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I understand the controversy over this subject. Some people see it as cruel. A prison, and ultimately abuse. However, I tend to disagree with this view. Keeping in mind there is a difference between training and imprisoning a dog.

A crate, or kennel has many advantages. I have crate trained all my dogs and I currently have five. It is hard to properly potty train a puppy when you have to work an eight hour day. It is also hard to be sure your puppy is staying out of places it should not be when you cannot be there with them at all times. Much like a toddler. These habits need to be established with the puppy early on. If not, it will take much longer and be much more difficult to make them understand. Especially as they grow and become accustomed to these habits.

Before I elaborate on my point of view I will say the one disadvantage to a crate is that certain people see it as a permanent fix. Meaning, this becomes the dogs home for good. This is not what the crates were meant for and this should not, ever, be their use.

Crates are good for the first six to seven months of puppy's life. When your puppy is getting used to it's new home, the space of the house can be overwhelming for them and at times make them feel uncomfortable. Many trainers say that the small space of the crate is comforting to them. There is less area to get acquainted with. The crate should never be used for punishment and when first introducing puppy to it's new house, usually it is best to stick a couple treats in the back, let them crawl in and sniff the surroundings. Let them get used to the enclosure before closing the door.

When using the crate, puppy should never be in there longer than six to eight hours. The crate will help as a safe guard when you are not home. This will also help teach puppy not to go potty in it's "home" which will be associated with your house once the potty training is complete. Puppies also need time for their bladders and bowels to develop. Just like babies, they are not aware as to how to 'hold' their potty. Thus being in a small area, this will come quickly to them as they do not like to soil where they sleep.

The other, obvious advantage of the crate is that it allows the puppy time through the teething process. While training you puppy, it is important to always put a few toys in the crate to occupy their time, as well as a small dish of food and water. The toys will show the puppy what is appropriate to chew on thus once they get out of the training stage

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