A Dog's Crate is His Castle

Most people think of crate training as a way to housebreak your brand-new puppy.  While this is definitely true, crate training can be so much more than this.

Waffe-one of Edna's puppies and also a CCI dog in training.

There are several other benefits to having a crate-trained dog.  Here are just a few of them:

• Travel:  The only way you can travel with your dog via plane is with a crate.  Plus, if you are driving a long distance, the crate will fit nicely in your car (as long as you don't have a extra-large breed).  If you are one of those people who has a truck and lets their dogs run around from side to side, well, let's just say I would highly recommend using a crate in the back instead for the next reason on the list.
• Safety:  Dogs in the backs of trucks can jump out, get heatstroke, can be thrown during a wreck, etc.  Additionally, a crate is a safe place for your dog to go during a thunderstorm, if there were an earthquake, etc.  If you buy a good one, they are sturdy and safe.
• Comfort:  A dog who is properly crate trained will find immense comfort in having their own little bedroom.  It is their safe space where they can go and relax.  Cheri's crate even comes equipped with a fan so on hot summer nights she can flip on her back and snooze away.
• Convenience:  Traveling some more?  The nice thing about the crate is that it can be your dog's home away from home.  If you are visiting family or in a hotel room, the crate is the perfect way to keep your dog from wandering in a strange and potentially hazardous environment.  What about the times when your mother-in-law who hates dogs comes over?  How about your neighbor's pesky kids who always pull the dog's tail, poke her eyes, etc.?  What if the repair guy is coming by and you're worried about Fido escaping out the doors or gates when nobody is looking?  These are all great times you can use the crate.
• Training:  Crates and training go hand in hand.  There are so many issues that can be worked on and resolved with proper crate use.  Potty issues, barking at the door, jumping on people, counter surfing when nobody is there, chewing cords, etc.; these are just a few of the negative behaviors that a crate could possibly help with (hey, you still have to put in some work too!) The crate, however, is NOT a punishment tool and your dog should never be thrown in there because he or she misbehaved.  
• Agility:  Go to any agility competition.  When the dogs are not active, where are they?  You got it-in their crates!

As you can see, there are a lot of good reasons to crate train your dog.  It is important though to realize that this blog post is about reasons why crate training is beneficial, and not necessarily about HOW to train your dog to be comfortable in a crate.  Let me just give you one hint:  shoving your dog into the crate and saying "Be a good boy," is not going to work!  If you want training tips on the crate, contact us at training@zoomdogagility.org.