04/11/2025
To crate or not to crate?
That is the question most dog owners find themselves considering at one point or another. There are many opinions on the topic but it is inevitable that your dog will encounter a crate or kennel at some point in their life -- whether at a vet, grooming, boarding or training facility. It is our opinion at DogSense Obedience that it is best TO crate train your dog, as it will provide them with the life skills necessary to be confident and relaxed when they have to be in a crate or kennel.
Even if your dog doesn't go to the groomer or stay overnight at the vet or in boarding there are many benefits to crate training for both dog and owner. A crate is an excellent tool for potty training, assuring safety, preventing destruction to the home, encouraging a calm state of mind and preventing bad habits from forming. Puppies and untrained dogs are the canine equivalent to human infants and toddlers -- they lack the mental development and life skills necessary to make good decisions and keep themselves safe. It is not abuse when parents teach their child to sleep in a secure crib at night; it is best for the child because it keeps them out of danger and teaches them healthy sleeping habits.
Puppies and untrained dogs cannot be expected to resist their impulse to eat unattended food or rummage through anything in reach and chew on what they find. If you leave your unattended dog in a crate, then they cannot access dangerous things like chocolate on the counter, chicken bones in the trash or socks from the hamper.
Furthermore, dogs cannot habitualize behaviors they cannot practice, and a habit starts with just one successful ex*****on of a behavior. If you crate your unattended dog, they cannot form bad habits like counter surfing, getting into the trash, chewing on furniture, or pottying on the floor because they are physically unable to perform those behaviors. Instead they are rehearsing wanted behaviors like relaxing and playing with appropriate items like toys, chews and enrichment. Plus, dogs generally do not like to pee/poop where they sleep, so crating them can help discourage pottying indoors overall.
If you have any questions on why to or how to crate train, call us at (863)647-4557 and speak with an experienced trainer today. Already privy to the advantages of crate training? Share a photo in the comments of your pup enjoying their crate!