Why Should You Crate Train Your Dog?
Although some people who don’t understand dogs may think it is cruel, many dog lovers find that crate training the family pet is absolutely essential. Because they are so cute and adorable, it can be hard to put a little puppy into a cage and walk away. A properly crate trained dog follows its instincts though, and usually ends up using its crate willingly.
Dogs have a natural urge to find themselves a secure little den. Although they have been domesticated, dogs still share this trait with their wild cousin, the wolf. Dogs see their crates as a safe haven where they can rest and not be bothered. You may see them take cover in a crate during thunderstorms or if a family argument breaks out. It is where they go to get away from it all. Most crate trained dogs will go to their crate automatically once they have learned that it is the proper place to go at bedtime.
Of course a crate should not be used as a jail cell. Puppies should be introduced to their crate when they are young. The crate should be large enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around and spend some sleeping time. The crate should not be used as a form of punishment. Dogs naturally avoid relieving themselves in this safe space. Most metal crates today are sold with dividers that can be adjusted as the puppy grows. Before you ever purchase the crate, you should talk to the breeder about what the expected adult size of the dog might be. Forcing a dog to stay in a crate that is too small is cruel and should never be done.
Entire books have been written about how to crate train a dog. The benefits are many. The dog will have a place where it feels safe and secure. It will also be much more cooperative in the event that you have to do any traveling. Dogs must be crated before entering an aircraft. If you think you may ever want to take your dog on a flight, there is no doubt that it will have to be able to handle being crated. Crating also makes taking some animals to routine veterinary appointments much less of a burden.
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