Is Puppy Crate Training . . . Great Training?

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A Case For Crate Training Your Dog

When it comes to puppy crate training, some folks believe that putting your puppy into the small, confined space is cruel . . . but in actuality, crate training puppies is a pretty darn loving thing to do.

Pups have boundless energy and are naturally curious. Left unsupervised, it only takes a few moments for them to discover the joys (and dangers) of chewing, digging or trashcan-raiding.

But make no mistake, crate training goes far beyond keeping little Fido out of trouble. You'll learn why proper crate training for pups (and even adult dogs) can literally save their lives.

The Great Crate Debate 

Some folks agree that crate training has its merits and others believe that crate training is horrid. You get to express your opinion right here!

What Do YOU Think About Crate Training?

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Crate training is beneficial . . .

Ramkitten says:

We've always used crate training for our dogs when they were young. As they got older, most no longer used the crates (and we didn't need to put them in there), but one in particular loved her crate and would often go in on her own for a nap.

Posted May 11, 2009

Gandree says:

I've lost two dogs because no one crate trained them when they were young. A husky hung herself and a weimaraner ate a bunch of bread wrappers and bound up her intestines. Both deaths could have been prevented. I used to show rottweilers and have raised many dogs. All of my other dogs were crate trained and loved being in their crates. It was their safe zone when thunderstorms threatened or strange children came to visit. Please crate train your dog.

Posted May 09, 2009

aj2008 says:

Crate training is essential in my book. We used it until our German Shepherd could be trusted around the house and could also be safely left on her own. It saved us from chewed furniture, chewed toys and chewed shoes. She loved her crate and my parents are now using one for their puppy.

Posted May 08, 2009

Crate training has no real merits . . .

 

So What's The Big Deal About Puppy Crate Training?

Crate training is the process of
teaching your puppy
to go into its crate on-command,
and to accept the crate as a
familiar and safe location.

Here are several good reasons
to crate train your puppy
(or adult dog).

#1: Hot Doggity Digs! 

Puppy Crate Training Introduces Your Pup To His Very Own "Den"

A dog crate can satisfy many dogs' need for a den-like enclosure. Wolves and dogs are den animals that feel protected and comfortable when they're sleeping in a covered area. As a matter of fact, canines of long ago, often slept in dens which were small shallow holes just big enough to turn around in and to lie down comfortably. These "dens" were usually dug in the ground and hidden away in places where they felt safe from predators.

Today, even after centuries of domestication and selective breeding, most dogs still retain this instinctual desire for a "den" (a small, cozy place) of their very own where they can feel safe and secure.

    A "crate" is just a modern version of a den. In other words, it's a dog house within your house. Just as you enjoy having your own room where you can go for peace and privacy, your dog likes having his own room, too! -- CanisMajor.com

Besides a place of comfort and security, a dog crate provides an effective house-training (or house-breaking) tool because it takes advantage of the dog's natural reluctance to soil its sleeping place.

Did You Know?

"The den provides security and a calming effect. Besides the bed or the couch, many dogs naturally choose places to sleep in the house that closely resemble a den or crate, such as beneath a desk or dining table, behind the drapes, or in an alcove."

Marcus Thompson, Vermont (USA)
German Shepherd Breeder & Trainer

#2: Who's The Boss, Anyway? 

Puppy Crate Training Helps Re-Affirm Who Is 'The Leader'

A dog crate is a great training aid that helps you establish who's in charge and the crate also doubles as a house-training skill builder. Because you decide when to put your puppy in the crate and when to take it out, your puppy learns that YOU are the leader. This makes learning other skills easier because your puppy knows it can trust you.

House-training a puppy is much easier if you use a crate. Puppies usually won't soil where they sleep, so once you let them out of the crate you'll know it's time to take them outside to eliminate.

#3: Oh No . . . Not My Shoes! 

Puppy Crate Training Helps To Keep Your Pup Out of Mischief

By training your puppy to be comfortable in a designated space, you're giving him a safe, destruction-proof zone to call his own.

