Do you have a special spot where you like to retreat to for some peace and quiet? A place to sit back and relax where no one will bother you?
It’s so important for our peace of mind to escape and have a moment for ourselves - but does your dog have that same place?
Just like us, it is very important for your dog also to have THEIR place. A place he or she can go to that’s THEIR spot where not only do they enjoy stealing naps but where they feel comfortable and can retreat to when they need to get away from the daily stress or activity. A spot that kids will not come by to pet them as they sleep, a place we do not move them away from to make room for company or clean in the spot they are in etc. Even though we are always well- meaning.. there are times our dog(s) would just rather have that time out – as we do and just be, relax in a safe and secure spot all of their own.
CRUELTY – OR KINDNESS?
As The Pet Owner Sees It:
“It’s like a jail – it’s cruel – I’d never put MY dog in a cage like that!” If this is your first reaction to using a crate, you are a very typical pet owner. As a reasoning human being, you really value your freedom; and since you consider your pet an extension of the human family, it’s only natural to feel that closing him in a crate would be mean and inhumane, would probably cause him to resent and even to hate you, and may result in psychological damage.
As The Dog Sees It:
“I love having a room/house of my very own; it’s my private special place, my ‘security blanket’ and the closed door really doesn’t bother me.” If your dog could talk, this is how he may well express his reaction to using a crate! He would tell you that the crate helps to satisfy the “den instinct” inherited from his den-dwelling ancestors and relatives, and that he is not afraid or frustrated when closed in. He would further admit that he is actually much happier and more secure having his life controlled and structured by human beings – and would far rather be prevented from causing trouble than to be punished for it later.
So… to you it may be a “cage” – to him, it’s “home.”
WHY USE A CRATE?
A dog crate, correctly and humanely used, can have many advantages for both you and your pet. With the help of a crate:
You can:
• enjoy complete peace of mind when leaving your dog home alone, knowing that nothing can be soiled or destroyed and that he is comfortable, protected and not developing any bad habits;
• housebreak your dog more quickly by using the close confinement to encourage control, establish a regular routine for outdoor elimination, and to prevent “accidents” at night or when left alone;
• effectively confine your dog at times when he may be underfoot (meals, family activities), unwelcome (guests, workmen, etc.), over-excited or bothered by too many children, or ill;
• travel with your dog without risk of the driver being dangerously distracted or the dog getting loose and hopelessly lost, and with the assurance that he can easily adapt to any strange surroundings as long as he has his familiar “security blanket” along;
Your dog can:
• enjoy the privacy and security of a “den” of his own to which he can retreat when tired, stressed, or ill;
• avoid much of the fear/confusion/punishment caused by your reaction to problem behavior;
• more easily learn to control his bowels and to associate elimination only with the outdoors or other designated location;
• be spared the loneliness and frustration of having to be isolated (basement, garage, outside) from comfortable indoor surroundings when being restricted or left alone;
• be conveniently included in family outings, visits, and trips instead of being left behind alone at home or in a boarding kennel.
Safety is #1, remove your dog’s collar while he/she is in the crate, take out all choking hazards and or toys that are questionable without supervision.
April 15th, 2010 
Amy 
