2 of 7

Write now Article Tools

The case against crate training your dog rests on the tendency of some people to leave a dog or puppy alone in a crate for 8-10 hours a day whilst they go out to work. This is unkind and un-natural. People who feel they have absolutely no option but to treat a puppy or dog in this way should face up to the fact that they are not in a position to care for the animal adequately. A cat might suit their circumstances better.

Accustoming a puppy to a crate for an hour or two is fine. Crating a dog or puppy is not inherently unkind. However, the duration of crating is critical. A young puppy only gradually develops control over its bodily functions. It will need to empty its bladder many times during a day. It will need to pass bowel motions after every feed. Puppies instinctively avoid soiling the 'nest area', so a puppy in a crate for 8 or 10 hours is going to go through tremendous stress before finally having to mess in the crate. Puppies of course also need to be fed more times during a day than an adult dog. How people who are out all day can meet this need is difficult to see.

Puppies need plenty of sleep but in between times they need plenty of exercise and play and fun. Like adult dogs, they need company. Dogs of any age are, by nature, sociable pack animals. They are not, by nature, 'loners'. They need stimulus. Being locked in a crate during daylight hours is not conducive to any of this

Once a dog has passed its awkward 'teenage' years, say by the age of two, it should be past the stage of chewing furniture or fittings. At this age it should be allowed to mooch about much of the house. Being accustomed to a crate for short periods is fine. It can be very helpful to be able to crate a dog for long journeys (with regular stops for exercise) or if workmen need to be in the house. A crate is not suitable for incarceration of puppies or dogs for the whole day on a regular basis though. Imagine spending all your working hours each day locked in the garage, alone!

Learn more about this author, Mark Hopkins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The case against crate training your dog?
We want to hear your view. Write now!