Crating Vs. Dog Pens

Crates

• Crate training is ideal for potty training your dog. It plays on his natural instincts as a den animal, making the task much easier than trying to train him without one. No dog likes to soil where he sleeps.

  In the wild, dogs live in cozy dens, and even the most domesticated house dog retains his den instinct. By nature, a den provides a dog a warm place to sleep away from danger, where he can have a home and raise his family. Your own dog will use a crate much the same way once he has been properly trained to use it.

  Due to its versatility and the fact that a crate satisfies your dog's den instinct, it is your best choice for recovery following illness or injury, traveling, preventing destruction to your home while you're away and separating an anti-social dog from house guests.

Dog Pens

• A dog pen is more suitable for a dog who has already been potty trained, since it usually offers your dog more room to move around. It may not be suitable for your dog if he can jump out of it easily.

  Dog pens come in many forms and sizes. You have the freedom to choose how much room you want to give your dog and what fits best with your home environment. You may choose a beautiful, polished wood pen or one made of wire or metal. Unlike an enclosed crate, dog pens are usually open on top and made of collapsible panels.

  A dog pen is your best choice for limiting your dog's access to the rest of the house and confining a social dog during home gatherings. It can also function as a portable play pen.

Training

• If you are using the crate or pen for potty training, there should be enough room for him to stand up and turn around but not much more. In the wild dogs don't like to soil their dens, and the same holds true with your own pet. If there is too much room for him to move around, he will soil his crate and potty training will become more difficult. If you have a puppy who will grow into a large dog, buy a crate or pen that will accommodate him when he is fully grown and partition it off.

  You must properly introduce your dog to his new den. Make sure he feels comfortable inside it and does not feel trapped or lonely. If possible, place the crate or pen in an area near the rest of the family.

  Use treats and praise to encourage your dog to enter and remain inside the crate or pen, and consistently praise him whenever he does so willingly or voluntarily.

Helpful Hints

• Remember that your dog is a pack animal and will do better when he has more interaction with his human pack mates. If you must be away for long periods of time, consider hiring a pet sitter to take your dog for a walk while you're out.

  Encourage your dog with praise and treats when he uses his crate or pen, and make sure he views it as a happy place to be. Never use either for punishment.