Clients often tell me that they think it is “mean” or ‘bad’ to leave their dog in a crate. I understand their hesitancy in choosing this training method. None of my dogs use a crate after they are housebroken, but my dogs are never alone for long periods of time so I have the luxury of having them with me for most of the day.
The crate serves several purposes:
- Helps with house training a young puppy.
- Gives a dog a safe place to get away from everything and feel secure.
- Allows an owner the luxury of knowing when they can’t be around their dog is safe and out of harms way.
- Ensures your dog can travel well and if you need to board him, he is use to being safe in his own home away from home!
So many owners come home to a dog that has ripped apart a couch, eaten the phone, destroyed the remote or even consumed an entire carpet. At this point I think a crate was a darn good idea! If your dog cannot deal with being on his own, either due to anxiety or tension, then make life more easier and safer for him. Use the crate. Remember, a long walk is a necessity before a long period in a crate. A dog who hasn’t had the time to burn of energy may very likely eat the crate in your absence!
