To crate train or not to crate train
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and joyful experience. But with that excitement comes a lot of responsibility, including the decision of whether to crate train your new furry friend.
Crate training is a popular method of house training puppies that involves using a crate or cage as a safe space for your puppy to rest and sleep. The idea behind crate training is to teach your puppy that their crate is their own personal space, a place where they feel safe and secure.
But is crate training the right choice for your puppy? Let's explore the pros and cons of crate training to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Crate Training:
- Provides a safe and secure space for your puppy to rest and sleep.
- Helps with potty training by encouraging your puppy to hold their bladder and bowel movements until they are let out of the crate.
- Helps prevent destructive behavior and keeps your puppy from getting into things they shouldn't be.
Cons of Crate Training:
- Some people think using a crate is cruel and restricts the dog's freedom.
- If not done properly, crate training can lead to anxiety and fear in your puppy.
- It can be difficult to properly time how long your puppy stays in the crate.
If you do decide to crate-train your puppy, it is important to do so properly. Here are some tips for successful crate training:
- Introduce your puppy to the crate slowly, allowing them to explore it on their own terms.
- Make the crate comfortable and inviting with a soft bed, toys, and treats.
- Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate, starting with short intervals and working up to more extended periods.
- Never use the crate as punishment or for extended periods of time.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to crate-train your new puppy is up to you. It is important to consider your lifestyle, your puppy's personality, and your goals for training before making a decision. With proper training and patience, crate training can be a positive experience for both you and your furry companion.
As breeders of Boston Terriers, we have found that crates work best for us and our lifestyles. The moment a new puppy comes home we start introducing them to their crate. We start out with smaller crates and work out way up to bigger sizes. We also utilize travel crates for safe travel.
If you have decided to utilize a crate when you bring your puppy home we have found that it's best to put them in a travel crate and set it next to your bed at night. They need to smell you and hear you. I have found that if they wake up in the middle of the night it's also easier to take them out immediately or place your fingers inside the crate to help calm them. Most of the time they are just lonely at night and placing your fingers in the grate of the cage is enough to get them to settle down and stop crying.