What is Crate Training?
The most talked about new method of training dogs is crate training. More and more dog owners and their pets are learning the benefits of starting puppies on crate training as soon as they arrive in their new home. Crate training is the use of a plastic airline crate or wire cage to confine a puppy when the family is not home or is unable to supervise the puppy's activities. The crate, in effect, becomes the puppy's bed. Other terms used interchangeably with crate are den and kennel.
You may feel that it is cruel to confine a dog to a crate, it would be cruel to just close him in the crate and leave. But if you take the time to introduce him to the crate properly, you will find that your puppy will quickly come to prefer it for sleeping and quiet time. Too many dogs are surrendered to the animal shetter because of the damage done while they are unattended. Since over 85 percent of these puppies are euthanized, it is kind rather than cruel to crate train a puppy to prevent behavioral and housebreaking problems.
Why Crate Training is Recommended
Dogs in the wild live in dens. The den provides wild dogs protection from predators as well as the elements, and allows for a feeling of security. Therefore, even domestic dogs have a strong natural tendency to seek out this type of shelter. That's why you can often find dogs curling up under a table, chair, bed or in a corner. By giving dogs a secure place that is all their own, pet owners can take advantage of dogs' natural den instincts to help the dog feel safe, thus reducing isolation induced stress.
Crate training, if done properly, is a wonderful training tool with many benefits. Apart from the obvious uses for transporting dogs, a crate can be used for short-term confinment--to keep your puppy out of mischief so he does not develop bad habits when you cannot give him your undivided attention. A crate can also be used to develop good habits--to housetrain your puppy -- to establish a chew-toy habit, and to reduce inappropriate barking and digging. Also, if your dog ever injures himself or becomes ill, the crate will be invaluable during recovery. If you crate train your dog, he is more likely to stay calm when you need to board him, If you move, your dog's adjustment to a new home will be quicker and less stressful if he is crate trained. If you stay in motels or visit relatives, your dog will be "damage-proof" if he travels with his crate. If you travel by car, placing the dog in his crate will keep him out from under your feet, away from the driver, and more safe in case of an accident.
--Provided by the American Humane Association