Life without a dog crate…
picture this – your dogs inside the house, while you went out to
do some shopping or have coffee with friends and you come home to find the garbage
strewn about , your valuables chewed to bits or if your potty training – a 'surprise' in the
middle of the carpet! If you can relate or you don't want this experience, you best get a
crate!
So what, you ask, is a dog crate? Basically it's a rectangular enclosure with a door at one end.
They come in a variety of sizes and materials; wire, steel, plastic, wood or a
combination of these, you can even get fancy wicker styles to match your furniture décor, and
can be invaluable to dog owners and a great source of comfort to your dog.
Since a dogs ancient roots resides in the "wolf" family, wild dogs of old would dig holes
in the ground called dens. These 'out of sight' allowed them to sleep, rear their
puppies and provide protection from their enemies.
Now-a-days, it's not exactly practical to go and start digging up your backyard – so a dog
crate acts like a den to satisfy those instincts. Crates provide a basic and very important
"space" dogs can call their own to go if they are tired, ill, and insecure or just want some
time out away from family life for a while.
Some people think it's cruel or inhumane to "cage" a dog
Some dog lovers are leery about crates - because it looks like a cage, they feel it's cruel
and harmful to the dog to use. They may think: "After all, I wouldn't cage a human
family member, why would I go ahead and put my dog in one?" Dogs don't see it that
way. To them, a dog crate is not a cage but a safe place quipped with their favorite toys
and treats. A "cozy" place to call home within the home they share with you.
They are widely accepted and routinely used by veterinarians, dog trainers, breeders, dog
show personal, other professionals and anyone who routinely handles dogs. All four of
my dogs have their own crates for which I used to potty train with and now that they are
older, they use them for a quiet place to nap or to just get away from it all.. It's not cruel
to honor some of your pets natural instincts, at the same time, provide your pooch with a
safe place while you are gone, it will also give you peace of mind knowing that he is
away from harm and not doing any damage to your belongings or himself.
Yes, a crate can be viewed as inhumane if abused by the dog owner through misuse or
used too much. If you continuously keep the dog confined in the crate for longer periods
of time to 'get him out of the way', he will associate his crate as a prison or if used as a
means of punishment, he also learns that the crate is a scary place that he will grow to
hate and try to avoid at any cost.
A dog should never be confined in a crate for more than a few hours at a time. It is not
recommended for a dog that will be routinely left alone all day.
If your dog is to be left
alone for that long, then have the crate placed in a safe confined room with the crate door
secured in a open position ( so he doesn't get trapped all day ) and with a few different
safe toys, newspaper placed all over the floor and water to drink.
Make sure your dog is
well exercised and given personal attention before hand. Ideally, if you can arrange to
have someone come and provide an exercise and attention break during the day, the crate
will retain its den-like atmosphere.
What are some other benefits in having a dog crate?
- When used properly, crates are the fastest and most humane method of
housebreaking
- Makes transporting your dog a lot easier, keeps the dog in one place so he doesn't
get tossed around the vehicle or disturb the driver.
- Security and protection from human visitors – dogs get uncomfortable when
strangers are present or other kids want to pet them constantly. Dogs also get
over- excited when children play noisy, energetic games which they are not
allowed to join in.
- Vets and other dog professionals will love you! – it can make the handling of your
pup go much smoother
- All travel and visits to strange places are less stressful to a dog in the beloved
crate
- Introduction to crates can make it easier for dogs to adjust to kennels
What size is needed?
Dog crates come in many sizes; the ideal height should allow your dog to stand up to
his full height without having to duck or hit his head. The length and width should
have enough room to comfortably turn around in and allow your dog to lie down on
his side and stretch out to his full body length without having to curl up. If you are
buying a crate for a puppy, its okay to buy one based on the size he will become when
full grown. Get a divider panel so puppy won't soil in one area and sleep in another.
Please consider that correctly introduced and properly used, a dog crate will give
your dog the opportunity of becoming a secure, loved and devoted family member at
the same time, a good investment in peace of mind for you!