Dog crates: When to use them and how to pick one
When should I consider getting a dog crate? Dog owners should consider getting a crate when adopting a puppy or an adult dog whose behaviors they do not yet know, or when their current dog has shown a history of destructive behavior if left unsupervised. Which dogs should be crate trained? All dogs would benefit from acclimation to a crate, as it can be life-saving in some scenarios. But not all dogs are easily acclimated to a crate, and they require systematic positive reinforcement training (set at their own pace). Why are dog crates beneficial? Through positive reinforcement training, when your dog learns that the crate is a safe space for them to settle down and relax, then having a dog crate can be helpful for multiple situations — including basic house training and preventing destructive behavior when you cannot directly supervise them. It also prepares your dog for a less stressful experience if they ever need to ...