Now, of course you can allow your little one to roam around from time to time under your supervision, but if you're unable to keep an eye on your puppy, it's better to put him into a crate for an hour or so, than to be angry if your little darling gnaws on your new sofa or destroys your best pair of shoes.

What One Concerned Pup-Mom Says:

"Crystal (a Golden Retriever pup) looked so cute snuggled into the pillows on my son's bed. She was asleep, so I left her alone and took a shower. When I came back, there was stuffing scattered everywhere.

I didn't want to confine Crystal, and I didn't think that she would cause any more damage. But I was wrong. When she chomped off chunks of mattress soon after, I bought a crate that same day. Crystal's crime sprees were becoming too expensive."

-- Michelle K., California

#4: Have Paws Will Travel (Safely, That Is) 

Puppy Crate Training Prepares Your Dog For Safe Transport

It often brings a smile to your face when you see a dog, traveling by car, head out the window, ears and tongue flapping in the wind. But let's get real folks . . . what about safety? In the event of an accident, a loose dog in the car or truck becomes a projectile and can be easily injured.

Since chances are pretty high that your dog will travel with you by car, it would behoove you to train your dog to be comfortable with "Safe" confinement (doggie seat belt, harness or crate) during auto travel. After all, if you wear a seat belt, why wouldn't consider a safety precaution for Fido?

Additionally, dog crates (a.k.a., pet carriers) are mandatory for air and rail travel. So if you expect to take your pet with you on a plane (or train) trip, crate training will provide a stress-less experience.

#5: Away From Home . . . and Well-Behaved 

Puppy Crate Training Prepares Your Dog For Overnight Stays Away From Home

Two very good reasons to crate train your puppy (or adult dog):

    . . . Going on vacation and want to take your dog? Many pet-friendly hotels, motels, Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) and vacation rentals may require your dog to be crate trained. Why? A couple of reasons: pets may not be allowed on the furniture (and especially in/on beds). Or, if you have to leave the your dog for a short while in your room, the dog is used to being in the crate without barking.

    . . . A lengthy visit to the Vet? At some time during her life, your dog may have to go to the veterinarian and may need to remain in a crate for several hours, or even overnight, while receiving medical treatment. It's a known fact, that for some dogs, going to the veterinarian is stressful enough without having to experience sudden confinement. If your puppy is already crate-savvy, it has a better chance of feeling more at home in this type of situation.

For Safety-Sake

#6: Emergency Prep For Your Pooch 

Puppy Crate Training Can Help In Emergency Situations

Hopefully, an emergency situation won't arise but you'd be wise to prepare your pooch just in case.

During a natural disaster, such as a fire, earthquake, hurricane, tornado or flood, a crate may be a necessity for transport or . . . the only safe refuge your dog may have. Hundreds of reports of house dogs in one of these types of disasters revealed that the ones that were properly crate trained were quick to seek safety in their crates, while the others would aimlessly run around panic-stricken, often getting injured or even killed by falling debris.

Crate Training Made Easy 

Quick & Easy Crate Training

Quick & Easy Crate Training

by: Teoti Anderson

Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 01/02/2010)Buy Now

The only book of its kind to focus exclusively on crate training, this title provides easy-to-follow, thorough instructions on how to safely, humanely, and effectively crate train a dog.

Raise A Puppy You Can Live With 

How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With

How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With

by: Clarice Rutherford, David H. Neil

Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 01/02/2010)Buy Now

This title continues to be a best-seller . . . and for good reason.
"This book may be as important for puppies as preschool is for children" -- (Dog Fancy)

Vids: Puppy Crate Training 

See & Hear What Others Are Saying About Puppy Crate Training

How to Train Puppies : How to Crate Train Your Puppy

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HouseBreaking Crate Training A Puppy

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How to Train Puppies : Crate Training Puppy Dogs

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Dog Training - Crate Training Your Puppy

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"I Love My Crate!" 

Scooter in her crate

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