When you get a new puppy, there are so many things you need to teach them. Where to potty, what to chew, to come when you call them, and on and on. You might be wondering if crate training should be a priority. Is it worth it?
Crate training does have a lot of benefits. From safety to your own mental health, here are 8 ways that crate training can make your life easier.
1. Keeps your home safe from your puppy.
In case you didn’t already know, puppies have special destructive powers. They can turn the corner of your rug into a pile of shreds in just a couple minutes. They can transform your $100 pair of shoes into unwearable garbage in the blink of an eye. Crating ensures your puppy cannot unleash destruction when you’re not supervising them, or when you’re not home.
2. Keeps your puppy safe from your home.
On the flipside, your home may present some potentially dangerous situations for your pup while you’re away or not watching them. Crating keeps your puppy safe from harm, such as choking, poisoning or injury.
3. Helps with potty training.
A crate makes potty accidents much less likely when you can’t supervise your pup.
4. Maintains peace in multi-dog homes.
If you’re bringing home a puppy and you already have an adult dog, the crate can help promote a positive dynamic between the two. When the older dog has had enough of the puppy, one of them can hang out in their crate so that the puppy doesn’t pester the adult dog. This keeps everyone happy and prevents grudges from forming.
5. Makes travel easier with your pup.
Whether you’re flying or driving, a crate helps your dog stay safe and comfortable during travel. Once you’ve made it to your destination, you can safely crate them in your Airbnb or your friend’s house while you go get groceries. It’s not a good idea to leave your puppy loose in an unfamiliar home (and some places don’t even allow it) so if your dog knows how to calmly chill in their crate, they can join you on more fun adventures.
6. Helps with injury or illness recovery.
Life happens and sometimes your pup might get sick or injured. They may need to take it easy while they recover, and if they know how to relax in their crate, it can really help. Additionally, your dog may have to be in a kennel at the vet, so teaching the crate skills will make that experience much less stressful.
7. Helps your puppy get enough sleep.
It’s very important for puppies to get enough sleep for their physical and mental development. An overly tired puppy tends to be very bitey, barky, and jumpy. Puppies also don’t like to miss out on the action, so they may fall asleep on the carpet, but then wake up as soon as you get up to go to the kitchen. This keeps them from getting adequate, uninterrupted sleep, which results in a difficult puppy. The crate can help them get good sleep so they are happy and well-rested!
8. Keeps you sane!
Sometimes you just need a little break from your puppy. But you can’t simply ignore them, or else they might cause mayhem. Or they might decide biting your feet is the best game ever. You can let your puppy chill in their crate while you do what you need to do, without having to think about where they’re at and what they’re doing.
Now, there are other ways to safely confine your pup. Pens and gates can also work well, and I often recommend my clients use a combination of all these strategies.
But, a crate offers a lot of flexibility and saves on space. For example, it’s a lot easier to pack up a crate on a road trip, than it is to haul a pen around with you.
Ultimately a crate is a tool that helps you live a safe, harmonious life with your puppy!
And that’s what my Peak Puppy Potential program is all about – reducing your frustration and overwhelm so you can actually enjoy your puppy while teaching you and your puppy practical skills (like crating!) for a fun, adventurous life together.
Private, in-home training and socialization are offered to puppy owners in the Chicago suburbs. Virtual training is available worldwide.
If you’re interested in giving your puppy the best start, book a free consultation with me HERE.
