17/02/2023
Crates.
Crates seem to be a bit of a controversial subject these days, and I felt compelled to make a post about them, after a discussion with someone I met on a dog walk today, who told me, in no uncertain terms, that crates are cruel. Not only that, but my dogs are abused, because I use crates.
Since I’ve owned my own dogs, I have always used crates. And I always will. I genuinely don’t know how people live with dogs without a crate. Absolutely no judgement from me if you don’t use them, I just know I would struggle without them.
My dogs are crated every single night, without exception. They will never not be crated at night. They are also crated, regularly throughout the day. My main reason for this, is their safety. My dogs are young. My boy dog, is partial to lego, and anything else he can get his paws on. If you follow my personal page, you will know that he’s tried to eat and chew some questionable things. When he is in his crate, he can’t do this. Another big benefit, is that my dogs get adequate rest in their crates. Young dogs can be like toddlers, if they don’t get enough rest, they do silly things, annoy one another, harass my cat etc. I crate my dogs after every walk and after every training session. This allows their body and brain to recover. I never use crates as a punishment. I remember going to a training class ran by the lovely Pawzitivity Dog Training. Where Dianne said the crate should feel like finishing work on Friday evening, when you have your favourite tv show on, and a takeaway in your lap. Complete relaxation and contentment. That’s what it is for my dogs. Their crates are available 24/7, and they happily go in of their own accord.
Also, let’s not forget that, God forbid, your dog is ever at the vet for a longer period of time, or recovering from surgery, having a dog that’s crate trained will make life, yours and theirs, so much easier.
My dogs have a pretty decent life. They have adequate exercise, training, great food, they partake in dog sports, lots of love and affection, and safety. Crates are a part of that.