In the world of dog training, there are several topics that can immediately spark fierce debate in the hellfire that is your social media feed. We previously looked at the touchy subject of E-collars, and dispelled several of the myths that perpetuate regarding the use of training tools. There are numerous other points of contention that will immediately set the comments section of a Facebook post alight with debate and dissension.
Crates might not be as fiercely debated as some other issues in the world of dogs, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t consistent disagreement about their usage. So, what are the facts and the falsehoods when it comes to using crates for your dogs? In this article, we’ll look at the reasons why crates are beneficial and offer tips for success when using them.
Myths about crates
Firstly, let’s begin by looking at some of the common arguments of those who believe that crates are not beneficial for dogs. In fact, even stronger than that, many of those who argue against the use of crates actually believe they are harmful.
“Crate training is cruel”
This is the primary argument that people use against crates – that crates are cruel, inhumane, and “aren’t how dogs would behave in the wild”. Some owners are opposed to crates because they see the crate as a prison cell. This, of course, runs contrary to the fact that many species of canids use dens as a refuge for safety in the wild. Wild canids are actually born in a den environment and accompanied by their mother in the early stages before they can see. Domestic dogs actually have a den experience too, when they are first born into the world (if done correctly by responsible breeders).
In some potentially dangerous situations – imagine you drop a glass in your kitchen, for example, and need to clean it up – it is actually safer for your dog to have a confined area for a short amount of time.
“My dog doesn’t like the crate”
When used correctly, the dog should have a positive relationship with their crate. They should feel safe, secure and comfortable when asked to go inside it. Like any piece of dog training equipment, if it is used incorrectly (if it is over-used, or used as a punishment tool), then it is natural that the dog will develop negative associations with the crate. That doesn’t mean that crates are inherently a bad thing – it means that trainers and owners need to ensure the crate is being utilized in the optimum way.
“Crates are dangerous”
A crate should not pose a danger to your dog. If the crate is too small and cramped, then the dog could develop joint stiffness from not having sufficient room to move around. Likewise, leaving a collar on a dog when putting them in a crate could – in unlikely circumstances – lead to the dog hurting themselves if they become agitated or excited when inside the crate. This only happens generally when a low quality crate is selected for the particular dog. Again, this is not down to the danger posed by the crate itself – this is a direct result of a lack of diligence and care on the part of the owner.
I am not a fan of the metal wire crates that are out there – while they are more affordable, they are too easy for a dog to break out of, too easy to hurt their teeth on, or get hung up on if they’re trying to escape. To actually replicate the feel of a den that their wolf ancestors enjoyed, a metal crate needs to be covered up with a blanket (“birdcaged”). If it is not covered up, the dog feels too exposed.
If your dog has a tendency to physically damage themselves when trying to escape the crate, or shows severe signs of psychological stress when inside it, this could be indicative of a deeper-rooted behavioral concern that needs to be addressed. With proper desensitization and training, you can oftentimes change the dog’s association with their crate, and ensure they see the crate as a safe space. If your dog is an escape artist, or does experience psychological stress in a crate, it is time to invest in a quality crate like Ruffland, Gunner or Impact Crates; these crates are built better equipped for these types of dogs and are safer all around. I personally am a fan of the Rufflands myself, but there are lots of good ones out there that are high-quality.
Why crates are beneficial
If the arguments against crates don’t stack up, then what are the arguments in favor of them? There are several reasons why dog owners should make proper use of a crate.
Offers dogs a safe space
Primarily, the crate can be used as a safe space for a dog to protect them. This can be true in any number of circumstances – from the earlier ‘broken glass’ example, to initially separating them from guests in your home, all the way to more extreme examples like transportation during a hurricane or other natural disaster. If your dog is conditioned properly to the crate, they will look at it as a place to potentially get away from fireworks, or if they’re not a fan of high-stress situations with children running around. Teaching your dog to develop a positive relationship with the crate ensures they have an area all for themselves when the need arises.
Brings control for owners
As a dog owner, keeping control of your dog and the surroundings can often be stressful. If you have to leave your home to go to the grocery store, putting your dog in their crate for a couple of hours ensures that the dog remains safe (as will your furniture and prized possessions). Furthermore, while you are gone, your dog will not feel responsible for the entire house which can cause anxiety; the crate gives them less area to worry about and stops things like pacing while you’re out. Note that the crate should not be overused, or relied upon to manage your dog for excessive periods of the day (more on that further on in this article).
