Page 2 | Crate training - is it worth it

Tilllly · 2024-02-11T00:35:06+00:00

I'm hearing crate training but don't really know what it is or how to do it Any advice?

alsopeggy · 11/02/2024 10:11

Gorgeous pup!

Our lab is nearly 3 and she's loves her crate. Still voluntarily sleeps in it overnight and frequently naps there during the day. We don't shut the door anymore, and we never left her in if she wanted to come out.
Definitely recommend Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy for crate training tips, and I also recommend Total Recall for tips of getting started with recall training before you can even leave the house.

mitogoshi · 11/02/2024 10:17

Depends on your house a lot - we had a room we could securely leave in, slept in there always (until moved) night and when we went out. I prefer this to a crate

MrsPositivity1 · 11/02/2024 10:23

Notsonifty50 · 11/02/2024 03:52

It's definitely worth crate training. The idea is to make the crate their safe place where they are happy to be. It does not mean locking them up in there for hours or using it as a punishment.

Having a crate trained dog can also make travel much easier. Also if your dog is ever injured or has to have surgery and is on restricted exercise then it is much easier for them (and you) to cope with if crate trained.

100% agree

I found our boy would go into his crate if we had visitors and the house was rowdy and he wanted peace

fightingthedogforadonut · 11/02/2024 10:26

We've never really crate trained our dog but we do have a crate that we've made into a cosy space for her, with cover over the top to make it dark. Our dog often takes herself there when she wants peace and quiet (she has a dog bed in the living room too but this is different.) We've made it clear to DS that the crate is the dog's place and he leaves her well alone when she's in there. So even if you don't do the whole crate training thing, a crate can be of value to a dog. They like having a den.

TwylaSands · 11/02/2024 10:30

Ive just this morning read a post on southend dog training page on the importance of crate training so the dog has a safe place to retreat to and to ensure they can switch off and sleep better.

We didnt crate train our dog but if he is worried about a visitor he doesnt know, or if he is tired and wants to sleep, he takes himself to our bedroom as his safe space.

TwylaSands · 11/02/2024 10:31

fightingthedogforadonut · 11/02/2024 10:26

We've never really crate trained our dog but we do have a crate that we've made into a cosy space for her, with cover over the top to make it dark. Our dog often takes herself there when she wants peace and quiet (she has a dog bed in the living room too but this is different.) We've made it clear to DS that the crate is the dog's place and he leaves her well alone when she's in there. So even if you don't do the whole crate training thing, a crate can be of value to a dog. They like having a den.

Just spotted this. This is what the dog training place said too. Dogs like to have a den. Ours makes his own dens out of pillows.

TwylaSands · 11/02/2024 10:32

sorry for multiple posts! Why has the edit function disappeared?!

the southend dog training post also said it is worthwhile crate training as you dont want their first experience of it to be at the vers.

todayshappening · 11/02/2024 10:38

Crates are a godsend when they go through the chewing stage

Manyandyoucanwalkover · 11/02/2024 18:06

Awumminnscotland · 11/02/2024 10:11

We cage trained our golden retriever. It made sense to us for safety and routine and its her wee place she takes stuff into or retreats into if needed. It was definitely good for ensuring enough sleep in the early days for her.
Yes it's a cage but it's not used to harm her. Neither is her lead or harness just like cots and playpens and reins aren't used to harm babies. Anything can be used harmful but if that's someone's intent they'll do it with whatever they have to hand.
If you've prepared and done your research in how how not to harm your dog then you can make good informed choices about what's best for your dog and your family.

Great advice here. 🐾