Plus, it’s an investment in your dog’s future well-being. “If your dog ever recovers from a medical problem, crating them might be necessary. It is much easier for a dog who is comfortable in a crate to recover from injury or surgery if they already associate their crate with comfort and security,” Fox emphasized.
Another benefit? “Crates are the best way to housebreak your dog, whether they are a puppy or an untrained adult,” Fox noted. This is because dogs do consider their crates their own dedicated spot: “Dogs generally avoid urinating/defecating in the same area in which they sleep.” Teaching a dog to use a crate, even though it is part of their evolutionary needs, is a process called crate training.
As with any practice, there are best usage guidelines, but as long as you adhere to them, using a crate will benefit you and your dog. “There are few disadvantages to crate training if used appropriately,” Fox told us.
In particular, “You never want to use the crate as punishment,” Fox said. “It should always be thought of as a positive space by your pet and not a place of isolation.” Otherwise, destructive behavior and anxiety may follow.
And, “In order to be successful with any type of training,” Fox noted, “your dog needs consistency.”
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