Dog Training

Question: Should i get a dog training crate?

(Posted by: deadpie on 2010-01-25 13:51:55)

In a couple of weeks my puppy Staffordshire bull terrier will be 9 weeks old and ready to come home. Im not sure weather to get a training crate or not. i have found one that is a reasonable price and a proper make, but im not to sure on what they could help me with. i have been told they can help in all sorts of training, but i don't know. can some body tell me some of the pro's and the con's of them then an overall judgment. tyvm.

Posted by: ♥Maija's Mom♥ on 2010-01-25, 14:08:44

I am a professional trainer and I crate train all my personal dogs, and help my clients crate train their dogs as well. There is no DOWN SIDE to crate training. A crate trained dog will have it's own private place to go when it wants to be left alone (to get away from a house full of guests and just chill out) have a place for you to put it when you can't be there or can't be in the same room, will help tremendously while potty training, prevent the dog from EATING YOUR HOUSE and furniture, and shoes, and clothes, and curtains, and doorways, etc. The crate should never be used as a punishment place like a time-out.

Posted by: Coopers Mom on 2010-01-25, 14:00:08

All 3 of my dogs are crate trained. With puppies,it helps a lot with potty training.

Posted by: palominopup on 2010-01-25, 14:03:29

A crate serves several purposes. It is an aid to housebreaking since dogs will not soil the place where they sleep. A young puppy may have a few accidents in his crate, but once they understand the pattern you provide for going outside to do their business, the housebreaking issue is usually solved. It also is a place to contain your dog should you need to leave for a few hours or you have people over that may not like dogs. Dogs learn very early that their crate is like a den to them. And it is their place to go when they are tired or don't want to be bothered. A crate should never be used as punishment. Provide a few toys and chewable items to keep your puppy from getting too bored. And just remember your puppy is a baby and they will cry when you put them in it and leave them alone. So expect a few sleepless nights, and set your clock to take your puppy outside to use the bathroom every two hours and right after eating.

Posted by: ✿Abbie Border Collie✿ on 2010-01-25, 14:04:16

Thank heavens! Someone who has done research! Abbie was crate trained and now she will run into her bed when I said say 'Say night night, Abbie'. She goes in there whenever, and it taught her to hold well during the night and established she stays in her safe area. Personally, I think they're best. Pros; they teach to hold, they're a 'den', they're easy to move around, some are very easy to store away, your dog can use it as a bed, or an area of play, you can use a divider if needs be. Cons; most people have them in a bedroom, this way you're dog will see you all night and expect to always be there. I personally prefer the idea of keeping them downstairs. Best of luck with your new puppy! Thanks for researching, too!

Posted by: sapphira72 on 2010-01-25, 14:06:35

Make sure you get him neutered! Super important. The object of the crate is to prevent the dog from having the run of the house. Particularly if you're asleep, puppy's not potty trained, or new to the house. "There are a number of different techniques used by Cesar Milan. Crate training is one method he uses to house-train dogs. Crate training involves teaching a dog to go into his crate on command. " "Victoria Stilwell: I have no problem leaving dogs in crates for a certain amount of time, which is different for every dog. Some dogs don't do as well in confined spaces for long periods of time. I think the crate is a great house training tool. It's great that you've obviously desensitized your dog successfully to the crate, but many owners leave their dogs in crates for too long while they go to work. The dogs I've worked with on the show have all developed issues directly related to improper use of the crate. I do caution owners to use the crate wisely and to understand that long periods in the crate can be damaging to physical and emotional health. "

Posted by: Krista on 2010-01-25, 14:07:07

Yes you need one. First you should get him comfortable with it right away. They need to be penned up for their own safety when you are not home. They also feel safe in there. You need it for potty training. The dog needs to be put in there at night, and first thing in the morning escorted outside. They need it for travel also.You will need it, and trust me as your dog grows, you will fall into a routine with the crate, and wonder what you would have done with out it.

