Why Crate Training is NOT Cruel

Crate training is in our opinion one of the best things you can do for your dog and your peace of mind. It gives them and you a safe option if there is stress or too much activity in your household. Start early and at bedtime every night. They will thank you for it and so will your bed partner!

"For thousands of years dogs have sought out small, enclosed spaces for shelter and security. These dens have functioned as dog safehouses for the newborn and ailing, as well as resting places for the weary.

With the den boasting so many advantages, why do we humans debate the idea of putting a dog in one? Whatever the reasons, our dogs—if they could—would surely beg for a crate of their own. If you’re one of those people who are still on the fence about whether or not to crate your dog, here’s what you should know.

For the young dog
For puppies, the crate functions as a sort of babysitter when you can’t be there to monitor unsafe or undesirable behavior.

For the traveling dog
For the dog who travels often with his family, the crate can be a constant and familiar haven, from car to weekend retreat—a place to feel secure when the world around him changes.

For the insecure dog
Because dogs feel responsible for their own territory, the insecure dog should have less space to protect, not more. A crate (rather than the whole house) means less territory to patrol, making it easier for the insecure dog to settle down and relax.

For the rescued dog
To the rehomed dog, a crate is sometimes the only consistent environment he has ever had. A crate gives this dog time to safely adjust to new surroundings, as well as the luxury of not having to fight for his own space in new territory. It can ease the transition from one family to another."

From: http://www.woofipedia.com/articles/why-crating-not-cruel

HOWEVER, a crate will NOT teach a puppy to "hold it." Puppies' bladders aren't fully developed until they are 4 to 6 months old, so trying to force them to learn something that they are incapable of learning can backfire. Crate training for long periods of time can cause separation anxiety, depression, and/or hyperactivity.

So, we recommend using a crate or kennel with a new dog for at least the first few weeks until they get comfortable with their new home and slowly allowing them to be out of the crate for longer periods of time. Some dogs will prefer the crate to being left out and some will prefer to be left out in the house. If you have a new puppy, we recommend a puppy play pen or gating off a puppy in a room with easy to clean floors, since puppies are incapable of holding their bladders for too long.