Crate Training & Proper Use

Crate training helps teach your dog to live happily in the human world. It gives him a place of his own, as well as a safe place to stay while his owner is sleeping or at work. When used properly and for short periods, the crate it is a welcome addition to your home.

  1. Types

    • Crates for training are made of wire, fabric or hard plastic. Wire gauges vary in strength to suit different types and sizes of dogs. Fabric crates usually work best for smaller or non-destructive dogs, since the material is easier to chew. Plastic crates are sturdy and work well for small and large dogs as long as the size is sufficient. One disadvantage of a plastic crate is that it is more enclosed and doesn't allow the dog a good view of his surroundings. Plastic crates are used frequently for traveling. Many crates have a plastic or metal pan for the floor. Accessories and covers can be purchased to use with the crate.

    Size

    • Dog crates come in many sizes. It is important to buy one large enough so that the dog can stand, turn and lie down comfortably. If you start your dog in a crate when she is a puppy, you may need to buy another crate as she grows. Optionally, there are crate separators available that allow you to start with a smaller size and enlarge the area as the dog grows.

    Benefits

    • A crate gives the dog a place of refuge away from other pets or overly rambunctious children. Dogs are den animals, whose ancestors once slept in dens or caves. The crate fills this instinctual need. Crates are an effective house training tool. Placing your dog in his crate at night or while you are away prevents him from having an accident in the house. Usually, he will not go to the bathroom in his crate because dogs do not like to soil their sleeping area. A crate is handy for preventing destructive behavior caused by a free-roaming dog. Taking your dog's crate along on trips gives him a safe place to be in the car as well as providing a place to stay when in hotel rooms and other people's homes.

    Considerations

    • Never leave your dog in her crate for extended periods. Place the crate in an area that is relatively private, but not so far from the family that the dog is isolated. Locate the crate in an area that is shaded from sun. The crate should never be used as a punishment for bad behavior. The dog should view her crate as a place of her own where she can go for rest and quiet. Include some of your dog's toys in the crate to prevent boredom while you are away.

    Expert Opinions

    • The Champaign County Illinois Humane Society calls the dog crate a "security blanket," helping to satisfy the dog's den instinct. The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the crate is an effective tool for training your dog, provided it is used properly for short periods and not misused as a place to shut the dog away.