Unfortunately, some people think that using dog crates as a training tool is cruel when in fact, multiple studies have been conducted that show of all methods used for things such as housebreaking, crates are the safest and most effective solution.  While every person is entitled to an opinion, we wanted to offer some insight that might help clear up some of the confusion or concern.

Opinions for using crates and kennels to help with training are split.  One group consists of animal lovers who believe that placing a dog in a crate seems more like punishment than training.  This group of individuals feels that this form of training should be used as a last resort and some feel crate training does more harm than good.  The other group of dog lovers understand that a new puppy must be housebroken, which means roaming free is not an option.  To these people, using crates or kennels is safe and humane.

Regardless of the breed, all puppies are curious.  Even if you were to turn your back for a minute, you can be sure the puppy will get into something.  In addition to chewed corners of furniture, tipped over trashcans, and socks strewn about, puppies also have accidents.  Obviously, allowing a new puppy to wander around the house while leaving little gifts is not a viable option.  In addition to damage being done to the flooring and furniture, a puppy without supervision would be subjected to danger.

When first bringing a puppy home, you know to expect accidents.  Some dogs choose just one or two areas of the home for business while others simply squat and go wherever they are when the urge hits.  Then, some puppies, as well as older dogs tinkle when stimulated or excited.  When you think about the training aspect of housebreaking coupled with potential danger of your pet chewing on anything he could get in his mouth, it is easy to see the safety value associated with dog crates.

Dog Crates Are Not Jails

Rather than view a crate or kennel as prison, think of this as a private, comfortable, and safe space used for training purposes.  Keep in mind that initially, a puppy will have accidents inside the crate, which is perfectly normal.  After all, when young, bladder control is not possible.  Therefore, the bottom of the crate would need to be lined with material that could easily be tossed out.  It is also important to understand that for training of this kind to work, the crate or kennel should only be used for short periods.

If your puppy were placed in the crate for short periods rather than be left in that space all day while you work, he would learn to appreciate the space instead of fear it.  Therefore, as a part of training, you want to make the crate a happy and positive space for the puppy to enjoy.  Dog experts agree that using a crate or kennel for punishment would have negative effects on the goal you are trying to achieve.  Instead, you want the puppy to connect safety and comfort with the space.

If you have ever read National Geographic or watched documentaries on television about dogs in the wild, you know that mothers build dens where pups are safely kept until old enough to venture out.  This is natural behavior so introducing your puppy early would be best.  One of the keys to dog crates being a successful training tool is to place the crate in a quiet and comfortable room of the home.  You also want to have the crate near a door to the outside so you can get your puppy out immediately after opening the door.  It would also be important to have the crate positioned so the puppy can see goings on in the home.

When dog crates are used for training correctly, it is common to see dogs choose to make this space the bed.  In other words, rather than sleep on an actual dog bed, your dog might feel safer and more comfortable inside his private "den."  Of course, you want to purchase a crate or kennel that offers enough room for your dog to stand up and move about.  Sometimes, a puppy will do better in a small crate so as he grows, you would need to invest in a larger crate to accommodate.

The market is flooded with all kinds of design options, as well as sizes, materials, and features.  Some of the newer plastic crates are made to withstand abuse such as chewing but if you have a dog that will not grow much and you plan to use the crate for both training and a bed, you may want to consider one made from metal.  Although not as fancy, metal crates last a long time while still being affordable.  As you can see, crates are not the enemy as long as training is done right.

Find a variety of crates for every purpose, including travel, at the dog-spoiling-made-easy.com, dog crates gallery.