Many people believe that putting a dog in a crate is cruel, but that’s certainly not the case. Believe it or not, a dog’s crate can become its den—a place where they feel safe and enjoy spending time. While a crate is a helpful tool for many owners, it is possible to use it improperly. As long as you don’t use the crate as a punishment or leave them in there too long, there’s nothing wrong with crating your pup. Consider these important reasons to crate-train your puppy.
It Makes House Training Easier
House training is incredibly important for any puppy, but it’s not always an easy or quick process. In fact, it may take several months for your four-legged friend to become comfortable in your home. With that, crate training could make the process easier. Because dogs are less likely to go potty where they sleep, they will learn bladder and bowel control while in their kennels. When you let your puppy out of the crate, you should take them directly to their designated potty spot and praise them for going in the right place.
After doing this repeatedly, your pup will learn that they shouldn’t go potty inside your home or their crate—you’ll have your new puppy house trained before you know it.
A Crate Can Be a Safe Space
Your dog needs a space to feel safe and secure. Interestingly, a puppy may have fears when it comes to storms, fireworks, or other loud noises, but they will feel safe inside their kennel if you make it known that it’s their haven. Furthermore, your dog might want to get away from visitors or other animals, and their crate is an excellent place to go. Because your puppy is likely to get into things they shouldn’t when you’re not home, their crate is also a good tool to keep them safe when you’re away.
It Limits Household Damage
There’s nothing worse than coming home to your shoes torn and scattered all over the house, but you can prevent this from happening. Although your pup may not always want to go in its crate when you leave home, it’s the most effective way to minimize household damage. Be sure to make this a comfortable experience by including a blanket or crate pad and their favorite toys. Additionally, you should know how long your dog can stay in their crate before leaving them at home.
Crates Make for Safer Travels
Sometimes, you can bring your dog with you when you leave home, but you should always put safety first. It might be dangerous to let your pup roam in the car freely as they could experience an injury if you crash, and you may be more likely to crash if they distract you from the road. With that said, putting your puppy in a crate inside the car is an excellent way to keep them safe throughout the ride.
After learning these important reasons to crate-train your puppy, you’ll be ready to start training as soon as you bring your new pet home. Dogs can bring immeasurable joy to your life, but you should always prioritize proper training to cultivate a loyal, reliable, and well-behaved companion.
