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crate training: to be or not to be? That is the question.
You may feel like you’re on a tightrope, balancing on the edge of guilt for the idea of locking your dog up, but you’re still wondering how crates can help get you off to a flying start and positively influence your puppy’s obedience for life.
Is it hard love?? Here’s our list of crate training pros and cons to help you make the best decision for you and your dog.
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Crate training offers enormous benefits
Diving into the world of crate training requires patience, time and dedication. It may seem daunting, but know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. You will see your dog’s personality and obedience blossom, making life easier for you. This is why!
1. The Convenience Factor:
Our dogs want to be around all the time whether it’s with a tennis ball in their mouth, kids running around the household or they just want to lie on your lap and rub their bellies.
Sometimes, though, it’s not cool when they pounce on all the guests, beg at the dinner table, or run underfoot when you’re trying to clean. When your dog is overenthusiastic, the crate is a great way to find some peace and at the same time let your dog know it’s time to take it easy.
Plus, when you’re running errands and she understands it’s crate time, you’ll feel better knowing that destructive behavior, like chewing, will not develop.
If you are leaving the house for some vacation time, bring the crate and your dog. The coffin is like her safety blanket, making her feel less anxious as she adjusts to an unfamiliar environment.
2. Crate training boosts instincts
It’s a dog’s nature to be territorial. As a dog grows into a familiar environment, it will begin to exhibit possessive behavior toward food, toys, and other pets. Crate training can help relieve possessiveness.
When an owner sticks to a daily crate training routine, the crate becomes a dog house”the” in a manner of speaking. Your dog learns that the crate is her own personal space. It smells like her and she is the only one who spends time there. She begins to understand that it is where she is safe and may relaxed.
The crate will help put an end to those times when your dog will harass the cat, growl over the food bowl or run madly out the front door to bark at the neighbors.
Instead of adopting a pack leader mentality that makes your dog feel like she’s in charge when you crate her, she knows you’re in charge. Physically and mental stimulation is provided by you.
3. It’s a dream to break in
This is the biggest bench training pro, especially for puppies that need to get well potty trained. If you start crate training immediately, it will establish obedient behaviors for life letting your dog know not to relieve himself indoors.
Remember that “hollow” instinct we mentioned? Dogs, of course, don’t soil where they lie. When the crate becomes your dog’s den, it becomes a space he knows not to eliminate in.
By using a larger crate and taking your dog outside on a regular basis, she will become localized, understand where it is appropriate to go potty. This also helps prevent accidents at night or when your dog is left alone.
If you decide to crate the train, remember…
you have to be real dedicated, because you are essentially training your dog every day for the rest of her life.
Focus on the end results and know that the time and energy you put in will benefit both of you. Whether you are a puppy or even a adult dog, it’s never too late to introduce the almighty chest.
Keep these essential tips in mind:
- Do not leave your dog inside for too long.
- Remember not to associate the chest with: punishment.
- Be careful when choosing a crate size.
And then there are the cons to consider
You heard it here: Crate training isn’t all peaches and cream. If this type of training is not done correctly, it can have negative effects that include both: dangerous for your dog’s physical well-being and disadvantageous to her behavior.
1. It can cause bodily harm
This scam mainly stems from leaving it in a crate for too long. Prolonged confinement during the day leads to desperate behavior such as: defecate in the coffin and tension on the limbs unable to move enough.
Some dogs will even develop stress ulcers of the skin caused by constant licking out of fear and boredom.
With their small bladders, puppies under three months need less than three hours in a crate per day.
As they get older, the time allocation can increase as follows:
- 0 to 10 weeks: from 30 to 60 minutes
- 11 to 14 weeks: from 1 to 3 hours
- 15 to 16 weeks: from 3 to 4 o’clock
- After the age of 17 weeks: from 4 to 5 o’clock
2. Dogs Can Get Upset
To be patient when introducing crate training and be sure to do your research in determining the best techniques to include in your dog’s schedule. Ask yourself if crate training is the right option for her to excel.
Not all dogs are created equal. Some are more prone to personality traits such as: anxiety, separation problems or claustrophobia. For example, if your dog is a rescue dog that has been confined for a long time, whether in appalling conditions with an abusive owner or in a shelter, trauma may be associated with cages.
This can cause: agitation, which crate training may not be overcome.
3. Carelessness Can Be Dangerous
A crate is a safe space for your dog, but if it isn’t given care and attention, so can it dangerous for her overall well-being.
It is important to place your crate in an area of your home that receives a lot ventilation to ease breathing and prevent overheating.
Also consider your dog’s behavior. Is she hyper or susceptible to Walk away? Puppy proof sharp edges on the crate to prevent injury in the event of an escape and NEVER crate your dog while wearing a collar or leash. This can cause: strangulation.
Are there alternatives to crate training?
To be Okay if crate training is not for you or your dog. There are lots of other options who say “no” to life in the cage:
- baby gates: This technique involves using baby gates instead of a cage to keep a dog to an open, safe space in the home.
- practice pen: Also called a “dog playpen”, it also offers an option that is spacious and more open for your dog.
- enclosed garden: If you have a well-secured, fenced-in backyard, consider keeping your dog outside.
- dog shelter: A more expensive option, this ensures that your dog has constant human care in a safe environment made for dogs while you are away for the day.
Advantages and disadvantages of crate training in a nutshell
Don’t let the idea of crate training overwhelm you. As long as you arm yourself with the facts, you can make an informed decision that will deliver the best training solution for you and your dog.
Ask yourself: do you work long days? Can your dog handle being locked up? Do you have the time to dedicate yourself to crate training?
It’s not an easy feat to undertake, but this type of training offers many benefits that can develop good behavior and help your dog become housebroken.
Crate training isn’t for everyone, though, and if you’re working long hours or if your dog develops extreme anxiety from being confined, it may be best to consider other options.
What do you think of bench training? Tell us in the comments!
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