Why crate train your dog

Clients often ask us whether they should crate train their dogs and the answer is ‘Yes’.

A crate offers a very safe place for a dog to be.

It provides a peaceful place to rest. Your dog can have his own bedding inside. Should there be any objects, poisons or trouble your dog can potentially get into, you can confidently close the door and know that he will be fine.

When at home the door on our dog crate can stay open most of the time. If the crate training is done correctly dogs will often choose it as their ‘go to’ space. It replicates the security of a den. When selecting size, the dog needs to be able to lay and turn around comfortably.

Having a dog used to a crate can be invaluable for occasions such as needing medical attention or being transported. Most canine transport companies will require dogs to be crated for transit and should your dog ever need extra recovery time at the vet it is highly likely he will be contained in a crate. Many owners crate their dog around shows and in rest periods at agility competitions. Also, as mentioned in our previous blog ‘Crating your dog’, a crate can be a fabulous tool for toilet training.

Choose design carefully and take precautions that claws and nails cannot be caught or snared. You can cover the top and a few sides with a blanket to provide extra privacy or warmth. If you do this, make sure the open side is facing the humans so you can keep an eye on pooch and he’ll still feel a part of the group.

We do not recommend crates as a means of containing your dog for prolonged periods if you are not present. They should not be a replacement for interaction and should never be used as a form of punishment.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)