Top 5 Reasons Crate Training Is Necessary

Even if you make it your profession, training a dog is never easy. It is not just a learning process for them, it's also a learning process for you and anyone else in the family. Over the years, there have been many different techniques used to train our K9 friends. Some have worked, some have not. One of the best successful approaches for dog owners has been to Crate Train.

Some people call it inhumane to crate an animal, but the fact of the matter is that when it's done properly, filled with only love and positive reinforcement, there is nothing inhumane about it. Puppies will not view a safe haven as anything negative, but it is their owner's responsibility to make sure that's how they view it.

The list for why crate training is the best technique could go on for miles, but here are the top 5 reasons to crate train your puppy.

1. Less Accidents To Clean Up

Let's face it. If humans didn't have to worry about cleaning up messes all the time, there'd be a lot more dogs adopted in the world.

The convenience to using a crate is that most dogs will not use the bathroom in the same area as they sleep and eat. This means that while you have them in their crate, the chances are a lot slimmer for you to need to clean up any poop or pee. As soon as you let them out of their crate (especially following their feeding), take them outside and let them potty.

NOTE: Always remember to reward your puppy for using the outdoors as their bathroom, until they are fully trained.

2. Less Chewed-Up Furniture And Toys

Aside from cleaning up potty messes, there is nothing more dreadful than having the arm of your brand new leather couch chewed up. Puppies can not help their chewing habits; they teethe just like babies and NEED something to sink their teeth into.

The crate should never be used as a form of punishment, nor should you ever leave them alone for too long. If you catch your puppy chewing on something that he/she shouldn't be chewing on, don't send them to their crate. Simply replace that item with one of their chew toys to help them learn what is and is not acceptable to chew on.

If owners use the crate for their puppies to sleep in overnight, as well as to stay in while they're away from home, it will lessen their chance of having personal belongings destroyed during their absence.

Things To Always Keep Inside The Crate

A comfortable blanket or towel for them to lay on

A few chew toys

Their food & water bowl

A treat or bone (While they are training)

3. They Have Their Own Space

Some people believe crates are too confining for the dog. They believe it is torture and punishment. This is only true if you mistreat the purpose of the crate. The fact is, just as humans like to have their own space so do dogs.

The trick is to teach the puppy not to feel anxious because of the crate, but rather, to use the crate as their comfort zone when they are feeling anxious. Whether it's a new guest in the house, a hyper toddler, or simply a nap they're in need of, giving the puppy their own space to cuddle up and rest in (where nobody can bother them) is calming and relaxing.

NOTE: When first introducing your puppy to the crate, DO NOT place or force him/her into the crate. Calmly guide them in with their favorite treat. For the first couple days, leave the door open as they get acclimated, to prevent them from feeling "trapped."

4. The Crate Also Trains Kids (And Adults)

When you have little ones running around, it's important that they understand the dog is not their rag doll. It's a 2-way street; the dog must learn to respect his/her owners, and the owners must learn to respect their dog. Teach the children to help with responsibilities, keep them involved every step of the way. Likewise, help them to learn that when the puppy is in his/her crate it is their quiet time and they need to be left alone.

NOTE: Don't play with the dog, or even talk to the dog while they're inside the crate. Doing so will only get the puppy excited and make them think that they're being let out. They will begin whining until you open the door for them. If you intend to let them out of the crate, do so before speaking to them so that they learn not to whine in order to get your attention and be let out (Your goal is to teach the puppy only to cry in the crate when he/she needs to use the bathroom).

5. Your Puppy Is More Versatile

The nice thing about crates is they can be mobile. If you are going on vacation, having the crate that your puppy knows and loves will make them more prone to accepting kennel placement, or even being house-sat by a friend/neighbor.

Likewise, if traveling with your dog it is always convenient to have that crate available: for flying, for long road trips, and for lodging overnight. Most vacation rentals are not fond of pets, but some may be more open to allowing your pet if you bring a crate for them.

If you are planning to entertain in your home and you don't want your puppy climbing, licking and biting all over your guests, keep the crate in a quiet, peaceful room least used for the time and let them rest comfortably, there. Remember, your puppy could be feeling just as anxious about having "intruders" in their home as you are feeling about them "annoying" your guests.

Crate Training Is The Best Choice For Everyone

Having a crate at your fingertips makes owning a puppy way less stressful and far more enjoyable. Some puppies take longer to train than others, but the key is to stay firm with them and refrain from yelling or hitting. The latter will only result in making your puppy more afraid of the crate than comfortable, as well as more afraid of you.

When done correctly, you will find that crate training your dog is one of the wisest decisions you ever made. You have provided your new family member with a bedroom of their own, just like every other family member in the house.

More About The Author

I am always searching for fun DIY projects to do around my house that will save our family time and money. I also love to cook for my family, and they love me cooking for them. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes any chance I get. If any of my projects and recipes are successful, I try to post them on my hubs to share with others!

I'm a young mom (well, kind of) of three and a happily devoted wife to a hard working man. Nothing brings our family together at the end of our busy days quite like dinner! That's why it's important to me that my meals taste good and that they're something everyone will look forward to eating.

If you enjoyed this article and are interested in more, check out some of my other featured hubs:

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As I said before, I love trying new projects and recipes so if you have a good one that you would like to share, please feel free to post it in comments below!