An Introduction to Puppy Crate Training
Crates are kennels that serve several purposes for your dog, including:
- Aiding with housebreaking.
- Providing a safe place for your puppy when you are unable to supervise him.
- Giving your puppy a safe haven to return to when he needs a break.
The idea behind using a crate to housetrain your puppy is that dogs won’t usually soil areas in which they eat or sleep. Therefore, your puppy will almost always try to hold his bladder and bowels when in his crate.
Choose a crate that is only large enough for your puppy to lie down and turn around in. If you use a crate that is too large for your puppy, it may be large enough for your puppy to have an area to sleep and an area to eliminate. You can purchase a crate at most pet supply stores. There are some crates available that have a piece that slides in to create a smaller area for your puppy, and slides out as he grows. One of these crates will allow you to use the same crate throughout the life of your dog.
When first introduced to the concept of using a crate, some people are concerned that it is cruel to keep a puppy in a cage or kennel. While crates can be abusive if a dog is left confined for too long, it isn’t cruel to use a crate appropriately. Dogs are den animals, and therefore will appreciate having a quiet, safe area to call their own. Also, it is far more cruel to allow your puppy to have free run of your home and run the risk of ingesting something poisonous, swallowing something that proves to be a choking hazard, or chewing on electrical wires than it is to provide a safe area when you aren’t able to supervise him.