Crate training is a common technique that many dog owners use to help keep their dog and their household safer. But is it a good option? Keeping a dog in a crate can seem harsh, and many animal lovers worry that it’s a cruel or drastic measure that could cause aggression later on. In many cases though, you’ll find that the crate is rarely, if ever, the cause of such issues.
If you’re preparing to add a canine addition to your family, you may be wondering if crate training is right for your pup, or if it could have negative consequences. You may also worry that crate training will stress out your dog and make them act aggressively.
While improperly crate training your dog can lead to behavioral issues, it can actually be a method that is loving, comforting, and totally positive for your dog when done right. In this article, we go into how to crate train your dog, mistakes to avoid, and tips for helping turn a crate into your dog’s safe haven.
First, it is important to understand what the function of crate training is. It is not a punishment or a babysitter for a dog. Instead, it’s intended to create a safe space for your dog. Dogs, especially puppies, can easily become over-stimulated and excitable, so crates can be a great tool to use while they are being trained.
The crate can become a cozy spot for your dog to nap, enjoy a messy treat that you’d rather not have spread all over your floor, and to have some quiet time when they are stressed, or spending some time unsupervised. They can also be a valuable tool for potty training, since it encourages the dog to recognize space in your home as their den. They are less likely to make a mess in their private space.
Having houseguests can easily upset a dog, particularly if that guest smells like other animals or is uncomfortable with dogs. It can cause an uncomfortable energy for your dog that could result in excess barking or jumping and growling. By stowing them safely in their crate in a quiet place before guests arrive, it can prevent these issues. If you aren’t sure how your dog will react to company, an open crate can give them an opportunity to leave if they feel stressed at any time.
A crate is not intended to be a place where you leave your dog all day while working. 3-4 hours is the most time your dog should spend in the crate at a time. Any longer than that and it does become cruel, with your dog not being able to use the bathroom or get proper exercise. While puppies can be left in their crate overnight, they need to have regular bathroom breaks to prevent accidents.
Crates are also training tools that aren’t permanent solutions. As your dog gets older and receives appropriate training, and therefore learns how to interact with their surroundings, they should be left on their own in a larger space. The crate will become a place they only enter by their own choice to decompress or sleep.
As mentioned, crates are a training tool, not a punishment for a dog that misbehaves or a babysitter for your dog to be in 8+ hours a day. Having the correct attitude around crates will help set the tone for your dog.
Forcing your dog into the crate can create anxiety around crate training that will make your dog mistrust this space. Remember: it should be a comforting space, not a punishment. Never forcibly put your dog in the crate. Entice your dog to go in the crate on their own by putting comfortable pillows and treats inside. You should also gradually increase the time your dog spends in the crate, rather than starting off with the maximum time.
It’s important that you choose a crate with adequate space for your dog so they will be comfortable. Being too cramped can cause your dog to feel more stressed and dislike their crate. You should also never shut your dog into their crate while wearing a harness or collar. It could get caught on the bars and potentially choke them.
When your dog is crated, you should protect them. Since they are unable to leave if they feel uncomfortable or express body language in the usual way, you must be more attentive to their environment. You shouldn’t allow other animals to approach them when they’re in the crate, such as other dogs or unfamiliar cats. Children (and inconsiderate adults) should also not be allowed to tease them or stick their fingers into the cage while the dog is locked inside.
Keep these tips in mind for making sure your pup is crate trained properly.
When owners notice aggressive behavior after their dog has been crated, they are typically using the crate inappropriately. Dogs are active creatures (some breeds more than others), so they aren’t meant to spend their entire day locked away. If they aren’t getting adequate exercise and socialization, they may act aggressively.
Feelings of powerlessness and anxiety can also set your dog on edge. If they feel unsafe and unloved or like they’re being forced into their crate or harassed while in it, they might act out.
Dogs need consistent training to learn how to behave appropriately and create a relationship of trust with their people. If you are consistently using their crate, rather than properly training them, they will likely develop behavioral issues.
Dogs can also experience separation anxiety if their owners are away for long periods of time. Being alone all day, particularly when locked away in a crate, can cause feelings of frustration for your dog.
If you’re adopting an older dog that already has issues with occasionally aggressive behavior, don’t despair. In many cases, this behavior is due to one of the previously mentioned issues and can often be corrected by the correct environment. Crate training can actually be used as a technique to help a high-strung dog feel safer.
Please note that it’s important to keep small children and other animals away from an unpredictable dog. In cases of a dog who has a history of violent behavior, only professionals should work on training them. An inexperienced dog owner could put themself and the animal at risk by taking on the challenging task of trying to train a traumatized animal. If you ever feel in over your head when training your dog, enroll them in a behavior school or consult with your vet.
For a dog with manageable aggression, crates can help reduce their anxiety in an unfamiliar environment. It gives them a territorial boundary that they can retreat to in moments of stress. By leaving the crate open for them, they can escape somewhere safe whenever they feel uncomfortable, allowing them to avoid potential triggers for aggression.
If a dog has had bad experiences with a crate, it may cause more anxiety for them. An alternative to crating can be having a designated room for your dog to stay in at appropriate times. Make sure they have a cozy bed in the room and that there aren’t fragile or valuable items that they might break. If your dog has issues with potty training, you might have a few absorbent pads placed in the room — or in the crate, if that’s the option that’s best for you and your dog.
The bottom line is that crate training doesn’t cause aggression, but inappropriate use of a crate can. If you don’t have the time and patience to properly train your dog and give them the stimulation they need to be happy and healthy, a crate is not a solution. It’s not a bandage to cover a deeper issue. While adding a dog to your family may seem like a fun and exciting prospect, it’s a lot of work and responsibility.
Dogs are intelligent and emotional creatures who will respond to your emotions and draw conclusions about their environment. Excessive stress or feelings of helplessness and abandonment can cause them to act out. Avoid stressing out your dog and causing negative feelings in your relationship by using the crate in an appropriate way.
While crate training can be a valuable tool to help your dog integrate into your household, a well-trained dog should graduate to a larger space and learn to spend more time unsupervised out of their crate. Their crate can remain open as a safe haven they can retreat to whenever they choose. It will become their den, not a prison.