About ten years ago, crate training for dogs became extremely popular. People flocked to pet supply stores, bought the right books, and quickly became crate devotees. Many of us, especially those reaching the age of selecting our first dog as adults, learned the process from our parents, who had read these popular books. Most people who endorse crate training claim that dogs prefer it—that once they get used to it, the crate becomes their home for life, and they learn to love it. I’m not completely sold on this idea. While I believe you can train a dog to feel comfortable with their limitations and identify a crate as their territory, I’m not convinced it’s really like bringing them back to their wolf roots, using a den. His home is his den, not the crate.
Either way, crate training offers a lot of security to both the dog and the owner once the training becomes part of daily life. It is not cruel. Recently, we watched a friend’s dog for two weeks. Her crate came with her, at our insistence, and it was the only place where she felt completely secure while her family was away. This provided everyone with their own space—a place to sleep, relax, and wait for us to come home. Crates give dogs a sense of security when their world is off-kilter.
The Rules of Crate Training
The first rule of crate training is to never use the crate as a form of punishment. Doing so will only create negative feelings toward the crate, making it an unpleasant experience for your dog. Imagine how your dog would feel if you slammed him in there after an accident, and then put him in the crate the next day while you went to work. He would be confined for ten hours without knowing why he’s being punished. It can be tempting to put them away until you’re ready to deal with them, but this is cruel—especially when done regularly. Your pup will not understand that he’s not being punished.
Your crate is designed to keep your dog safe. You’d rather he not chew on your razor or eat glass while you’re not paying attention, so the crate provides a safe place. Keep it simple by placing a few necessities, like a soft blanket. Avoid placing toys that could be hazardous, such as those he might dismantle and swallow, as this can make life dangerous for him. Also, never place him in a crate wearing a choker collar, as this can lead to a disaster. Rawhides can pose similar risks. While it’s fine to include safe toys in the crate, understanding what is “safe” requires both research and knowledge of your dog’s habits. Some dogs are excellent at chewing through plastic, while others are more refined in their choices.
If you’re crate training a puppy, remember that he will grow. As an adult, your dog will need ample space in the crate. He should be able to stand without hunching over, turn around, scratch an itch, and settle into a comfortable position. If he can’t do these things without touching the top of the crate, it’s too small. Placing a dog in a crate that’s too small is cruel. Most pet supply stores can help you choose the right crate size for your puppy, keeping growth in mind. You can make the crate smaller during his youth by using a partition to close off the back portion. This may be necessary if he’s using the back of the crate as a toilet.
Part of the beauty of crate training is its ease in housebreaking. If the crate is too large, however, your clever pup might find ways to satisfy all his needs within the crate. If your puppy is urinating or defecating in his crate despite its appropriate size, take him to the vet. You might be leaving him alone for too long, or there could be a health issue. Dogs don’t like living in their fecal matter, unless they’ve been acquired from a puppy mill. If you brought your dog home covered in his own feces, he may not be able to control himself—another reason to avoid supporting puppy mills.
Successful crate training relies on knowledge. Before you begin, thoroughly research crate training to understand how to handle any problems that arise. Most dogs will follow the process described in the books, acting and reacting as expected. However, some dogs may challenge this theory, proving it wrong by acting in ways the books don’t predict. While rare, it does happen. In such cases, the more knowledgeable you are, the better prepared you’ll be to deal with your dog’s sudden fears, behavioral issues, and other challenges.
