Is Crate Training Cruel or Caring?

Many pet parents feel it’s cruel to confine their dog to a crate, even if that confinement is for training, but the use of a crate may show they care. .

When people think of crates and putting their dogs in them, they often associate this with cruelty because they feel they’re putting their animals in ‘prison.’ After all, you’re confining your furry friend to a small space and not allowing them to move freely about the home or yard. As humans, we don’t want to be restricted from going where we want to, so why should we also subject our pets to that? But what if crate training can benefit both you and your pet and display the ultimate way of caring?

Benefits of crate training

There are many benefits to crate training, and we couldn’t list them all, but here are a few top benefits for using a crate when training a new puppy or an adopted dog that just came into your home.

Provides security.

Most dogs instinctively want to be in a ‘cave-like’ space or den where they can feel safe. Imagine if you were trying to catch a nap and laying on the floor in the middle of the kitchen, and people occasionally stepped on you or dropped items on your head. It wouldn’t be very comfortable, right? Well, this is the same for your dog. They may want to be around you and the action of the household, however, they need some respite and space to claim as their own. This is where a crate comes in handy and can be an excellent tool for training. A crate, used mainly for sleeping and resting, will provide an area free from kid handling, bustling about the house, and unsupervised time.

Creates structure.

Dogs need structure and order to feel more secure. They are creatures of habit and will thrive in an environment with a structured routine. Now this doesn’t mean you can’t deviate from the schedule from time to time, but keeping a daily routine as much as possible will help a dog feel more secure and safe.When training a new puppy, a crate functions as a den for sleeping, a space for resting when you have to leave or can’t supervise their activities, and even a feeding place. A crate should NEVER be used for punishment, as that will create a negative association. As we know, dogs function and respond best to positive reinforcement and praise.

Makes it easy for travel.

Having a crate for your dog will help when you travel to new surroundings and places, both in the car and when you arrive at your destination. Familiarity with their crate will help them feel content no matter where you go. Crates will make for smoother feeding and sleeping in a strange place with new distractions and possibly other people’s pets.

Allows healthy growing.

Dogs need a lot more sleep than we do and puppies do most of their growing while sleeping. Therefore, providing a place where they can have plenty of time to grow will help your puppy, or grown dog, heal, refresh and become healthier. This makes it better for you to get a good night’s sleep when you know your pup is safe and secure in their crate. Of course, with puppies that are under six months of age they may not sleep through the night and need a potty break. But they should be returned to the crate, after they eliminate, for the remainder of the night without engaging in play or stimulating activity. Some pet owners will leave the door to the crate open as the dog matures and allow them to go freely in and out as they please.