Crate Training Pros and Cons
Most dog owners sincerely want to train their dog well. But an almost equal number will underestimate the time and effort it takes to do so. Proponents argue that crating gives the dog a sense of 'property', a place it can call its own. In this little home within the home, the dog feels safe surrounded by familiar smells and objects. Here, the dog can retreat from fearful noises or boisterous children.
Most times, they are not ignoring the command as much as failing to understand it. It seems it should be obvious - they've done the behavior successfully many times before - but today they are just 'being stubborn'.Dogs, they say, will naturally avoid soiling their 'den' and 'hold it' until they're released to go outside.As with any debate of this kind, there are no doubt good and bad points on both sides. Objective studies on the issue are sparse and equally divided. Provided certain 'rules' are observed, there's probably no harm, and possibly some good, to be had from crate training.
Even proponents recognize that excessive lengths of forced crate time is bad for the dog. Any dog locked up in a small space is not getting needed exercise and may be restrained from eliminating for longer than is healthy. So, keep the crate time to no more than two hours maximum.Opponents worry that crated dogs can injure themselves through a natural desire to escape or rowdiness inside the cage. Make sure that the collar won't snag. Check to ensure there are no sharp edges on the crate, and that construction is strong enough to withstand the dog's normal jostling and pushing on the walls. Above all, make sure it can't tip over.
But dogs make choices very differently from people. They will often just endure the punishment without learning anything. They're used to the confinement and they have a familiar-smelling environment with them during a time of stress. For owners who have to take their pets on long trips, there may be some value in this view.Critics suggest that (except in cases of permanent re-location) it's best to leave pets at home. Apart from short trips to the grocery store or vet or to a neighbor's house, animals fare better in familiar territory. But, if you must take them, be especially careful to do so in a well-constructed crate.Make sure no objects can fall into, not just out of, the cage.
But if those are not the results you seek, be prepared to change YOUR behavior, before you try to change the dog's.Try leaving the door open after a few weeks of training and see whether they seek or avoid the crate. Let the dog weigh in on the question.
Most times, they are not ignoring the command as much as failing to understand it. It seems it should be obvious - they've done the behavior successfully many times before - but today they are just 'being stubborn'.Dogs, they say, will naturally avoid soiling their 'den' and 'hold it' until they're released to go outside.As with any debate of this kind, there are no doubt good and bad points on both sides. Objective studies on the issue are sparse and equally divided. Provided certain 'rules' are observed, there's probably no harm, and possibly some good, to be had from crate training.
Even proponents recognize that excessive lengths of forced crate time is bad for the dog. Any dog locked up in a small space is not getting needed exercise and may be restrained from eliminating for longer than is healthy. So, keep the crate time to no more than two hours maximum.Opponents worry that crated dogs can injure themselves through a natural desire to escape or rowdiness inside the cage. Make sure that the collar won't snag. Check to ensure there are no sharp edges on the crate, and that construction is strong enough to withstand the dog's normal jostling and pushing on the walls. Above all, make sure it can't tip over.
But dogs make choices very differently from people. They will often just endure the punishment without learning anything. They're used to the confinement and they have a familiar-smelling environment with them during a time of stress. For owners who have to take their pets on long trips, there may be some value in this view.Critics suggest that (except in cases of permanent re-location) it's best to leave pets at home. Apart from short trips to the grocery store or vet or to a neighbor's house, animals fare better in familiar territory. But, if you must take them, be especially careful to do so in a well-constructed crate.Make sure no objects can fall into, not just out of, the cage.
But if those are not the results you seek, be prepared to change YOUR behavior, before you try to change the dog's.Try leaving the door open after a few weeks of training and see whether they seek or avoid the crate. Let the dog weigh in on the question.
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