4 alternatives to crate training a dog

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A crate can be an extremely useful tool for housetraining and helping new dogs stay out of trouble when you are away, but there are some potential drawbacks to using crates that may make them unsuitable for some dogs.

If your dog has separation anxiety, has been overused by a previous owner, or if the crate has been used for punishment in the past, crate training may not be an option for you. Or maybe you have to leave your dog alone for too long, or you just don’t like the idea to shit from him.

What are the alternatives to crate training?

Depending on your specific circumstances, there are some other ways you can restrain and keep your puppy or dog safe while you are away from home. Let’s take a look at some of your options.

1. Baby gates

baby gates

Confining your puppy in a safe, easy-to-clean room (usually a kitchen, hallway, laundry room, or bathroom) with baby gates has a number of advantages over letting your dog roam the house or confine him in a bedroom.

Uncarpeted rooms are easy to clean in case of mistakes and prevent your puppy from having something to tear that up Real important to you. These rooms are more easily puppy-proofed and usually less likely to cause problems.

Make sure your puppy can’t jump or climb the fence before going to the day! You should also attach it to the walls to avoid the following scenario:

2. Practice Pens

Practice pens, or x-pens as they are sometimes called, are a type of puppy playpen. They create a safe indoor space for your puppy that is larger than a crate and more open.

Available in many sizes, you can create a small space for your puppy in a room, without access to your cabinets and baseboards.
MidWest Wire Exercise Pen for Dogs

As with baby gates, you must unlined area. Also consider your puppy’s size and strength as x-pins can be knocked over or jumped.

Some people use x-pins to create three sides of a limited space and attach it to a wall on the fourth side. This will help stabilize the pen and prevent your puppy from moving it around the room.

3. Fenced garden

Small fenced backyard in early spring

If you have a secure privacy fence, it may be possible to keep your dog out when no one is home.

If you choose this option, make sure your dog does not bark all day and drive your neighbors crazy. And this is not an option for a dog that likes to dig.

Since your dog’s comfort and safety are vital, make sure he has shelter from the cold, rain and sun, and has access to water at all times. Check the fence weekly to make sure there aren’t any places he can dig out when you’re not looking.

4. Dog Day Care

For those who can afford it, doggy day care is an excellent alternative to leaving your puppy alone all day. He comes home tired and happy, which eliminates a lot of behavioral issues you might see if he’s bored and restless all day.

Daycares have rules about the age and temperament of dogs they will take, and it may not be a viable option even if you have the budget. Please check with the facilities in your area to find out what the requirements are before choosing this option.

Making it work

Here are some tips to successfully lock up your dog without a crate:

  • make sure you safe toys in your dog’s room. Interactive Food Toys like Kongs or Buster Cubes can keep your pup occupied for hours.
  • Break up the day with a walk. Find a family member, neighbor, or dog walker to take your pup out for a potty break, some exercise, and some human time.
  • Be sure to puppy-proof your dog’s space. The better you keep things out of reach, the easier it will be for him to stay out of trouble.
  • Use an easy-to-clean area with a non-absorbent floor.
  • Keep in mind that dogs are social creatures and will get bored if they don’t have much to do all day.

Keeping your dog safe

Food – put all the food away. Some human foods are dangerous for dogs, poisonous or a choking hazard.

Cabinets and knobs – Use child locks on cabinets containing food or household chemicals. Keep in mind that dogs are known to light stove burners, so if you have knobs they can reach, childproof them as well.

pick up – Do not leave anything near your dog that you do not want him to chew. Shoes, children’s toys, remote controls, cell phones, and anything else that isn’t dog toys don’t belong in his environment.

medicines – Keep medicines and toothpaste in a cupboard that your dog cannot reach or open. If you ever have medicine in your bag, make sure he can’t poke around in it. Also, chewing gum often contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

cords – Hang curtain/blind cords high where your dog cannot reach. Many dogs have become entangled in this and strangled. Prevent tragedy by thoroughly checking the area for hazards. Plastic bags are dangerous, as is a choke collar when left with a dog unattended.

Waste – Make sure your dog can’t go in the trash when you’re out. If it is not locked in a cupboard or cupboard, make sure it has a lid. You may need a lid that snaps onto the can if your dog can open it particularly well.

Plants – Many houseplants are poisonous to dogs if eaten. Make sure to remove all plants from his area.

Conclusion

If you have a puppy or dog that needs to be locked up, but you don’t want to use a crate, there are several alternatives available to you. But however you confine your dog, remember that he needs exercise and companionship to be a happy and well-adjusted pet.



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