, each individual person, dog, and lifestyle is different from anyone else’s experiences, so what works well for a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member may not necessarily work for you and your pooch.

Before you completely rule out crate training, take a closer look at the crates themselves. Many people have the feeling that crates are a cruel device that limits a dog’s freedom and cages them into a life of unhappiness. However, this stereotype often associated with crate training could not be farther from the truth!

Put these thoughts immediately to rest. These crates are cozy, roomy places that your dog will identify as his own. Dogs are creatures that like confined, dark, and cozy spaces in which to rest or sleep and crates are a favorite for many dogs. Furthermore, crate training your dog will keep him safe and out of any problems that may occur if the dog has free reign of your home at night or while you are away. However, if you plan on being away from an extended period of time, you should not leave your dog in a crate and instead look to investing in a larger dog run or play pen that will keep your dog confined while allowing him plenty of room to run and play.

Many people want their dogs to share their beds, so crate training is out of the question. If you are one of these people and want to snuggle up with your pooch at the end of a long day, then you may not want to go in the crate training route. Additionally, if you are looking for a dog who will live outdoors when weather permits, a crate is ineffective and can potentially be dangerous. Instead, consider investing in a dog house or igloo that will keep your dog cozy while allowing him to roam as he wishes. It should be known that all outdoor dogs should be fenced in or have some type of boundary to prevent him from exiting the property or potentially becoming injured by entering the road.

Crate training is excellent for anyone who wishes to travel with their dogs. All dogs should be restrained in a crate when riding in a car, no matter how great the distance. Dogs who are left to roam in a moving car are more apt to become severely injured or killed in the event of an accident. Furthermore, roaming dogs may be the cause of an accident in the first place, so be a safe and responsible driver by properly restraining your dog. Additionally, if you are interested in transporting your dog via airplane, he will need to travel in a FAA approved crate or tote and the process will go a good bit easier if he is already accustomed to being in a crate.

When you reach your destination, having a crate for your dog will best prepare him for this transition since a crate is something that will remind him of home. Additionally, if you are staying in a hotel or at the home of a friend or family member, a crate will prove invaluable since the host may be unwilling to have a dog freely roam their home.