Benefits of Using a Crate
In our world, it can be hard to decide what is good or bad for our dog’s. Crates are one of those dog tools that some owners love and some despise. At the end of the day you as the owner get to decide what is right for your dog. Today, I just want to explain a few benefits of using a crate if you choose to do so or find your dog is having behavior issues.
First off, Let’s start out by addressing the myth that “dog crates are bad.” This is something I have seen some owners voice and I always try first to see where they are coming from and what experiences they’ve had. Sometimes one bad experience can shape our whole perspective on something and we want to make sure we don’t let that get in the way of learning something if it will help our dog. If you’re a new dog owner or curious how a dog crate could help your dog. Here are a few in sights to using a crate in a positive manner…
Why Dog Crates are a great tool for your dog’s mental health:
It’s their “home” or Safe Space
It’s something they are familiar with
Emergency scenarios
Teaches them discipline and boundaries
Crates are a Safe Space:
Dog crates (if used correctly) are a safe space for your dog. Just like our bedroom or home office can be our “safe” space in our home. It’s the same thing for a dog. When you train them to see the crate as a positive and relaxing place to be, that is exactly how they will view the crate. Some dogs have bad experiences which makes it difficult for owners to use but with a little help from a trainer they can help retrain your dog’s behavior to realize it’s not something to fear.
Having a crate in your home allows your dog to have a place of their own to go to when they are scared, timid, annoyed, tired, etc. Especially if you have company over. You need your dog to have a place they can escape to that brings them comfort.
Crates create a familiar environment for your dog:
Sometimes traveling to new places can bring anxiety to your dog. Having a crate handy to use allows your dog to have something familiar to ease their nerves. Also, if you are staying in an AirBnB, hotel, etc. and you leave the room for any reason without your dog, it helps knowing that a maid can’t open the door and let your dog run out on accident not realizing he/she was in there.
Emergency Scenarios:
It is always impawtant for owners to think proactively. As much as we want to be around our dog’s 24/7 there is going to be one time in our dog’s life where we might not be there. In this case we are talking about emergency situations. For example:
Your dog needs to go to the vet or hospital
He gets lost and is found by someone or animal rescue
You’re traveling with your dog
Need to board your dog for an upcoming trip
Your dog goes to the groomers
In every one of those scenarios, your dog will experience being put into some type of kennel. In no way is it because the dog is being mistreated. It all has to do with their safety. If your dog already has been positively conditioned to using a crate on a daily basis it makes the emergency scenarios 100% easier on your dog so they don’t end up traumatized.
Helps dog’s learn Boundaries:
As much as we love having our dog’s cuddle with us in bed, on the couch, or jump up on us everytime we walk into the door. Not everyone does. Dog’s need to learn their boundaries within your home and a crate can help them with that because they learn that when you tell them to kennel up it means it’s time to relax and enjoy some downtime.
When we don’t create those boundaries and aren’t consistent with them we unknowingly tell our dog’s that they can act however they want. This causes them to jump up on couches when we have company over or on a little kid not realizing they might hurt the kid. In any of these scenarios the dog is only doing what we as the owner allow them to do everyday. How they do one thing is how they will do all things and that’s why it is so impawtant for us as the owners to establish those boundaries at an early age and stay consistent with it!
We encourage the use of a crate regularly but again, feel empowered about what ever you choice is about what you decide to do. Some dogs will be ok with it, some won’t. Just remember, no matter your dog’s age or temperment they are never too old to learn something new and with your help, guidance, and support they can learn anything with consistency. :)
Happy Wags! Love,
Your Tail Swaggers Family