The discussion of crate training and whether or not it is necessary for puppies is a common subject among many veterinarians, trainers and dog owners.
The truth is, they are pretty essential, especially when your dog is still young. However, there are many differing opinions.
Not sure if using a kennel is best for you and your new puppy?
Then keep reading to learn why crate training is important for young dogs.
By Allison Salonko.
Allison is a Veterinary Technician in the state of Indiana. She graduated from International Business College and Vet Tech Institute of Indianapolis with a degree in Animal Science and Technology in 2011.
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Crate Training A Puppy – Is It Necessary?
Most trainers and veterinary professionals are going to tell you that this decision is 100% up to you, the pet owner, on whether or not you want to crate train your puppy.
But, they are still going to recommend it.
Here are the reasons why veterinary professionals choose crate training over not:
- Helps with potty training
- Keeps the home clean and safe
- Keeps the puppy safe
- Helps to ease potential separation anxiety in the future
- Gives them a “home” or a “den” for sleeping and rest
Now that I’ve given a brief explanation of the reasons for crate training and why it’s beneficial, here’s some more details on each subject.
Helps With Potty Training
Puppies are like little kids, it takes time for them to understand where and when they can use the bathroom.
Potty training can be frustrating and owners that don’t use a crate as a form of training will often struggle longer than those that have used one.
The reason they work so well is because when a puppy is in their crate for several hours, they are unlikely to use the bathroom in it as they do not want to have to lay in their pee or poop.
Keeps Your Home Clean And Safe
Let’s be honest, no one wants to come home to a house that has been soiled by a puppy.
When they’re unsupervised for hours, boredom will eventually strike, leading them to destructive chewing and potty accidents around the house.
Keeps Your Puppy Safe
Puppies are curious little creatures that can get into a world of trouble if we’re not carefully watching.
When you’re not home, there is no one there to ensure that the dog is not chewing on anything inappropriate or climbing on things where they could get hurt.
PLUS, puppies are a huge foreign body risk!
They enjoy eating things that can become obstructed in their stomach or intestines if we are not careful.
Crate Gives Them A Home
Dogs enjoy finding places to rest that are typically “den-like”, meaning they are dark and quiet and mostly covered.
With a puppy, this crate is now a place for them to sleep and seek comfort if they are stressed.
Our ultimate desire with crate training is for your dog to enjoy their crate and want to stay there while you are away.
Helps With Separation Anxiety And Training In The Future
With the way the world is today, anxiety is on the rise, both in humans and our companion animals.
When your dog has been crate trained from a young age, even if you don’t keep them in one now, and they begin developing naughty habits as they get older, you can easily convert them back to using a crate when you are away from home.
Dogs that have not had any experience with crate training will often panic and become destructive to themselves or the kennel when they are left inside.
It also helps in situations where they need to be boarded at a vet, pet sitter or boarding facility.
Do You Have To Use A Crate With A Puppy
The short answer is no, you don’t. BUT you’d be better off if you did.
Crates are not some evil thing that is meant to make your puppy feel trapped or punished, it is a place of safety and hopefully one day, comfort.
Photo by Tanya.