I realize I have a strong opinion on this subject. Please know, I'm a really nice person. I try not to be judgmental and though this may come across as a bit obnoxious - I really don't have anything against people who use crates. They're one of the nicer pieces of dog training equipment. I understand that and usually, I pick my battles with a bit more discretion. I'm sure most of the people who will read this are loving, knowledgeable dog owners and this certainly does not apply to anyone who has carefully considered the consequences of their actions. This is more or less, addressing inexperienced trainers, giving bad advice to new pet owners, who are inclined to take things a bit more literal then they ought to. I've been seeing a lot of neglected dogs lately, who ended up that way as a result of their well meaning owners - just trying to train their dogs. It's sad in my opinion and so:
This is the 3rd day of NO crate time whatsoever, for 14 week old Sophie. Crates can very quickly become a crutch. It's easier to put your puppy out of sight and mind, then it is to deal with puppy behavior. Over using a crate not only robs your puppy of quality learning experiences, it can impede muscle and joint development and contribute to neurotic, self-harming behaviours, like lick granuloumas, compulsive digging (ripping nails off), spinning..etc..
As someone with a strong background in training dogs the WRONG way, the crate regime has been pretty heavily conditioned in me and so, one of the last "tools", that has stuck around since I've crossed over. I'm proud to say,I've broken free. NO MORE UNNECESSARY CRATE TIME.
Now I don't think crates are inherently evil, aversive tools. I do think there's a time and a place for crates. It's not that you use them,it's how you use them and why you're using them. I think a crate is a very appropriate tool for keeping young, or "unhouseworthy" dogs safe, when you're out of the house. I believe it's helpful in house training. But if your puppy has NO manners (because it's always in a crate), isn't housetrained AT ALL, unless it's immediately released outdoors (after being crated for hours) and is either too fat or too thin (because it has no opportunity to develop muscle tone, what with being locked in the crate all the time, and such) AND YOU HAVE BEEN CRATING IT FOR HOURS each day since you got it 4 months ago. Perhaps, maybe...just maybe, you're doing something wrong.
If you're using a crate correctly and properly caring for your little one, your puppy should be spending LESS and LESS time in the crate everyday - not more.
I speak from experience here; it's not nice for anyone involved if your dog "has" to be on lockdown in a little box most of the day, because the trainer involved is too incompetent to work through basic husbandry issues.
We need to start a campaign, bring awareness to what's happening out there. How many dogs will endure sensory deprivation, atrophy of muscle tissue and weak, soft pads this year as a result of over-crating? How many dogs will suffer at the hands of another ignorant, unskilled trainer? Or a pet owner, who's taking advice from such a person?
Obviously this post is directed to people who are using crates excessively, or are housing their animals in veri kennels. NOT everyone who uses crates is the boogeyman! I use crates! My friends use crates!
I just got all worked up today. Sorry for the rant.
This is the 3rd day of NO crate time whatsoever, for 14 week old Sophie. Crates can very quickly become a crutch. It's easier to put your puppy out of sight and mind, then it is to deal with puppy behavior. Over using a crate not only robs your puppy of quality learning experiences, it can impede muscle and joint development and contribute to neurotic, self-harming behaviours, like lick granuloumas, compulsive digging (ripping nails off), spinning..etc..
As someone with a strong background in training dogs the WRONG way, the crate regime has been pretty heavily conditioned in me and so, one of the last "tools", that has stuck around since I've crossed over. I'm proud to say,I've broken free. NO MORE UNNECESSARY CRATE TIME.
Now I don't think crates are inherently evil, aversive tools. I do think there's a time and a place for crates. It's not that you use them,it's how you use them and why you're using them. I think a crate is a very appropriate tool for keeping young, or "unhouseworthy" dogs safe, when you're out of the house. I believe it's helpful in house training. But if your puppy has NO manners (because it's always in a crate), isn't housetrained AT ALL, unless it's immediately released outdoors (after being crated for hours) and is either too fat or too thin (because it has no opportunity to develop muscle tone, what with being locked in the crate all the time, and such) AND YOU HAVE BEEN CRATING IT FOR HOURS each day since you got it 4 months ago. Perhaps, maybe...just maybe, you're doing something wrong.
If you're using a crate correctly and properly caring for your little one, your puppy should be spending LESS and LESS time in the crate everyday - not more.
I speak from experience here; it's not nice for anyone involved if your dog "has" to be on lockdown in a little box most of the day, because the trainer involved is too incompetent to work through basic husbandry issues.
We need to start a campaign, bring awareness to what's happening out there. How many dogs will endure sensory deprivation, atrophy of muscle tissue and weak, soft pads this year as a result of over-crating? How many dogs will suffer at the hands of another ignorant, unskilled trainer? Or a pet owner, who's taking advice from such a person?
Obviously this post is directed to people who are using crates excessively, or are housing their animals in veri kennels. NOT everyone who uses crates is the boogeyman! I use crates! My friends use crates!
I just got all worked up today. Sorry for the rant.