What is a Dog Crate?

A dog crate is an enclosure with a top and a door, made in a variety of sizes proportional to fit any type of dog. Constructed of wire, wood, metal, or molded fiberglass/plastic, its purpose is to provide guaranteed confinement for reasons of security, safety, housebreaking, protection of household goods, travel, illness, or just general control.

Cruelty – or Kindness?

The dog crate is a sanctuary for your pet. It is your pet’s well-protected home. It’s not so much that your pet cannot get out, but that “danger” cannot get in. Like their wild ancestors, the dog instinctively seeks the safety and security of a “den,” and a pet crate can meet this need. The fact that way may see the crate as a very limited or confining space is only a human view. The dog finds it a secure haven, more so than the confusing and sometimes frightening outside world.  

Why Use a Crate?

A dog crate, correctly used, can have many advantages for both you and your pet. You can:

• Enjoy peace of mind when leaving your dog home alone, knowing that nothing can be soiled or destroyed, and that he is comfortable, protected, and not developing bad habits;

• Housebreak your dog more quickly by using the confinement to encourage control, to establish a regular routine for outdoor elimination, and to prevent “accidents” at night or when left alone;

• Effectively confine your dog at times when he may be underfoot, overexcited, bothered by confusion, or ill.

• Travel with your dog without risk of driver distraction, fear that the dog may get loose/lost, and with the assurance that he can easily adopt to any strange surroundings as long as he has his familiar “security blanket” along.

 Your dog can:

• Enjoy the privacy and security of a “den” of his own to which he can retreat when tired, stressed, or ill;

• Avoid much of the fear/confusions/punishment caused by your reaction to problem behavior;

• More easily learn to control his bowels and to associate elimination only with the outdoors or other designated location;

• Be spared the loneliness and frustration of having to be isolated (basement, garage, outside) from comfortable indoor surroundings when being left alone;

• Be included in family outings instead of being left behind

What Kind of Crate is Best?

The most practical dog crate is the collapsible wire mesh type. It must be large enough to permit the dog to sit or stand without hitting his head, and to stretch out fully on his side. Its length should be slightly more than that of the dog; the length can be adjusted by sliding cardboard or masonite between the wires.

 Where Can I Get One?

New crates can be purchased in retail pet shops, discount pet food/supplies outlets, and through pet supply catalogs or large catalog sales firms (such as Sears). Prices vary ($25 to $250), but even the most expensive dog crate is a bargain when compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a sofa, woodwork, carpeting, etc.  

Where Should I Put It?

The crate should be placed in a semi-private “people” area – kitchen, family room, etc., away from drafts and direct heat. To provide an even greater sense of den security and privacy, it should be put in a corner and/or have the sides and back loosely draped with a sheet or light blanket. Provide soft washable bedding (such as towel or bath mat) and one safe chew toy in the crate. Other than treats, do not put food or water inside the crate. Remove collar and tags to prevent possible entanglement.

Crating the Puppy

Immediately establish a routine, using the crate for naps and whenever the puppy must be left alone (3-4 hours maximum). Treat any resistance to create confinement in a “no nonsense” manner. At the first sign of any separation responses (barking or howling), intervene with a sharply raised voice or loud noise. Usually the pup will settle in after 3 to 8 attempts at emotional responses. After the puppy is quiet, keep it inside the crate for about 10 minutes. Do not praise the pup immediately after releasing it as this can reinforce the desirability of leaving the crate. After an interval of 30-45 minutes, repeat the procedure. Extend the pup’s quiet time to about 30 minutes. Gradually extend your absent periods. Take the puppy directly from the crate to your chosen elimination spot, praise his performance, and go directly inside; the puppy with then be able to make the association.

 Make it very clear to children that the crate is NOT a playhouse for them, but a “special room” for the puppy, whose rights should be recognized and respected. However, you should accustom the puppy from the start to letting you reach into the create, lest he become overprotective of it.

Crating the Adult Dog

Every possible effort should be made to make the dog’s first association with the crate a very positive and pleasant experience. It must be introduced gradually. Secure the crate’s door in an open position so that it cannot unexpectedly close and frighten the dog. Do not put in bedding. Encourage the dog to investigate this new object, luring him inside by tossing “special” tidbits (cheese, liver, etc.) into the far end, then letting him turn and come back out, praising him enthusiastically. When he begins to enter the crate confidently, place his bedding and something of yours (a towel you have slept with) inside and start coaxing him to lie down and relax, still using food as necessary. Continue this pattern for several days. Shut the door briefly with you sit beside him or while people are visible and/or audible nearby. Give me a chew toy, and leave him at first for only a brief period. Gradually extend your absent time.

Use – But Don’t Abuse

A dog crate is not recommended for a dog which must be frequently or regularly left alone for extended periods such as all day while the owner is away at work, though some adults dogs may learn to tolerate it. If attempted, the dog must be well-exercised both before and after crating, given lots of personal attention, and be allowed complete freedom at night (including sleeping near his owner). In this situation, the crate must be equipped with a clip-on water dish. Ideally, someone should come in during the day to provide a period of attention and exercise.  

In the case of a puppy, the crate must be used strictly as a “playpen” for general confinement, having plenty of space for a cozy box for sleeping at one end and papers for elimination at the other, with clip-on dishes for water and for dry food. Although a puppy can be raised in this manner, the limited human supervision may result in his being poorly adjusted socially and difficult to housebreak and to train in general.  

Does the Crate Always Work?

Unfortunately, no. Although a crate can be used successfully by most pet owners, there are always those animals which simply cannot or will not tolerate this form of confinement. This reaction is not nearly as common with a young puppy as with an adult dog. In some cases, a dog will use a crate readily as long as the door remains open, but will object violently the moment it is closed and/or he is left alone. However, these reactions represent the exception rather than the rule, and most average pet dogs can be successfully trained to use a crate.

 Even though a crate may not always work, it is always worth a try – because when it does prevent or solve problem behavior it is truly the “best friend” you and your dog could ever have.