Can I Use Shredded Paper in a Dog Crate?

Many dog owners opt for crate training as a means of housebreaking their precious pooches. The whole concept of crate training exploits natural canine den behaviors. Out in nature, dens serve as cozy and private sanctuaries for dogs̵2;places to go for everything from sleep to offspring care.

  1. Crate Training Basics

    • Dogs instinctively don't like to make their sleeping areas dirty and yucky̵2;and understandably so. Many people opt to take advantage of this instinct by house-training their dogs using crates. Since dogs object to resting in unclean areas, the pleasant atmospheres of their crates might discourage them from eliminating̵2;and therefore promote their sticking to reliable schedules for outdoor potty time.

    Shredded Paper

    • Shredded paper and papery items̵2;such as puppy training pads̵2;are generally not a good idea for crate training purposes. Such absorbent items often make dogs want to go to the bathroom, which couldn't be further from your intention in crate training him. After all, the point of the crate is to teach your dog to wait until he goes outside.

    Comfy Items

    • Instead of lining your pet's crate with shredded paper, make it as much of a canine safe haven as possible. Towels and blankets both make suitable "in-crate" additions for your pooch. If you want to soothe your pet with the smell of his favorite human, put one of that person's worn clothing items in the crate too.

    Caution

    • If you crate your dog for training purposes, always remember to prioritize his well-being and happiness first, period. Never keep your pet inside the crate for very long. If your pooch is inside the crate all day long, the lack of exercise and interaction could lead to severe feelings of frustration, nervousness and stress. Even if you don't place paper inside the crate, your dog might have no choice but to "go" inside his crate, especially if he's still a young puppy. Puppies less than 6 months old usually can't contain themselves for more than 3 to 4 hours. You want the crate to be a comfortable den your dog enjoys, not a place he associates with loneliness or discomfort.