Puppy Crate Training - Cruel or Kind?

Crate training is a method of getting a dog or puppy accustomed to relaxing in a crate. As puppies do not like to soil their bed, a crate can be used in the toilet training process. When not used properly, crates can turn into a prison for a dog and can be cruel, so crate training a dog or puppy is not accepted by everyone as a positive method of dog training. Leaving a dog in a crate for too long on a regular basis may compromise the dog's mental well-being and could cause behaviour problems such as coprophagia. Dog trainers, behaviourist, vets and dog owners may have different views on whether or not confining a dog to a crate is cruel.

The following are examples of situations which would be considered cruel when confining a dog to a crate:

1. A puppy does not have sufficient bladder control to remain in the crate without soiling the bedding
2. A dog has diarrhoea or is vomiting
3. A dog has not been accustomed to staying in the crate with a gradual training process
4. A dog has not emptied his bladder or bowels before being confined in a crate
5. A crate is not large enough for a dog to stand, turn around and lay down comfortably
6. A dog has not been exercised before being left in the crate
7. The crate is in a hot room
8. A dog is left in a crate for more than 5 hours during the day time

When used correctly, the dog will see the crate as his den and use it as a safe place for sleeping and relaxing. The crate can be covered with a blanket to make a cosy and darkened den which helps the dog to feel secure. Many dog owners leave the crate door open and just use the crate as the dog's bed, where he can come and go as he pleases. There are times when it is useful to be able to secure a dog inside the crate for short periods. For example, if you are decorating or have an engineer in the house to fix an appliance. If a dog needs surgery, he may be placed in a cage at the vet, and will be more relaxed if he is used to being confined in a crate at home. Other benefits include being able to crate a dog for car travel, when introducing a new pet to the family and for training a dog to remain calm when family and friends visit your home.

Learn how to crate train a puppy with training tips and videos at Crate Training for Puppies