Why do people use dog crates

Keep doing this until your dog willingly enters the crate all the way in. You can do this gradually by first placing the food bowl near, but outside the crate, into the crate and then slowly further back into the crate.

At each subsequent feeding, increase the length of time the crate door is closed by a few minutes after finishing the meal.

Sit quietly near the crate for a few minutes, leave the room for a few minutes, then return again for a few minutes, and then let your dog out.

Repeat this several times daily. Gradually increase the amount of time your dog is in the crate calmly and quietly with you in and out of sight until it reaches 30 minutes. When should I not crate my dog? This can lead to panic and frantic attempts to escape thus causing injury [ 3 ].

Please speak to your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog, separation anxiety or claustrophobia. It is not acceptable to crate your dog for long periods of time, such as during the day while you are at work — dogs should not be left shut in their crate for excessive periods of time as this limits their exercise, ability to soil, and social and behavioural needs, thus making them feel stressed and trapped [ 3 ].

Adult dogs should not be left for more than hours in a crate, and puppies not more than hours. Crating must never be used as a form of punishment — the primary purpose of a crate is a safe space for your dog which should only have positive associations, and forcing your dog into the crate as a form of punishment defeats this purpose. According to Torres, this allows dog owners to set boundaries, which results in less anxious dogs.

She decided to crate train her pup in Australia, putting Dizzy the schnoodle in a crate overnight getting up every three hours to let her pee and while she was at work, during which time a dog walker would come. Sheryl was shocked by the reaction Australians had to it.

But with the help of the crate, Dizzy was housetrained in just three months. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other organizations compare a crate to a den: a safe space that dogs are naturally drawn to.

This is where opinions divide. Though it is true that they sleep most of the time as they would in a closed crate , they have their preferences. Sonia will often drag her blanket, mat and toy out and into a patch of sunlight. Natasha usually stays deep in her crate, under a blanket from where she yips every now and then as she dreams. If I were you, when you need to leave for a while, put your dog in a small room with food, water, bed, etc. Even in the bathroom would be better than in a cage.

That way the space is limited- but not scary like being locked in. Barbara J said:. I have a new 6 month old Yorkie, who I was told is crate trained, but she hates it. I put her in at night and she howls and cries all night. She doesn't seem to have the need for a cave that I keep seeing, she just wants to sit on my foot, any separation sets her off. I have it sitting by my chair in the living room but she's never gone in by herself. And tossing treats in don't work, she's not interested in them tried several brands.

I need sleep! SusanKaplan said:. Why crate a dog who doesnt want to be crated? Hire a trainer to help you learn to potty train her, then pet proof your house. Crates are made up by pet companies as a gimic to make you buy them. Dogs dont really need them. Please get rid of that crate! They have been so popularized that people think they're fine. They're not. The whole "den" argument doesn't hold up because dens don't have doors. If you feel you need it then leave the door open so it can decide for itself whether to go in.

Read what PETA has to say about them. They are banned in Sweden and Finland unless the door is open. Set your doggy free! Jeff Logan said:. Thank you Jennifer for a really thorough guide on crates and the role that they can play.

I wanted to just add a comment about traveling with a crated pet and the importance of food and water being provided even during the travel period. I work for a company that makes kennel bowls that can collapse flat for storage against the side of the crate, then can pop open for snacks or water while in transit. Please dont take this article seriously.

Anyone who tells you to crate your dog for half the day and then overnight is out of their mind and should not own a dog. That is cruel. What is wrong with people? Its a dog with real psychological needs, train it and then let it freely roam your house.

This article is a disgrace. My 8 month old cross shi tzu got neutered is so energetic her stiches broke inside. She has just been restiched today and vet insists she has to live 24hrs in crate for 12 days. She is crying bitterly i am going to sleep on sofa next to her. What can i do i am so worrief about her being in crate. Alex said:. Holy cow that's barbaric. If you're doing that on a regular basis you shouldn't own a dog.

How would you like to spend the night and half the day in a crate?! Sandra Mae said:. In Australia, we only use crates for airline transport. No one 'crates' a dog here. It is completely unheard of and would be considered cruel. So if the place catches fire the dog just burns to death? With no hope of escape? That is completely horrible. Anon said:. I have to say I was never a fan of the crate At first, he hated it. He would begin to whine as soon as I shut the door.

Now, he loves it, after many days. One day, I was working from home and noticed he wasn't anywhere in sight. A search of the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen was fruitless. For a moment, I thought he got out somehow, and freaked out.

But as I passed his crate, I noticed he was snug and comfortable, sleeping like a baby. It was such a turnaround from how he handled the crate in the first few days! A tired dog will tolerate the crate. Don't just throw your dog in and go to work.

I began to work with my dog on the weekends, putting him in his crate at increasing intervals. The first time would be five minutes. The second, ten, and so on. Walk away each time. Crate training may take days, or even weeks. In my case, it took almost a month for him to enjoy his crate without whining. He used to view it as something that kept him confined, but now it is something comfortable and cozy that he can retreat to.

Kevinator said:. I want to get a dog soon and I thing that two thing should happen if you are going to crate the dog and leave. Make the dog's bed out of something that smells exactly like you. Leave on some classical music as a trigger.

My second thought pertains to a car. Dogs LOVE cars so you roll with them! Classical music would totally put the dog in a state of mind. Just a thought. Tiffster said:. My 8 year old wasn't crate trained early. About 2 years ago, she hurt her back and required crate rest. I've never had a crate-trained dog, but knowing her, this was my method. I didn't buy the cheapest pillow out there. I took the time to find a soft one that I knew she'd really like.

When I got it home, I didn't immediately set the crate up. I put the pillow on the floor, so she could test it. After a few hours of her lounging on the pillow, I set the crate up and put the pillow in it. I didn't stick her in there and close the door, however. I allowed her to debate herself on just how badly she wanted the pillow. And within an hour, she was in it.