Is Crate Training Cruel?
I have always believed that crate training was the
way to go especially if a pup or dog is
destructive and going to be left alone for short
periods…a friend said she was a dog breeder and
thought it was cruel…what is your opinion,
please
Marilyn
Bossier City, LA
When it is done correctly, crate training is not cruel.
The purpose of a crate, when used for training, is to provide a safe haven for a dog or puppy. Confining a canine companion in a crate is one of the most effective ways to house train him. It also protects him from chemicals, electrical cords, chicken bones and countless other household hazards when no people are home to watch and protect him.
Crates should not be like prison cells. They should be comfortable, welcoming environments. A properly prepared crate will be viewed as a private den by its occupant. Many dogs willingly retreat to their crates when they want some alone time, or if a disruption (toddler birthday parties come to mind) occurs in the house.
To help ensure that your dog is happy in his crate, follow a few basic rules. Never use the crate as punishment. Leave the door to the crate open when it’s not in use, so that the dog can enter it if he pleases. Limit each confinement to a reasonable period of time. Choose a crate that is appropriately sized (dogs should be able to stretch, stand up and turn around in the crate). Keep comfortable bedding, water, and safe toys in the crate. Finally, consider feeding your dog in the crate–that’s a sure-fire way to create a positive association.
You have questions. 
Crates are a nice shelter for a dog when you will be gone for a couple hours. A safe haven from visiting children. We feel better knowing she is safe at home and on long trips.
We like the Wednesday dog show. My favorite dog is Star.
If only more people would realize this…
My Sheltie mix loves his crate. I feed him in there too.
My GSD has never had a crate, we’ve had her for a long time and didn’t know much about dog training/behavior in general when we got her, let alone about crating.
Crate training as I understand it is very pleasant for my dog…how do i know this, when we are home and he is trying to get a moment he goes into the crate all by himself and lies there.l It is his safe place away from things and the fact that he often chooses to go their himself helps me carry on with the crate training. We were encouraged in this by our trainer who only teaches positive training.
Good luck.
No, it is not cruel, if you do it correctly. If you put them in small, unopened crate with no space to wander just across, it will result in bad. Put a water bowl, and a food bowl into the crate, large or small - large if the crate is big enough, and small if the crate is small.
Leave it to open spaces, put toys in there, but do not give her any of YOUR personal belongings, as well like a small carpet, a rug, or anything else. Put one, only ONE of their belongings in there - and it will result to GOOD. If they are destructive as in tearing up carpets, rugs, your personal belongings then do not put anything in there, not excluding water bowls, food bowls, and their own toys. If that results to — such as, tearing up their toys, and everything - do not harass them, for it will only do bad. Because - it will, if it is one of their own belongings, they will think, that they can’t mess around with their belongings.
Come back to the crate/kennel, if they have not torn or have caused any mishap, let them out of the crate - if they cause mishap in your home again, put them back in the crate. Do this repeatedly and praise them each time they succeed.
Good luck!!