I’ve heard a lot of people say that dog crates are cruel, but in my opinion when used correctly nothing could be further from the truth. They are useful to dog owners in so many ways, and I think they’re essential for puppies. I raised my first pup before I knew about crating, and he nearly drove me to the edge of reason with all his chewing and potty accidents – I’ll never do that again! Since then I’ve seen how helpful a crate can be and use one all the time, for different reasons. Here are some of them:

1. If you have more than one dog, you may need to separate them for feeding if they eat at different speeds. Rescue dogs may even be aggressive over their food as they’ve known starvation. A crate keeps them apart and safe.
2. If you have an older dog that can’t always hold his potty, and you have to go out for a few hours, pop him in a crate. Dogs hate doing their business where they sleep, and you’ll find he’ll hold on for a longer time.
3. Puppies need to be crated for the same reason while you’re house-training them. If you’ve had him out and played with him for a little while but now have to do chores, crate him or he’ll be peeing and pooping everywhere! After an hour or two let him out and take him straight outside for his potty. He’ll soon get the idea. If you have to leave the house, he must be contained somewhere, so why not make it a warm and inviting crate with a nice dog crate pad, safe chew toys, and a piece of your clothing to comfort him while you’re gone? You’ll very soon find that he sees the crate as his special place, and will go and sit in it all the time to play and rest. He’ll feel safe and secure in it, and you’ll have peace of mind that he’s not ruining your carpet or eating the TV cable! Never leave a pup crated for longer than four hours to start with; if you’re at work get someone to come over and let him out. If he’s left too long he’ll have to potty where he is and that sets back your training.
4. If you don’t want your dog to sleep in the bed with you, train him to sleep in a crate. It should be well decked out with a blanket and toys and can be in your bedroom. That way he can be near you but not on you. Try and do this from day one – he may cry a little to start with but don’t go to him and he’ll settle down. Dogs love routine, and before you know it he’ll be happily running into his crate every bedtime.
5. If you have to take your dog out in the car to the vet, groomer, or out for fun, he and you will be much safer if he’s in a crate in the rear of the vehicle. If a dog is loose in the car and you have to slam on your breaks, he becomes a missile and you could both end up injured or worse. No one wants that.
6. If it’s a beautiful day, and you want to give your dog some fresh air but can’t supervise him, carry his crate out into the back yard and let him enjoy the weather. Knowing he is safe inside is worth so much. Never let your dog wander around an unfenced yard alone, before you know it he’ll be off exploring – and he doesn’t know the difference between a yard and the road.

Yes, your crate is truly your friend – and your dogs. But remember never to put him in it as a punishment, it should always be associated with good things or he’ll avoid going in it. These are just some of the great ways dog crates can help you with your pet. Once you bring one home you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.