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Ask the Expert: Diane Bauman

Question: 

We are getting a new puppy and a friend said we need to get a crate for it. I don’t see why I need a cage for my puppy. Is this really a good idea?

Answer:

Your friend has obviously had some good experience raising dogs. A crate may look like a cage to you but it is actually more like a dog’s den or a crib for a baby. Dogs are den animals and are fond of small places to curl up in. This makes them feel safe and protected.

A dog’s crate is like his bed or bedroom. The advantage for you is that you can lock the door and know that the pup is safe inside when you cannot watch him.

Puppies are like infants and quickly find trouble if left unattended. It is not uncommon for puppies to fall down stairs, chew on live electric cords, or eat things that can be poisonous. When you put a pup in a crate with some toys, you know that bad things will not happen to him.

Crates allow people to housebreak dogs with minimal correction. It is the natural instinct of a dog not to soil where he sleeps. If the puppy is in a crate only large enough for him to stand up, turn around and lie down, it becomes his bed and he learns how to control his bodily functions. When the pup feels the need to relieve himself, rather then messing his bed, he will cry and learn how to tell his human that he needs to go outside. This process has worked to housebreak many puppies as long as people pay attention to the pup in the crate.

When housebreaking a dog, the crate and puppy must always be within earshot of the owner. If you do not let a pup out of his crate to use the bathroom, you will teach him to soil where he sleeps and ruin his chances of becoming housebroken.

Crates, like any other training tool, can be abused. Puppies and dogs should never be left in a crate more then a few hours at a time (except when asleep at night.) The crate should never be used to punish a dog.

Crates now come collapsible, made of soft materials, wire, and/or plastic. There is even a line of handcrafted wooden crates designed to double as furniture (end tables etc.).

When traveling, the safest place for a dog is in a sturdy crate that acts like a seat belt. When staying in hotels or with friends, a crate is a handy way of ensuring that a dog will not do damage to his surroundings if he becomes stressed.

Crates are available through most pet suppliers. As your puppy grows, you will need to get a larger size. Some rental facilities and training establishments rent crates for this purpose.

Yes, I would get a crate for your puppy and thank your friend.


More Articles by Diane Bauman

About Diane Bauman

Known for her obedience accomplishments and best-selling obedience book, Beyond Basic Dog Training, Diane Bauman is now recognized as one of today's most successful professionals in agility. Having won both a silver and gold medal during three years of representing the USA on the World Agility Team, her latest book, Agility: Start to Finish has just been released.

For more information, visit dianebauman.com.

Wondering if agility training is right for your pet? Need an explanation for your pet's strange behavior? Want to learn how to curb barking once and for all?

Email us your pet questions and our expert, Diane, will weigh in.

Photo Credit: Bohm-Marrazzo Photography

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