Posted by: BostonJeffy on 2010-01-25, 14:09:54

In addition to using the crate to house break the dog, the crate can be used to help teach the dog manners and to be calm. Put him in the crate and toss treats into the crate when he is lying down and is calm. When having people over, toss him in the crate before people come over. Once people have settled down and the down is calm, let him out. Put the dog in the crate periodically - just because. It helps establish your dominance. When traveling, you may need to put your dog in a crate. Hainvg him crate trained will make it less stressful for him (you don't want his first experience with a crate to be the day he has to fly on a plane). When going on vacation, you may need to board you dog. Having him crate trained will make boarding less stressful for him. There are no cons.

Posted by: Aduial on 2010-01-25, 14:10:57

Getting a crate can only help with training. I suggest you get one. Just don't use it as a punishment and you'll be fine. Whether not weather.

Posted by: iluvsmydogs! on 2010-01-25, 14:11:17

Yes they are awesome for training! :) you can just put her in there with a blanky and some water, and they work perfect for potty training and everything! just make sure she is not in there for to long tho, other wise your puppy might not ever want to go in there again. hope i helped! :) congratulations on the new puppy! btw i like your choice of breed :)

Posted by: Amanda B on 2010-01-25, 14:14:03

I had a puppy 10 years ago and we didn't crate train her. It took FOREVER for her to become housebroken and learn not to destroy stuff. Also when she got scared or punished she hid in a ton of different areas. When she was older, about 3-4 then it wasn't a problem and we could leave her in the house and nothing bad would happen. I now have two puppies that I decided to crate train and I have to say it's a lot easier to deal with. You don't worry about them roaming through the night, when they're bad or scared they go right to their crates, also house breaking was a breeze and it's also good when you have people over that are scared of dogs (cleaners, home repair...) On a bad side, when we decide to give them a chance of freedom and leave them out of their crates to run to the store...they get into a lot of trouble. hope those help for pro's and cons. Every dog is different and temperments change too. if you don't get a crate at least invest in a good dog bed.

Posted by: Rachel D on 2010-01-25, 14:16:38

I really don't like to be judgmental of others, but I personally disagree with crate training. People are willing to spend so much money, and dote all over their pets spoiling them happy in so many ways, then .....they put them in a tiny cage. I could understand if it were bigger, like a big play pen, but it's just big enough for them to stand up, turn around, sit down, do nothing. I have dogs, one in particular that would chew everything up like crazy, so I just kept working on the problem until I found the best solution. For me, it was my bedroom. There is basically nothing in there for the little guy to destroy, he chills on my comfy bed (even though he's not allowed :) ) and I leave the tv on for noise and window blinds open so they can see out, with their bones and toys and their as happy as can be. (This is if I have to leave them) Also you just train them to behave when other people come to the door. It should be, company = tiny cage. But I will say there are those dogs who actually like it and treat it like a cozy place to take a nap. Oh and house breaking- how about you take the dog out frequently to use the potty and reward it when it does. Not too hard. Plus some pets sadly are willing to still go to the bathroom in the cage. I've seen it, and it's messy :( Overall I'd say don't get one.

Posted by: jesisx on 2010-01-25, 14:26:18

I brought my puppy home at 10 weeks and started crate training him the first night I had him. I can't explain how much of a relief it has been. My last dog also chewed stuff up constantly, so we crated him while we were gone and it helped a lot. You can find a lot of articles about using a crate as a guide to potty training.

Posted by: Jennifer on 2010-01-25, 15:14:28

Out of all my 7 dogs, they have been crate trained myself, and i have noticed how much it has made them a better dog! its a good idea, because it teaches the dog that YOU are the boss and to listen and obey you and it is always really good for patience, so if you want a lovable dog that would listen and obey you allot easier, crate training would be the best option! I hope I have helped! goodluck!

Posted by: pin-pricks in the velvet on 2010-01-25, 19:54:19

I personally would never use a crate, but that's just me. I certainly wouldn't like being stuck in a crate, and so I wouldn't make a pet stay in one. I suppose it would be helpful for house training. I wouldn't really know. I remember when I was younger, my parents used a crate for our dog Cappuccino. He always ran away; he would seriously push the windows off and run out them. If you do use a crate, don't over-use it, and don't use it for punishment. I've seen it work with others, but I think you'd have to be careful about it.