“I got rid of his crate as soon as he was house-trained.  He didn’t need it anymore.” Yes, a crate can serve a strictly utilitarian purpose.  Or it can instead serve a more humane purpose – comfort and security for your dog.  A well-appointed crate can also provide more comfort and security for you. 

When you were a baby and you grew out of your crib, did you stop sleeping in a bed, or did you simply move to a bigger fancier piece of furniture?  And when you grew out of your crib, did you then move your bed out into the living room?  My guess is you enjoy the comfort and solitude a warm, comfy bed in a quiet room provides.  Most animals do – human and non-human.  That crate may well be providing a sense of security for your dog.  And if it’s well-appointed with a comfy bed, toys, food, water, etc. your dog will likely prefer to be in his crate over the floor in the living room.  Remember, most dogs, when left alone for extended periods of time will chose to sleep in one or two places.  They don’t spend their time roaming the house while you’re gone.  If the “place” your dog chooses is his crate, better for you.  And no one says you have to close the crate door all the time.  Lots of dogs will willingly enter and sleep in a crate on their own if it has been presented in a positive light. 

A dog who does not enjoy the chaos of company coming for dinner will likely feel much better in a well-appointed wire-framed “bed” in a back room.  You can provide a frigid prison cell, or you can provide a nice room with a comfy bed and a door that closes.  The second choice will probably make you and your dog feel more comfortable.  Next week we’ll talk about situations in which a crate may not be the best option.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.

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