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Originally Posted by SnowWa I don't like crate training. I have never liked my dogs being kept in a crate. |
I'm glad that we are having this discussion. I sometimes think that we give people the impression that if they don't crate-train their dogs, they are doing something wrong. IMHO, that's incorrect. It's a matter of personal choice.
People advocate crate training for several reasons. Having a dog who is comfortable in a crate makes vet stays, grooming visits, and travel easier on the dog. Dogs who like their crates have a safe haven when they want it (if they need a break from kids, company, etc) Crate training,
IF done correctly, can speed up the housebreaking process.
What I wish people understood, though, is that CRATE TRAINING IS NOT THROWING A PUP IN A CRATE AND LETTING HIM "CRY IT OUT"! Crate training is slowly teaching the pup that the crate is a desirable place to be. Here is an excellent article on how to accomplish that:
http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2001/crate.htm
I've chosen a "middle of the road" course with 7 month old Joey. His bed is in his crate and he sleeps there (with the door open). For the first couple of months, he was fed in his crate (with the door open). He is frequently told "Go to bed" (his crate) and gets a treat for doing it, but again, the door is left open. On rare occasions, I will shut him in his crate with a new bone or a stuffed Kong for about an hour MAX. I want him comfortable with the idea of the door shut (he is) but I don't feel the need to contain him there for longer periods.
When he has to be contained, he is gated in the laundry room (which is pretty good-sized) with his crate open. I leave him toys, bones, water, and newspaper in case he can't "hold it" (which he never uses anymore). More often than not, when I come home he is asleep in his bed - in his crate.