OK...so here are the arguments for crate training, and counter-arguments:
Argument: I need to crate to house-train
Counter-argument: Once he's trained, you don't need it anymore, right?
A: My dog will destroy my stuff
C: Have you seen him engage in destructive behaviour? Have you trained him not to?
A: My dog likes his crate and it's his "den"
C: OK. So is a doggy bed. Why does he need to be locked into his den?
A: He needs to learn to use the crate to travel.
C: So why is he in a crate at home?
A: My dog is safe in a crate when I am not at home
C: Has something happened before where your dog has done something dangerous? Have you trained him not to do it anymore?
Are people using the crate to actually train their dogs or are they just keeping them in crates because it makes them feel better? Let's be honest (without taking it personally). |