Debate continues unabated about whether or not crate training puppies is healthy or harmful. ‘Crating’ involves placing a pet in a cage, usually plastic or metal and sized according to the size of the dog, for a short period of time during the day or at night.
Proponents argue that crating gives the puppy a sense of ‘property’, a place he can call his own. In this little home within the home he feels safe, surrounded by familiar smells and objects. Here, he can retreat from fearful noises or boisterous children. Those who favor crate training assert that potty training is much easier when combined with use of a crate. Dogs, they say, will naturally avoid soiling their ‘den’ and ‘hold it’ until they’re released to go outside.
Opponents counter that locking a puppy into a cage suppresses his natural desire to roam. It removes his ability to explore his environment at will and to soak up stimulating sights and smells. Those against the use of crates point to the frequent instances when puppies will play in their own waste and simply soil themselves worse. Locking the puppy away, they say, is more for the convenience of the owner than the well-being of the dog.
As with any debate of this kind, there are no doubt good and bad points on both sides. Objective studies on the issue are sparse and equally divided.
Provided certain rules are observed, there’s probably no harm, and possibly some good, to be had from crate training.
First of all, excessive lengths of forced crate time is bad for your puppy. Any dog locked up in a small space is not getting needed exercise and may be restrained from eliminating for longer than is healthy. Some say to keep the crate time to no more than two hours maximum, but I think two hours during the day is too long for a puppy, and it is better to keep any crate time with the door closed to less than 20 or 30 minutes during the day.
Opponents worry that crated dogs can injure themselves through a natural desire to escape or rowdiness inside the cage. This should never happen if your puppy is kept in a crate for a short time and you are nearby. Also, make sure that your puppy’s collar won’t snag. And check to ensure there are no sharp edges on the crate, and that construction is strong enough to withstand your puppy’s normal jostling and pushing on the walls. Above all, make sure it can’t tip over.
Though the debate isn’t likely to be settled anytime soon, exercising common sense is the best way to judge the actual net effect – good or bad – on your particular puppy. Make the crate a welcoming place for your puppy and never use it as a punishment. Leave the crate door open as much as possible.
Chances are, your puppy will enjoy his crate and will rush to his ‘home’ when the mood strikes him, when he is tired or when he is overwhelmed by visitors or children. Then when you are traveling you can use the crate and your puppy gets to take his ‘mobile home’ with him.
