All Questions About Dogs And Crates

[SarahofSydney]

I am really fascinated by the crate no crate debate. Of my 3 previous dogs I never thought to use a crate as we lived in largish houses with access to outdoors. My first a sheltie took about 6 weeks to toilet train and proceeded to train our new border collie pup when she arrived, who has then trained a rough collie pup many years later. They all still ocassionally had accidents but nothing I would consider to be an issue. We also made specific travel hammocks so they never used crates in the car. http://www.instructables.com/id/Dog-Travel-Hammock/

I am now living in an appartment without a backyard, though we have a nice park next door. I will also be borrowing a car when needed so no chance of a permananet dog set up. So I am considering a crate? I cannot say I am a fan of the idea so far, but would like my pup to be happy and relaxed should we need to travel in the crate in the car or stay away from home.

Could anyone offer suggestions for the most appropriate way of crate training if it is mostly being used for travel and safe space away from home? Or any other pros/cons to the whole debate.

Sarah.

As part of the no crate minority . . . I see no reason to introduce crate training here. If your pup is non-destructive and relaxed with freedom of the place, he or she will be fine in the car without confinement, and more comfortable unconfined in the apartment than confined. If you're worried about safety travelling, you can work on things with straps and / or barriers, or simple training to keep the dog in the back for times the car is in motion. Crates are a PITA. They make it hard to vacuum or mop floors. They take up space. My dogs are much happier on the couch, where they can snuggle up and get their butts scratched!

Thank you for the input. I have to use a crate for the car as it is part of the rules of the carshare I am with. We are also likely to stay at friends or relatives a few times a year and I'm wondering if having a familiar 'bed' in the crate would be more relaxing, especially around other dogs? If I didn't need a crate for the car I don't think I would even consider it?

I think I've answered my own question AND totally confused myself :p

[SarahofSydney]

If you just want pup to get used to the crate, leave it open and put pup's food in there. After a while you can wait until pup is super tired and hungry and give him his meal with the door shut. My pup is either fed in her crate or via training or a mix of both. She literally bounces into her crate with excitement - it should always be an incredibly positive association.

Thank you. This sounds like good advice.