Helps with housebreaking
Crate training is a great technique for puppies who need to develop a potty training routine. Dogs don’t like to eliminate where they rest and sleep – this was true thousands of years ago with wolves in the wild, and it is true for the modern, domestic dog with their crate. Crates are often used in the early days of potty training to help build a reliable schedule and teach the dog to go outdoors.
Secure way to transport dogs
Crates can be maneuvered into vehicles, which is great if you want to bring your dog along for the ride on a roadtrip – or if you need to evacuate in an emergency situation. Crating your dog during a car ride makes it safer for them – and for you. A solid, robust crate prevents dogs from being thrown around the car in the event of an accident, and also prevents the dog from climbing onto or distracting the driver. The higher quality dog crates mentioned earlier are crash tested, which is another bonus.
How to succeed with the crate
There are several ways to improve your chances of success with the crate, and turn it into a positive environment for your pup.
Make it comfortable for your dog
Given that your dog should feel safe in their crate, it makes sense to ensure it is as comfortable as possible for them. Provide them with a comfortable bed that fits easily inside the crate. If your dog is a notorious chewer, make sure you choose a bed that is durable and resistant to their habit.
Condition your dog to the crate
Your dog needs to have positive associations attached to their crate experience. It’s a place that is theirs; to rest away from people, or the other family dog.
Give your dog treats every time they go in the crate on their own. I highly recommend feeding your dogs their meals in their crate. When you’re beginning crate training with a dog, give lots of positive reinforcement with treats – but only when they are quiet and calm in the crate. It’s very common that your dog will protest at first, and if they are just starting to be crate trained, they may bark and cry. It is very important that you pay zero attention to the dog when they do this; giving them attention will reinforce the behavior and make it worse. If the dog is having tantrums, I advise putting the crate in a room where they can’t see what’s going on. This approach saves your ears, the dog gets zero reinforcement for this behavior, and this undesirable behavior will eventually become extinct.
When you get home from an outing, I recommend that you ignore your dog for twenty to thirty minutes when you get in the door and let them out once they are calm and quiet. This is particularly helpful with dogs who bottle up anxiety while you are gone in the early stages of crate training. I also recommend occasionally putting your dogs up in the crate for short sessions from thirty minutes to one hour while you are home, and giving positive reinforcement (treats) while they’re calm and quiet. If you want to get something done in the house, this is a great way to just get them accustomed to the crate being a part of life with frequent but brief crate sessions.
Don’t overuse the crate
To get the maximum benefit from the crate, it is vital to ensure that you don’t overuse it. When some dog owners become frustrated with their dogs, they use the crate as a punishment tool and put their dog in the crate. This creates a problem further down the line, as it eradicates the positive associations the dog makes. You also don’t want to be using the crate because you’re using it for avoidance of something that needs to be dealt with and addressed through dog training.
Don’t put your dog in the crate for too long
Thoughtful use of the crate is totally fine; locking your dog away for eight hours, ten hours or even longer is where some of the negativity surrounding crates stems from. You shouldn’t leave your dog for more than four or five hours, and certainly shouldn’t keep your dog in their crate from 8am to 6pm if you work outside of your home. Instead of leaving them in their crate for this long, consider hiring a dog walker or having a neighbor or relative check in on your dog.
Buy a correctly-sized crate
Choosing the correct crate is vitally important. Too small for your dog, and they won’t have room to move around. Too large, and this can actually hinder housebreaking efforts as your dog could eliminate at one end of the crate, before retreating to the other end. Carry out research online or speak with a professional dog trainer to determine the right crate for your dog.
In conclusion
Crates will likely to continue being a divisive topic, particularly when those who argue against their usage deploy highly-charged language such as the below to describe them:
“…a dog crate is just a box with holes in it, and putting dogs in crates is just a way to ignore and warehouse them until you get around to taking care of them properly.”
We present that quote because we firmly believe that, when used correctly, crates can be hugely beneficial for dogs and their owners. There is nothing inhumane or cruel about giving your dog a safe space of their own.
If you have questions about using a crate with your dog, or are having issues with problems like housebreaking, reach out to K9 Evolutions Dog Training today. Whether it is choosing a suitable crate, or management strategies with your pup, we want to help improve the quality of life for you and your dog.
