Why You Should Start Puppy Crate Training

Dog owners should consider puppy crate training as a useful addition to basic training and socialization- when done properly, crating has many benefits, both for the dogs and the owners.

It may seem cruel to you, but puppy crate training can be the best thing for your new furry addition to the family. Your puppy may not be happy with the arrangement at first, but over time, the crate will become your puppy’s own private den – a place where it feels safe and secure.

Dog owners should consider crate training as a useful addition to basic training and socialization- even if you are not sure you’ll need to use a dog crate on a regular basis, having your puppy trained to feel calm and relaxed in one can help you a lot in the long run. Your puppy might grow up into an anxious pooch whose only haven would be a cozy den, or they might need to spend some time in a crate when traveling. Either way, having them prepared while they’re little ensures they’ll have no issues with the crate down the road.

So how else does puppy crate training help you out? Are there any benefits to crate training except getting your pooch not to fear spending time in one- if need be?

Reasons to Start Puppy Crate Training Right Now

Crates have a bad rep, but it’s completely undeserved. If you plan on keeping your puppy caged for hours, then, yes, crating is cruel, but no one is advocating that. When done properly, crating can have many benefits- both for the dog and the owner. Here are some of the ways that crate training can help you ensure your pooch is happy and well-balanced!

• Housebreaking

Puppy crate training is one of the most important uses of the crate in the housebreaking process. Dogs don’t like to mess up its living space and will instinctively hold it in until it can do its business outside the crate. It’s a great way to establish where it’s acceptable to go to the bathroom (outside) and where it shouldn’t (inside).

• Chewing

You don’t want your puppy chewing on your furniture or expensive shoes (even if there are called Jimmy Choo) and puppy crate training teaches them to only gnaw on the toys we give. This is just one of the ways to help establish good habits and preventing destructive ones that can be hard to break.

• Safety

The crate helps to keep your unknowing puppy safely away from dangerous household items. There are far too many tales of puppies injured and killed every year as a result of chewing wires, ingesting poisons or eating foreign objects.

• Separation anxiety

This is a huge problem for a lot of dogs. When you use the crate properly, this can help reduce your puppy’s chances of developing separation anxiety. This comfy den is a place where your dog is calm, out of trouble and used to being alone. It’s important to note that your puppy or dog shouldn’t be left in a crate all day if you work outside the home.

• Traveling

Transporting a dog can be a challenge, especially if you have to fly with them. Most airlines require dogs to be crated in the cargo hold for the trip, and if your pooch is not crate trained, flying will not only be extremely stressful for them but also potentially dangerous. Teaching your puppy to feel safe and relaxed in a crate will pay off in the long run, particularly in moments such as when you are moving or going on a vacation. Similarly, having a portable crate with you when you’re traveling is an excellent way to provide your pet with a familiar place of their own- wherever they are. This will minimize any potential stress and make traveling more fun and pleasant for your pet!

Bonus Benefits of Having a Crate-Trained Dog

As if the main advantages of crate training weren’t enough to motivate you to invest some time and effort into crate training your pet, here are some more upsides to dog crates:

• If company is coming over and you don’t want your puppy jumping all over your guests, the crate is the perfect place for your dog to hang out.
• In case you work from home and don’t want your puppy distracting you, your puppy can relax for a while in its crate. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable, you as you move to different rooms, your puppy can come with you.
• Trips to the vet and groomer a lot more smoothly when your puppy is in its crate.
• When you don’t want your pet to sleep in your bed, a cozily furnished crate placed in your room can serve as a bedroom of their own, where they can curl up for the night without feeling sad or isolated.
• For times when you’re at your child’s sports event or a competitive dog event, your dog can rest comfortably and stay out of the way in a crate. Make sure it’s in a shady place so your dog stays cool on those hot summer days.

Of course, all of these benefits apply only when you use proper crating practices. It’s important to note that crates should never be used as a way to punish your dog. Instead, it should be a welcoming space your puppy can call its own. Similarly, it also means not overdoing it with time spent in a crate- more than 3 hours a day for puppies (with water, food and all the comfort) is simply unacceptable.

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of Our Site , is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).