Although dogs are naturally den creatures and inherently find comfort in cool, quiet enclosed spaces, when puppies are led into a crate to spend time alone for the very first time in their lives, they will complain. Why? Because they have never been alone before or because the previous owner neglected to create a positive association with the crate. And, although most breeders will have ‘introduced’ a crate to the litter, an individual puppy will have never spent time separated from the pack with the crate door closed. Therefore, it stands to reason that your new puppy will cry, whine, howl, and bark to get to you, their new pack member. When the human removes the crying puppy from the crate, without allowing the puppy opportunity to calm itself and relax, that crate experience has just been marked as negative.
It takes an act of love, patience, and serious commitment to stick it out knowing that in the long run, you, the owner is doing an incredible service for your new puppy. Crate training inevitably teaches a puppy to self-soothe and ultimately experience the enjoyment of resting in a quiet, safe, and comfortable space all their own and on their own. Similarly, parents teach their baby that their crib is a safe place to relax and sleep on their own.
If you’re still not sure that it’s worth the effort, here are a few more reasons why this highly rewarding training experience is a must:
- Every single dog will have to spend at minimum one night away from home in a crate such as a veterinarian office. When the crate represents a familiar and safe space, time away from home in a crate is then much easier and far less stressful on that dog.
- Pups learn to “hold it” in a crate which results in successful house training.
- Pups are safe from items they’d like to chew, swallow, or destroy when unattended.
- When in a car, it is the absolute safest place that prevents dogs from becoming a torpedo in the event of an accident.
- When traveling to hotels or other homes, the crate is a familiar and safe space to rest and recharge.
It is my sincere hope that new dog owners realize crate training is the most loving thing you can teach your dog. And no longer feel the need to debate the crate! And for those dog owners who’d like to hit the restart button and try again, the good news is that recreating a positive experience with the crate can be done!
Spring is almost here - stay warm!
Woof! Elaine