All About Crates
Let’s talk about crates! This post is going to focus on the ins and outs of dog crates - when to use them, when not to use them, if you have to use them, why they are loved, why they’re not… and much more.
Crates are often a love it or hate it sort of hot topic, but there are a variety of types and uses that can allow many families to find a happy middle ground that suits their lifestyle. To start off the discussion, we will focus on some general advice and information relating to crates.
TO CRATE OR NOT TO CRATE
When deciding whether or not to use a crate, there are several factors to take into consideration. The factors listed increase the probability you should crate train and utilize a crate for at least short periods of time:
multiple dogs in the home,
lots of transitions in the home such as people coming and going, dogs coming and going, etc
young age, high energy, destructive/shredding tendencies,
lots of management in place such as tethers or gates to separate dogs from other or a specific area.
DETERMINING A LOCATION TO USE A CRATE
General considerations to keep in mind when establishing a location for a crate (if you choose to use one) include finding an area at a comfortable temperature for your dog with low traffic and low noise.
If your dog barks when people enter the home you will want the crate out of direct sight of the door or other triggers.
Keep the crate easy to access for the dog, but not for small children.
Ask questions, join the conversation, and post pictures of your crate set up in the Facebook group!
𓃡 𓃩 𓃡 Human End of the Leash 𓃡 𓃩 𓃡
Ask questions, join the conversation, and post pictures of your crate set up in the Facebook group! 𓃡 𓃩 𓃡 Human End of the Leash 𓃡 𓃩 𓃡
OTHER GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Finally, the 3 biggest dos and don’ts…
DO make the crate as fun as possible!
Play games involving the crate,
feed in the crate, and
give enrichment in the crate so the crate is associated with positivity.
DO NOT use the crate as punishment or anything else that could cause an aversive or negative association.
DO make the crate feel safe, including but not limited to
located in a corner or other low traffic/ enclosed area,
cover the crate with a blanket or including other visual blockers, and
have a bed or blanket inside (only for dogs who do not shred bedding).
DO NOT be rude with your body language such as
hovering over/ leaning over the top of the crate, or
take things from the dog while they are actively interacting with the item in the crate.
* These things can cause the dog to feel less safe in their space *
DO put the dog in the crate for short periods of times while you’re home
Helps prevent separation anxiety
Useful for management in general
DO NOT chase or lure dog into crate
Makes them feel less safe in their space
May make them more reluctant to go inside
Builds negative association with the crate
