Proponents of crate training claim that it gives your dog a sense that it has its own individual space and its own personal area.
The dog can have all of its familiar smelling toys, blankets, chews etc. all in its own little house within a house. It is said that the puppy feels safe and can retreat here at any time if it feels unsafe or insecure.
In addition to this, proponents claim that using a crate is a powerful method of potty training and can be utilized to ensure that the puppy eliminates outside the house. More details here.
Should I Crate Train My Dog?
There is also a flip side to this argument. Opponents of crate training claim that locking a dog away in a small crate that is just large enough for the dog to turn around in is suppressing the natural desire of the dog to wander, investigate and learn. Also they claim that a puppy will soil themselves if they cannot help it, leaving them lying in their own waste. This can be very problematic.
It is argued that crate training is more for the convenience of the owner rather than for the well being of the dog.
To utilize the advantages of crate training whilst avoiding the bad points, take these tips into consideration.
Crate Training Tips
1) Never leave your dog in the crate for more than two hours.
2) Never leave the house when your dog is in its crate.
3) If you must leave the house, give your puppy the run of one room that has been equipped with absorbent paper for the floor.
4) Make sure that your puppies' collar cannot snag on any part of the crate.
5) Ensure that the crate cannot tip over.
6) Ensure the crate is in a well ventilated area.
Using a bit of common sense and taking the above points into consideration, your puppy should be able to enjoy the positive elements of crate training without enduring the negative points.