The Importance of Crate Training

September 2020//Exercise and Training

The most important reason to crate train your puppy is that at some point during its life, they are going to be in a crate. Whether it’s at the groomer, the vets office, boarding, a friend’s home, travel in a car… it’s going to happen. Preparing them for these types of situations is important. Not crate training your puppy seems to be a disservice to them as it causes stress, anxiety and extremely difficult on some dogs when they finally need to be put in that situation.

CRATES ARE NOT PUNISHMENT

Crate training has to be one of the most valuable skills our dogs can have. Crate training is not cruel, inhumane, mean, or used as a method of punishment — ever. Often times we as humans relate a crate to jail or feel sorry for a dog in a crate, what’s important to remember… we’re training through the dog’s mentality, not our own.

Here are some other important reasons why crate training is so important.

1) Creates structure in your dog’s life, which they need.

2) It’s a valuable aid in potty training your puppy.

3) Makes traveling with your dog easier having a familiar reference point wherever they go.

4) A place of their own to get peace and quiet, especially in times of chaos (like Halloween).

5) It helps your dog to mentally relax.

6) Prevents unwanted behaviors when you cannot be with your dog.

7) Proper crate helps reduce anxiety when leaving your dog home alone.

8) Place the crate in an area of the home less-occupied which is out of view and traffic. 

9) Crates are not play places for kids, period. Crates are your dog’s personal sanctuary — they will often go in and out of them according to their mood and whim.

10) When you first get your puppy, they may adapt much easier if they are in clear view of you, in the kennel. Some people will put the kennel next to the bed at night, at least until the puppy adapts.

Helpful Resources on Crate Training and Crate Games

How to Crate Train Your Puppy in 5 Easy Steps

Susan Garrett’s Crate Games

Introductory Crate Training Games for Dogs

4 Reasons Your Puppy Is Still Having Accidents In their Crate

5 Puppy House Training Tips Every Puppy Owners Needs to Know

Types of Kennels We Use

We like the Medium to large wire kennels so they have room to stretch.To make the wire kennel more like a den (privacy), drape a blanket over the kennel, or purchase a kennel cover as shown above. You may also find it handy having a smaller plastic kennel for travel. For younger pups, a series 200 is a great fit. Petmate Plastic Kennel

Trainer favorite! Engaging, humorous and easy to follow, the updated Puppy Primer is packed with positive reinforcement tips and tricks, special topics and more. This updated and expanded version of our best-selling Puppy Primer is used by thousands of trainers across the U.S. New dog owners love it because it provides clear and concise information that makes training effective and fun. It’s tone is upbeat and encouraging, yet it is chock full of even more useful information that every puppy owner needs.