Five Benefits of Crate Training

by Donna C. Mihajlov

Crate training benefits both your dog and yourself, the loving dog owner. Your dog will be more loving and affectionate towards family members when he understands his boundaries.

Crate Training Benefits For Your Dog

Your Dog Crate Makes Housebreaking Much Easier

No dog enjoys resting in his own mess, therefore your dog will tend to gain better bladder control when confined to his crate. This will make housebreaking easier when you then associate going outside with the act of relieving himself.

Dogs, being den animals, generally like their place clean and quiet. It is also good to remember that puppies need to go more often, so do not keep them in the crate for a long period.

A Crate Stops Destructive Behaviors

It is natural for your dog to enjoy chewing. They need to be taught what are acceptable things to chew on and prevent them from chewing on the wrong things, like chair legs, shoes, socks, etc. Consequently, your job is not to stop your dog from chewing, but provide the right things to chew on in the right place. By providing safe chew toys to your dog in his crate, you accomplish two things: you make the crate a wonderful place to be in and you teach him what are the acceptable chew toys in the house.

A Crate Keeps Your Dog Safe from Household Hazards

You can potentially put your dog in danger unnecessarily if left to roam unsupervised. As you may know, a house may contain many potentially dangerous objects to chew on. Your dog may not realize the danger chewing on electric wires or certain plants or foods.

By properly training your dog with his crate, you will have peace of mind and confidence your dog will stay away from potential dangerous objects.

A Crate Makes Car Rides Safer

A crate-trained dog will rest in his crate during a car drive and make the trip for you and him safer and more peaceful. Containment will eliminate some possible distractions if you have a very active dog.

Crates provides you dog security when he desires to rest or be alone.

Dogs are, by nature, den animals and feel secure in small, enclosed spaces. Most dogs will seek out a place in your home that will mimic a den. You will often find them sleeping under a table or desk. Dog crates make excellent dens and can serve as a refuge, a hangout and a bedroom. By simply crate training your dog, you give him the tools to cope with any potentially stressful situations like going to the vet.

Crate training a dog is not only good for your dog – but also good for you. Do yourself and your dog a favor and start crate training him today!

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