Q: Why should I crate train my puppy?
A: Crate training is wonderful and has many benefits, if done correctly. The benefits include:
- If introduced correctly, the crate becomes your dog’s safe space. With the correct training we teach the dog to love his crate, and it gives the dog a place to go when he needs a time out.
- Car travel is safer with the use of a crate – the dog is less likely to cause an accident and more likely to survive should an accident occur.
- When going to the grooming parlour or kennels, for example, the dog already feels safe in a crate and experiences less stress.
- If you have people like electricians or plumbers over to work in your house, popping your dog into his crate will prevent him from getting out, should the workers leave a gate open.
- If your dog requires rest after a surgery, it’s extremely useful if he is happy in his crate.
The crate is never used as punishment, or to contain your dog for long periods of time.
The whole idea behind crate training is that the crate becomes a stress-free place for the dog, and a reputable behaviourist will be able to assist you in achieving this.
Noleen Fourie, behaviourist
