By nature, dogs are pack and den animals. Den instincts help dogs feel safe and secure, so some dogs may take to crate training more effortlessly than others. However, some dogs may feel trapped in crates, and in some cases, it can cause separation anxiety leading to stress and unwanted behavior. One of the main purposes of crate training is house training. Crates are not intended to curb common unwanted dog behaviors.
If you don’t have a crate for your dog, your home will become their den or kennel. Dogs love to protect their homes and domains, so crates offer dogs a comforting, secure place to go if they feel frightened, anxious, or uncertain about what is happening around them. Short-term crate training helps develop den instinct in dogs of various ages. Having a cozy and secure place for your dog within the home is similar to you having a “man cave” or “she shed.”
Crates as Security
Crates create extra security in a variety of ways. Dogs are intelligent and can get into pantries, cabinets, trash bins, and refrigerators. Household cleaning chemicals and certain foods can be harmful and toxic to dogs. Keeping dogs crated while you are not at home makes it easier to keep them safe and out of contact with harmful substances and objects. Natural curiosity encourages dogs to chew just about anything, including furniture and personal items like shoes and clothing, which can lead to choking.
While teaching your dog socialization skills, a crate can keep guests (including children) in your home safe and give Fido a way to retreat if not yet familiar with other people. The excitement and noise often created during parties and family get-togethers can be overstimulating and stressing to dogs who are not socialized.
Crates for House Training
Since dogs don’t like to soil where they sleep, crates are great for aiding with house training. The practice helps train puppies to hold their bowel and bladder. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian regarding the duration of time you leave a pet crated because some breeds are harder to potty train than others. As a rule of thumb, puppies can generally hold their bladder one plus the number of months of age they are. So, if your pup is 2 months old, they should be able to hold their bladder for 3 hours. If they are 5 months old, they can hold it for 6 hours. No dog, regardless of age, should ever be expected to hold their bladder for more than 8 hours. 8 hours is the max amount of time any dog should be in a crate for any one period. If your pup soils its crate after being in the crate for 8 hours or longer, it’s not its fault.
Improper Use of Crates
According to several sources, the most significant “con” to crate training is that some dogs will be left crated for excessively long periods of time. Owners need to understand crates are not designed or meant to house dogs or to be a substitute for boarding.
Being left in a crate too long will stress dogs, causing them to try to find ways to escape. Chewing and scratching on the crate can cause harm and injury. The frantic attempts at escaping and isolation may lead to separation anxiety and other abnormal behaviors.
Some puppies, older dogs, and those with specific health issues may have more difficulty holding their bowel and bladder. Accidents are bound to happen but scolding or punishing creates and reinforces negative emotions and is not an appropriate housetraining technique. Keeping dogs in soiled crates subjects them to additional health issues.
Dogs are highly social animals. You, your family, and other pets form a “pack”. Crates create a barrier between you and the animal. Suppose the barrier is maintained for periods of time that are too long. In that case, it shortens interaction time, making the dog feel isolated and creating unwanted behaviors such as aggression and fear. Crating should not be a punishment or consequence for accidents or behavior because it creates a negative cycle of learned helplessness.
It’s essential to have any pet new to your home examined and checked by a vet before deciding whether to crate train or not. Our mobile vet clinic provides free physical exams, low-cost pet shots, and various services.
Crate Safety
In order to make the crate a safe space for pet and to make it a successful training tool, safety measures must be taken:
Crate Assembly
Assembling crates correctly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions is critical in keeping your pet safe. Collapsing and other malfunctions can occur if assembly directions are not followed.
Crate Size
The crate needs to be the appropriate size for your pet and have proper ventilation. This means there must be ample room for them to stand and move about freely without obstructions.
Remove Collars
Leaving collars, leashes, and other restraints attached to your pet or anywhere on the crate is dangerous and can also lead to injury. Collars can get stuck in the crate bars or doors.
Beds/Towels
Don’t place any towels in the crate if your pet is a chewer as they could swallow pieces while you are gone and choke or experience an obstruction.
Want to Know More?
Our veterinarians at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics can help you decide if crate training is suitable for your dog or not and provide regular checkups, pet shots, and monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. Give us a call for help with all your pet wellness needs.
