Should You Crate Train Your Dog?

People who want to learn how to train a dogof privacy and security, not to mention some
successfully before bringing home their new treasureinsulation value against cold temperatures found near
will almost certainly learn of the value of crate trainingthe floor where they are typically placed. Another
a dog. This is vital to the potty training process, butadvantage of a plastic crate is that if there is an
there is more to it than that.'accident', it's more easily washed out with a hose
The basis for crate training a dog is that, as a generalwithout leaving any residue of bowel movement than
rule, dogs have an aversion to soiling their sleepingthere is on wire.
area. If a dog is kept in a confined space and givenIf you start a dog out with a crate that allows him
sufficient chance to soil elsewhere, he is more thanto use part of it as a toilet while leaving enough
likely to accept that opportunity. A dog given the runroom to sleep away from it, you invite bad results.
of the house will soon locate favored areas to takeDog crate training depends on sizing the crate
care of his business and go and sleep elsewhere. Noproperly. If your dog is likely to grow significantly, as
dog should ever be given unsupervised run of themost will, crates are available with internal divider
house until acceptable toilet habits are well establishedpanels that can be moved as the dog demands more
in him.room.
In choosing a crate, there are options to beThe dog should have enough room to stand, sit, lay
considered. Wire crates will certainly confine thedown and turn around comfortably. A space of that
animal, but provide little privacy or protection fromsize will enhance his feeling of security, as well. If
uncomfortable temperatures. They are also unsuitablenecessary for a dog that will grow very large, it may
for airline travel.be wise to plan to buy a larger crate as need
Plastic crates provide the dog with more of a sensedemands.