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Companions
To Crate, or not to Crate; that is the Question	Wendy Anastasiou
The crate is a wonderful tool, that when used correctly can help you raise a well behaved pup; but when used incorrectly it can quickly become a torture device that causes behavior problems like excessive chewing, inappropriate elimination, barking, aggression, irrational fears, and anxiety. Crates have become a popular control device for limiting a pupís access to inappropriate chew items, and for aid in housebreaking. The standard rule of thumb for leaving a pup in a crate is no more than 1 hour for every month old the puppy is, and never longer than 8 hours in a day no matter what the dogís age (not including sleeping at night). Most people use the crate on a daily basis when they go to work. Most puppies spend between ten and twelve hours in a crate during the day with no break; this is too long. When the owner comes home to let them out, they are crazy with energy, and covered in pee. The owner is upset and frustrated with the puppy for being so unruly, and for peeing in the crate. Sometimes the owner puts the puppy back in the crate hoping it will calm down, or to give them a chance to do things around the house. The puppy has no other choice but to be full of energy and excitement, he has had nothing to do all day. The owner, on the other hand, does have a choice to use the crate responsibly so this scenario doesnít happen. When a dog spends too much time in a crate they are not experiencing life outside the crate. When a pup has limited experiences with the real world, they develop behavior problems. The world outside the confines of their crate becomes a scary unpredictable place where any number of bad things might happen to them. In essence, these pups become ìcage crazyî much like animals in a zoo. These poor pups are worried all the time, under stimulated mentally, destructive in an effort to relieve anxiety, and sometimes aggressive due to limited life experiences. The following are some tips for using a crate responsibly and effectively. 1) The crate should be big enough for your dog to go in, turn around, and lay down; any larger and your dog might use part of it as a potty station, any smaller and it is just cruel. 2) The crate should be kept clean and close to where family members usually are. Dogs are pack animals and feel more comfortable sleeping near their pack than in the garage alone. 3) To keep your pup happy and mentally stimulated, consider putting a Kong toy filled with treats and a swipe of peanut butter in the crate with them, as well as other non-edible toys. 4) Hire a pet sitter to visit the pup during the day so they get a play and potty break. 5) Avoid putting them in the crate when you are home or have an alternative option. 6) Never use the crate as a punishment, or your pup might think it is being punished every time you put them in there. 7) Be sure the pup goes potty before putting them in the crate. A 20 min walk will get them tired and relieve their bladder. 8) Wean them off the crate as they get older and can handle more responsibility. The crate is just one tool of many to help you raise a well behaved puppy. Please use the crate responsibly to avoid behavior problems from developing in your dog. Include your dog in your life whenever possible and the need for crate time will be greatly diminished and youíll have a better life with your Fido. Wendy Anastasiou owns Life with Fido, Canine Behavior Modification Counseling and Training, which specializes in creating happy, well-adjusted canines, one paw at a time. Call 937-470-7684, or visit lifewithfido.com for information on in-home consults and private classes, in-hospital consults, and group classes at Hartwood Animal Hospital, hartwoodanimalhospital.com
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