Are you contemplating crate training your dog but not sure of the benefits of doing so?

Crate training my dog was in my opinion the best thing I could have done and I would highly recommend it.

Here’s why: Before I bought my dog, Ruby, a friend of mine suggested that I buy a crate and use it from the very beginning.

I have to admit that up until then I had only considered crates to be of use when travelling or visiting the vets. However it has turned out to be beneficial to both myself and my dog.

As all puppies Ruby was in the habit of taking frequent naps during the day so each time she became tired I popped her into the crate and closed the door.

At first she had a blanket in there and a puppy training pad, just in case. I found that she slept soundly and was undisturbed by normal household activity.

As soon as she awoke I let her out and took her outside for her toilet. After only two days I found that she would happily retreat to her crate at regular intervals for some peace and quiet.

She still does this today either for a nap or to get away from the hustle bustle if the house is busier than usual. She feels secure and safe in there and it has become her little den.

From day one I used the crate as her night time sleeping area and designated part of the kitchen where she would be warm and away from draughts.

It is normal for puppies to cry at night for the first couple of nights and Ruby was no exception but because she was safely locked up I knew she could come to no harm, or indeed become bored and cause any damage to my kitchen.

After two nights she realised that crying didn’t result in me getting up and giving her attention and she settled to sleeping through the night.

Now her crate is available to her all of the time and her door is open all day for her to use her den whenever she wants to.

It comes in very handy if I need to leave the house as she happily lounges in there until I get back.

I bought the wire type of crate that is collapsible if necessary so she has a good view of what is going on and doesn’t feel like she is missing out while in there.

Please remember not to use the crate to lock up your dog if it does something wrong. You do not want your dog to associate the crate as being a punishment, but as a happy safe place to be.

 I hope this has been useful to you if you are thinking of crate training your dog too.