Crate training is not cruel
nor should it be punishment for Puppy. A crate the
proper size for Puppy is: a safe place to be while
sleeping; safety when you are not around to watch
him; a place to eat uninterrupted; a place to go
to get away from it all. Dogs are den animals and
many like a place they can curl up in and feel
secure.
Why
Use a Crate?
You
can leave Puppy or Doggy home alone with peace of
mind. He is comfortable and not forming bad or
destructive habits. He also is not going to be
confused by your reactions to bad behavior when
you return. Remember, dogs do not have the
reasoning humans do. When we return and see the
garbage rooted through and then punish Puppy,
chances are he will not realize what you are
punishing him for. He may think you are punishing
him for something completely different. Crates
also make house training easier.
Puppies and dogs
generally will not soil their sleeping and eating
area. Used with a consistent schedule, a crate can
be your best ally with house training. Crates
offer safety when traveling. A dog in a crate is
far less likely to be injured in an accident. A
crate keeps your dog from bouncing around, getting
on your lap, blocking your view or even getting
under the driver's feet! If crating while driving
is not possible, at least train Puppy to lie
quietly in the back seat or use a doggy seat belt
available at many pet supply places.
What a
Crate is Not!
A crate is not a substitute for human
companionship. Use of a crate should be limited to
no more than eight hours, less for a younger
animal. If your work schedule is longer than that,
consider getting a dog walker to exercise Puppy or
Doggy for you midday. There are also Dog Day Care
centers cropping up! Crates are not to be used for
punishment. The crate must be viewed by Puppy as a
safe place to be. Do not allow your children to
torment Puppy while crated. Make sure he has fresh
water, a sturdy bed and safe toys (rotate toys
daily so he always has different ones and a
different combination).
