Many people refuse to crate or kennel-train their dogs because they feel the confinement is cruel. However, a crate or kennel can give dogs a sense of security. Crate training done correctly is also a highly effective management system that can be a lifesaver for dog owners. Like any training method, crating can be abused, but using a crate for appropriate periods is helpful with various essential goals, including house training, preventing destructive behavior, and teaching a dog to settle and relax.

If a dog is taught through positive reinforcement to love the crate, the crate becomes his own private and safe place, much like a bedroom for a child. The crate or kennel is somewhere the dog can go without being bothered; it's a perfect destination when the dog is tired or nervous. Dogs have a natural instinct to be in a den. Many dogs take to a crate very easily.

Crate training provides several benefits to owners. A crate that is sized properly (read more about size below) encourages a dog's instinct not to mess up where he sleeps, helping to teach the dog bladder and bowel control. This tendency to view the crate as a clean place is a huge benefit of training a new rescue dog or puppy!

Using a crate prevents a dog or pup from getting into trouble when you can't supervise directly. Those times might include at night when you are at work (provided the work day is not too long and the dog gets exercise before and after), when you are busy cooking or any other time when your attention is elsewhere than directly on your dog.

Crate training also teaches puppies and excitable dogs to expect and enjoy some downtime and conditions relaxed behavior. Dogs and pups can be put into a crate with a yummy and safe chew or stuffed Kong to keep them secure, comfortable, and out oaf mischief for periods of time.

When a little extra help is needed

If your dog whines, cries and puts up a fuss that keeps you awake, it's easy to give in and let him out of the crate and into your bed to sleep. While some dogs take naturally to a crate, others are not as eager. Therefore, your dog or puppy must never learn that whining, crying, and barking will open the crate and get an invitation to your bed. Be patient and consistent with the message that calm behavior is the key to being let out. Wait for even a few seconds of silence before opening the door.

Set up a puppy's crate with a hot water bottle and a blanket with your scent. This will help the puppy feel more secure and reminiscent of sleeping close to his canine mom and litter mates. Remember, your puppy has just been taken away from his family. Everything he knows has changed, and he is likely frightened and confused. Be strong, and you will make it through the first few nights.

Crate Training Breaks

Down time is important for both pets and people! Recognizing that growing puppies, enthusiastic adolescents, and even adult dogs need chill time is a smart move. You can use the crate proactively by scheduling nap times or a puppy. These breaks will hopefully avoid an overtired pup more likely to display undesired behavior. Or, you can use the crate by allowing a revved-up dog to relax and chew on something appropriate. This quiet time allows the body and brain to take a breather and restore.

Living with a puppy requires a lot of diligence and patience. Utilizing the crate for dog breaks can allow you some canine-free time. This is your chance to review training plans, catch up on other tasks, or gain space. Just make sure you have the break times, whether scheduled or used as-needed, planned out, so the dog gets his downtime but still enjoys the time in the crate.

In addition to the value of a crate at home, having a crate-trained dog is terrific when traveling, when your dog needs to go to the vet or groomer, or if you plan to compete in any dog sports. Appropriately trained with positive reinforcement and patience, the crate becomes a safe place for a dog. You will find that your dog uses the crate on his own when tired and enters willingly and eagerly when asked. All it takes is an investment of time and a few treats to end up with a happy dog and a happy human!