To crate or not to crate? Is that the question 🤔

I must confess I previously didn’t use a crate, i thought it was something I didn't need to do, but before getting my most recent dog…I changed my mind.

Why?

I’m not totally sure, but I know it was a great decision.

I purchased the crate well in advance of fluff-balls arrival.

Sure it was hard sometimes, I felt bad, a little guilt.

The big puppy eyes stared at me.

Sometimes there was a little cry.

But I definitely don’t regret it and realise how good it was for my dog.

A great decision. The best decision.

It's not for everyone, but any future balls of fluff that happen upon us will be crated.

And I encourage everyone to consider a crate as a fantastic thing to have in your home and routine

Using a crate is beneficial for many reasons, some in the immediate, and some for the future.

For the immediate at the puppy and adolescent stage some ways it can help are:

• Creates a safe space for puppy to have, almost like their 'room'

• Useful to learn to be separated from their humans

• Helps with toilet training

• Management of behaviours

• Nap time encouragement

• A safe space for them to be when no one is home for short periods (they cant go chew cords, toilet paper, shoes or furniture!!)

For the later, some benefits include:

• I don’t have to worry if the pooch needs to be in a crate at the vet, or any other place as they are used to it already and won't have any added stress by being placed in there

• In the event of evacuation like floods or fire I can be assured my dog will be able to be confined in an evacuation centre or other place

• It’s versatile to take a crate to a new place on holiday or visiting family, and the dog finds it familiar and safe

• General management, injury recovery, surgery recovery etc

• Its still a safe space for your dog to have that is their own

Crate training doesn’t need to be hard and it can be started at any age, but if you’re getting a puppy I recommend setting everyone up for success, puppy & you, by starting straight away and being consistent.

Crates are NOT cruel.

They are NOT a place to cage a dog for long periods.

It is NOT a place to be used for 'punishment' or isolation.

Crates have enormous benefits and can be a useful and even stylish addition to every home!