Using a crate with dogs has been discussed, argued about, agreed upon, and demonized for some time. Personally, we use and have always used a crate with our dogs. Below are just four (of many) basic reasons why you should crate your dog. Each of these reasons could be discussed in great length, but this is a simple overview of each to get you thinking!
#1. Travel
Number one on my list of reasons to crate your dog, is to keep your dog safe while it is in a vehicle. When you travel with your dog, the best way to keep it safe is to have it in a crate. Whether you choose a crash tested crate like this for larger dogs or this one for smaller dogs, a crate while traveling is the best way to go! This is the type of crate we use in the car, but it’s a different size (ask me about this crate if you’re interested in getting one!).
A crate can help keep you, your dog and others, safe. If you slam on your brakes, your dog will not end up in the floor, hitting the back of your seat, or hitting its face on the dash, or worse.
If you’re in an actual accident, your dog has a better chance to survive. Plus, in the unfortunate event you crash, if the dog is in a crate, it will be contained and not be able to run off, especially is a window is broken, or a door or hatch is opened.
If you’re hurt and unconscious, when the fire department and police get there, a lot of dogs would be frightened by all the noise and people and run away (even if you’re sure your dog loves you, and you think it wouldn’t leave you). happens all the time.
Something to think about
Also, if you stop somewhere to picnic, think of… maybe a family reunion, or other event that you want to take your dog to. In this instance you may need a little bit of time without the dog. A crate will give the dog a rest, allow you to keep your hands free, and keep your dog comfortably safe. You can just pop open your hatch, roll down your windows, or open the car doors (on a cool day). ~Visually supervised, of course.
Travel also includes flying with a dog or shipping a dog. If they can’t sit with you, they have to be in cargo and they have to be in a crate. It happened to an old friend of mine, and the dogs weren’t previously socialized to a crate. So how hard do you think that was, flying across the country after being put in a crate for the first time, and then an airplane, in cargo?
So, socialize puppies and dogs to a crate, preferably the younger the better.
I will be doing a more extensive post on traveling with your dog soon!
Extra tip!! Especially if you have an SUV- For puppies and older dogs, they may need some help getting in and out of the vehicle! Check this product out here.
#2. New Puppy
You got a new puppy! Well, you’ll need to teach it a lot of new things! Housebreaking yep, you’ll need a crate for that. Chewing, you guessed it, a crate will help keep your shoes and other belongings safe. Of course, you should teach the little stinker not to chew your stuff, but that will take some time. Plus, a crate helps create a schedule. Potty/eat/walk/play/sleep… You can’t have eyes on your pup every second. A crate not only helps to keep your stuff safe, but it keeps your puppy safe too. They can get into trouble if left to their own devices, they need you to take responsibility for them and help mold their behavior.
Just because you start crating your pup/dog doesn’t mean it ALWAYS has to be in a crate! Sure, when they are puppies, they will be in one more than an older pup/dog that has been housebroken, trained for chewing, stealing, or other bad behaviors. The better trained they are the more freedom they get. You just want to keep them used to a crate.
Dogs are naturally den animals, they like the enclosed space, it’s safe and secure. With a crate, they can have their own place to get away from people, children, other dogs, or just go in to rest. Yes, many dogs go to their crates by themselves because they actually like them.
#3. Medical
Another great reason for the use of a crate…
If your dog is ever hurt and they need to stay stationary a crate will accomplish that. If your dog were to stay at the vet, it might be in a small cage like a crate. So, socializing your dog/puppy to a crate and keeping them used to it is a good idea. Depending on the type/temperament/age of dog you have will determine what type of crate you may want to get. An older dog, housebroken, has low drive, does not chew things up or dig, a very laid-back dog could maybe use this type of crate. A dog that may try to get out but isn’t very destructive may be ok in this type of crate. A dog that may try to escape but isn’t an escape artist and likes a den type environment will better be suited for this type of crate.
#4. Dog sports/dog shows
SchH/IPO/IGP, AKC Obedience, Hunting, AKC/German Style Conformation shows etc…
When traveling any real dog trainer, handler or knowledgeable dog person will use crates/cages, or maybe even a dog trailer especially made for dogs!
You will be traveling to the destination, so the dog should be in a crate while traveling.
Then at the event, you want to keep your dog in a crate. This helps with keeping your dog safe from other dogs and vice versa, keeps your dog out of trouble in general, and allows your dog to rest between sessions.
At outdoor events – it can also keep your vehicle safe (ask the pitbull owner, who had to replace her headrest after he ate it during a bite work session -just one example).
It can also save you gas- If it is hot, you can’t roll down your windows, the dog can escape. If it’s hot out, the dog can die in a hot car. So, you need to keep your air on and hope it doesn’t stop working.
If you’re into dogs professionally, you might like a crate like this or this. Or you might want a cage like this one.
In conclusion
You should use a crate for your dog!
I hope after reading the four reasons to crate your dog, if you were on the fence about using one, you have changed your mind! If not, I’ll be doing more blogs on crates and travel, maybe that will do it! Stay tuned for those!
No matter the reason (or reasons) I feel a crate is a must have if you own a dog. I have never personally owned a dog that didn’t either love the crate or was indifferent and neutral to the crate because we socialize early and do it properly.
Getting a new puppy? Check out our puppy class. Crate information and crate training included!!
You can also check out this Puppy Blog Post.
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