Is It Cruel to Crate Your Dog?

A lot of dog owners have issues with seeing their furry companions behind dog cages and crates. However, when used in the proper manner, a dog sees the cage as nothing more than its den. It's the humans that put a negative connotation to these cages because they see it as a form of prison. But, when trained properly, the crate becomes its safe haven because it doesn't see it as a place of forced confinement.

Introducing crate training to a puppy can also be an integral part to getting it potty trained. Dogs don't like to soil or dirty their living quarters so they will "hold it in". However, do not take this as an excuse not to let your dog out. Puppies do require to be let out more initially to build their bladder and bowel control. Dog owners need to be responsible and understand the time and effort it takes for training. Ultimately, dogs need exercise, love and affection in addition to the other basic necessities such as food and water in order to be healthy, happy and well adjusted dogs.

Other than helping with house breaking and being a safe haven for your dog, a dog crate can also help it become more comfortable when it needs to visit a kennel when you're off travelling. Or better yet, you can bring your dog with you on a trip but first you need to get it accustomed to being in a smaller space. Even if you are not travelling by air and going on a road trip and you have a dog car seat, at the very least, he is used to being calm in a restricted space.

Therefore, for those dog owners who are conflicted in getting a dog cage, it's all about perspective. If you are a responsible dog owner, then your dog will be a well adjusted dog both inside and outside of the cage. It's about putting the time and effort in crate training your dog and making sure you fulfill your dog's other needs while outside of it as well.