When we brought home our Schnauzers, Buzz and Woody, they had already received basic dog training, which was evident in their behavior. They were well-behaved, knew commands like sit and stay, were housebroken, and were familiar with using the designated door to go outside. Moreover, they were crate trained and felt comfortable in their crates. This was my first encounter with using dog crates, and the question arose: do most people leave their dogs in crates when they leave the house?
I must admit that using crates turned out to be a great solution for our family. We no longer had to worry about our dogs getting into trouble while we were away. If we came home late, we didn’t have to deal with any messes on the floor. There was no concern about our furniture being damaged due to unexpected situations like a sudden thunderstorm occurring in our absence. Our dogs felt secure and cozy in their crates. Like most dogs, they wouldn’t soil the area where they slept. Each dog had its own crate placed next to each other, providing ample space for them to relax.
Before leaving the house, we would instruct them to lie down. They would enter their crates and wait for a treat as a reward for their good behavior. After this, we would pet each dog, inform them of our departure, when we would return, and what they should do while we were away. This routine helped keep them calm, and they would usually just sleep until our return. We made sure not to leave them in their crates for more than four hours at a time during the day.
Since we have a multi-story home, we got identical crates for the bedroom where they slept with us. Every night, the same bedtime routine was followed. Adjustments were made to what we told them, considering that we were all staying in for the night. This setup worked well for everyone. The two snorers of the family, Buzz and I, had our own dedicated areas for a peaceful rest.
I believe that using a crate, coupled with proper training, is beneficial for your dog. It provides them with a safe space they can retreat to when you are not around, during sleeping hours, or when the household atmosphere becomes overwhelming. Some individuals argue that confining dogs in crates when they are away is cruel, advocating for giving pets free roam of the house. On the other hand, some might not see the value in crate training or prefer not to have a crate out all the time. In my perspective, they are missing out. A crate offers a secure environment for your dog, whether you are home or traveling.
Have you tried using a crate for your dog when you are not home? What have your experiences been like? If you haven’t used a crate, what are your reasons? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
For more articles by Tim Link:
• What Are the Strangest Things Your Dog Has Buried?
• Are Your Dogs as Fascinated by Smelly Things as Mine Are?
• Does Your Dog Like to Sing? Is It a Joy or a Nuisance?
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