Is Crate Training Cruel?

Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:12:53 +0000

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.

Can older dogs be crated?

Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:51:33 +0000

Caramel is a four-year-old female that we adopted two
years ago, a Katrina rescue. I am home most of the
time and she is exercised 3 times a day. But in
the past month when I leave her alone, she wets on
the rugs (in 3 different rooms), either when I’m
gone or in the middle of the night when we are
sleeping. We are considering crating her during
these times but is it too late to teach our old
dog new tricks? What to do?

Bebe
Brooklyn, NY

Before you consider crating Caramel, you should make sure that a medical condition is not playing a role in the problem. Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, hormone-responsive incontinence, diabetes, kidney problems, and a host of other diseases can cause otherwise well-trained dogs to urinate inappropriately.

Your vet should be able to run some simple blood and urine tests that will give you an idea of whether a medical condition exists. He or she may recommend X-rays or an ultrasound exam as well.

If no medical problems are found, then the problem is most likely behavioral. And in that case, regardless of the dog’s age, I recommend a back-to-the-basics house training regimen. In my experience, crate training is one of the most effective way to house train a dog.

So, to answer your question, I do not think Caramel is too old to be re-trained, nor is she too old to be crated.

Vet Blog » cratetraining

Is Crate Training Cruel?

Can older dogs be crated?