Are Dog Crates Mean? ..

The purpose of a dog crate is not to keep one's dog locked up. True, the dog is confined. However, it is for providing security, housebreaking, and comes in good use when traveling.

When crates are used by good, responsible dog owners - the short answer is no.

If the correct type of crate is chosen, than your dog may become accustomed to liking it (as long as the time inside is limited). Dogs' ancestors were cave-dwellers, therefore a nice crate may come to be seen as a room of their own, from the dog's point of view.

Your relationship with your pup may benefit from the correct use of a crate, as well. This is because the responsible use of a dog crate will prevent undesirable behavior from your pet, for instance, when you aren't able to be around. And it should aid in your dog not developing bad habits, such as soiling carpet or destroying the couch.

Housebreaking becomes easier with the use of a crate. Dogs don't like to soil their sleeping area. Who or what would like to sleep like that? Therefore, the dog is trained to wait until it is taken outside.

The Right Kind of Dog Crate

Wire crates that have removable metal floor pans are best. While plastic crates might be okay for some dogs, many will chew up the plastic. You also want to make sure the crate has a smooth floor or be willing to add a crate bed for your pup's comfort.

Crate Size

Your dog should be able to stretch out when lying on it's side. It should also be tall enough so that your dog can sit all the way up, stand on all 4's, and not have to keep its head down. Even if your dog is just a small puppy, the logical thing to do is buy a crate large enough to accomodate its expected adult size. 

Many crates can be partitioned by purchasing wire or a pegboard, in the meantime. The reason you would want to make the crate smaller while it's still growing is so that the dog does not relieve itself on one side of the crate and sleep on the other. This undermines the purpose of housebreaking it.

Where should you put the dog's crate?

Since dogs are social, just like their human counterparts, place the crate in a social setting, such as the kitchen or family room. The crate should be moved into your bedroom at night, so you can hear your puppy if it needs to go out. There are crates you can now buy that are made to fit in with your furniture. You can even have one custom made, with shelves or extra storage!

Prices

When seeing crate prices for the first time, you may think the range (anywhere from $40-$300) is expensive. However, reconsider this when tallying up the costs of replacing carpet or even a couch!

Keep in mind that not all dogs, usually adults, are capable of tolerating the confinement of a crate. If your dog shows no desire to keep the crate clean, than it is mostly likely telling you the crate is just not for him. If this is the case, please discuss some alternatives with your vet, instead of forcing your dog into a situation that is unbearable for him or her.