Why is Crate Training Important?
Did you know that dogs, as den animals, actually love to have a quiet and safe space of their own? We designed our Signature Crates to naturally mimic a den-like environment. Read on to learn more about why crate training is so valuable for all dogs, young and old.
WHY IS CRATE TRAINING SO VALUABLE?
Crate training is considered such an important and valuable tool for training and managing a dog's behavior. It provides a safe, secure space for your dog to rest and relax, and it can also be helpful for housebreaking and preventing destructive behavior that might pose a risk to your dog's safety. Overall, it's a big part of building a solid training foundation for your new family member.
HOUSEBREAKING
Whether you're bringing home a new puppy or an older rescue, housebreaking is probably top of mind. One of the main benefits of crate training is that it can help with housebreaking. When a dog is crate trained, they learn to hold their bladder and bowel movements until they are taken outside to go to the bathroom. This is because dogs are naturally clean animals and will try to avoid soiling their den or crate. Getting a dog used to sleeping in their den environment can be an effective way to teach a dog to go to the bathroom outside, rather than inside the house.
CURBING DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR
The best reason to start crate training right away is to help keep your pet from harming themselves in a new space, and preventing destructive behavior. When a dog is left alone for extended periods of time, they can get bored or anxious, and may try to chew on household items or sneak into spaces that are off-limits. We know that puppies are excited and curious, which means they might get into trouble when no one's watching. But older dogs can also act out if left alone too long or too frequently. By providing a crate as a safe, enclosed space, your dog has a place to rest and relax while they are left alone. Plus, it gives you peace-of-mind when you're away.
Have you ever noticed that your dog loves to fit in small and covered spaces, like under a table or chair, under the bed, or even under a blanket? That's because your dog wants to seek out den-like spaces that make them feel covered and protected. A huge benefit of crate training is that it can actually provide a sense of security for your dog. Dogs feel safe in an enclosed space, and a crate can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity for your dog, especially if they are anxious or stressed.
The key to helping your dog discover that safe space is training through positive reinforcement. The crate should be a happy space, not one that's used for punishment.
Overall, crate training is an important tool for training and managing a dog's behavior. It can help with housebreaking, prevent destructive behavior, and provide a sense of security for your dog. If you are considering crate training for your dog, it is important to start the process slowly and to always make sure that the crate is a positive, comfortable space for your dog.