About Dog Crate Training
Crate training is a training technique used to make puppies learn to be comfortable in confined spaces. Proper crate training teaches a dog to go into his crate on command and eventually seek out his crate for privacy and comfort. Crate training works by using a puppy's genetic characteristics as tools. Dogs are den animals, so they are genetically predisposed to desire the comfort of a crate.
Purpose
Crate training is a training technique used by dog trainers and owners that has several purposes. As a training tool it helps to create a schedule for house breaking a puppy. It also creates boundaries between a dog and his owner. You have your own personal space in your home and so too should your dog. Crates function as your puppy's den, giving her a quiet and private place to rest. Crate training provides safe confinement for your puppy as well, allowing an owner to leave the house without the worry of a new puppy destroying furniture or soiling carpets. In this way, it can be a useful device when your puppy is sick or has had surgery and must be confined for her own protection. Crates restrict a puppy's access to guests, allowing her to be in the room with other people before she has learned that she can't jump and bite them. Crates may also function as a tool for transportation. A puppy who has been crate trained will be more comfortable when confined to a small space during travel.
Misconceptions
Contrary to common belief, crating a dog is not a form punishment. In fact, it is the opposite. Dogs are genetically wired to be den animals and therefore see a crate as their own personal space. Most dogs become so comfortable being inside their crate that they will use it to take naps, hide during storms or even to eat their meals. Many opponents to crate training claim that it is an inhumane and cruel technique used to imprison an animal, but most trainers and dog experts say that crate training an animal is as important as teaching him to walk on a leash.
Considerations
While beginning a crate training program early will greatly increase your chances of success, crate training will not work for all puppies. Some dog breeds are inherently susceptible to separation anxiety and may become so upset in a confined space that they injure themselves in an attempt to escape. A crate should be your dog's comfortable private den, so if she doesn't like it, she shouldn't be forced to use it. Crate training is like all other learned skills and will take time and patience to fully implement. Don't force the crate. Your puppy won't sit, stay and roll over after one day, so you can't expect her to accept her crate in a day either. Consider using a crate as a part of a combination of tools when house breaking and training your dog.
Benefits
Crate training benefits both the puppy and the owner. The benefits to the owner are the ability to limit your new puppy's access to the house, especially when you are still house breaking him. Crate training is an effective way to housebreak a puppy because it allows the owner to create a schedule. Dogs are highly unlikely to soil in their personal space. When you take your puppy out of his crate, you can immediately go outside to let him do his business. Crates benefit your puppy by giving him his own personal space, where he can relax and feel safe. Another benefit for your puppy is providing an understanding of confined spaces, which is helpful during travel.
Expert Opinion
While many dog owners are uncomfortable with the process of crate training and argue that crates are cruel, the majority of animal experts, dog trainers and veterinarians claim that crate training is a beneficial training tool. Dog trainers say that crates teach dogs boundaries, without making them feel imprisoned. Cesar Millan, the renowned dog behaviorist and star of the hit show, "The Dog Whisperer," uses crate training with his dogs, but believes there is a right and wrong way to crate train a puppy. Dogs must always associate a crate with positive things. They should be encouraged to use their crate the same way you encourage them to perform other tricks, like sitting, staying and heeling on a leash. Treats, toys and vocal encouragement from the owner will help guide this process.
Tags: your puppy, crate training, personal space, crate training, Crate training, house breaking