Crate Training FAQs

If you have recently gotten a puppy, or plan on doing so in the near future, then you have most likely heard about crate training, a form of training both puppies and older dogs.

Many people have misconceptions or questions about the crate training process. The following are some frequently asked questions about crate training:

What is crate training?

Crate training is a form of training that works by confining your puppy or dog to a crate for a short period of time while you are away. It is useful to keep the puppy from doing things he may not be completely trained in yet, including housebreaking, chewing, destruction, and other problems.

How is crate training beneficial?

Crate training has a number of benefits. For one thing, it gives you peace of mind while you are away. It also keeps your puppy from making a mess in the house before he is completely housetrained. Crate training is also beneficial because it keeps your puppy from chewing on your household items before he knows better. It also keeps your puppy safe while you are away.

Isn't crate training cruel?

Many people think that crate training is cruel, and it can be when not done correctly. Crate training is not designed to keep a puppy locked up for more than three or four hours at a time. Puppies can't control their bladders for so long, and it can also make puppies skittish and restless. Crate training becomes cruel when it is used to keep the puppy out of the way all day and all night.

Can crates be used after the puppy is grown?

Crate training is also useful because it helps the puppy see his crate as a safe, secure place. This is useful if you ever need to transport your dog safely by car or plane at a later date--he will already be used to and comfortable in the crate, reducing the risk of accidents or anxiety in your dog.

How long does crate training take?

The way a dog reacts and handles crate training is different for every dog, and the process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or even a month. That's why it is important that you are dedicated to the process. Crate training begins gradually, with letting your puppy eat meals in the crate so he gets comfortable, eventually working up to comfortably spending hours at a time in the crate if needed.

How does crate training help with housetraining?

Crate training helps with housetraining in a number of ways. First of all, it will keep the puppy from using the bathroom all over your home any time he or she wishes. Second, dogs instinctively like to keep clean, so they will not eliminate in areas where they are confined unless they absolutely can't control it. The puppy will learn to whine when he needs to be let out, and you can immediately put him outside when this happens.

Can an older dog be crate trained?

The old saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" doesn't apply to crate training. Sometimes, when an older dog has been adopted with little training, the crate training process begins after puppyhood. It can still work on an older dog.

Crate training is a useful form of training for puppies and dogs.

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