There is a lot of debate about crate training among dog owners, much of it caused by concern for the safety of the dog, both physical and mental.

The mental side of the debate is summed up in one sentence: Some people believe that crate training is cruel to the dog because it is locking them in a little cage for the day.

The truth is that to a dog, having a crate can be comforting. This is because it gives the dog somewhere all their own to go when they are stressed and need to be alone, separate from other dogs, humans, or anything else in the house. Since no one else goes in their crate but them, it is somewhat like their own home inside their house.

Read the rest of this entry