I have had and worked with a number of dogs who, prior to coming to live with me, spent way too much time confined in a crate. So, I understand the impulse when bringing a dog like this home to give them free-reign and as much space to choose from as possible.
At the same time, there are big disadvantages to either or thinking: ALWAYS crate or NEVER crate. Animals are individuals. Not offering a crate, is one of my regrets with one of my fearful dogs, Trooper.
Under the tutelage of Jean Donaldson at The Academy for Dog Trainers, when my rescue puppy mill pup, Tish, continued to have potty accidents in the house. I reluctantly decided to try crate-training for house-training. Tish's sister, Lily, picked up house-training quickly with a few weeks of making sure she had lots of opportunities to go outside, always rewarding for pottying outside, and putting her outside quickly to interrupt accidents.
But Tish continued to have accidents, so I crate-trained her and then used the
crate for house-training. It took three-weeks of diligence — and it worked a charm! Our house is much happier without those messes.
This was when I learned that my little introvert dog likes to use the crate as her safe space. She chooses it. So, now, even though I never need her to be in it at home, I leave it out and open and Tish can decide to hang out in there if she wants.
Tish can be a very cuddly and social dog. She often likes to follow me around the house, but sometimes her social-o-meter gets full. Then, she will go lie down in the bathroom for some "me time" or other times she will choose her comfy crate.
My spouse and I call the crate Tish's “space out”. I have made an agreement with Tish that I won’t touch her or bother her when she’s in there. She has the freedom to opt-out of social interaction.
This is a great way to help build confidence in fearful dogs and put them at ease. Some individuals will really like the crate option. Some won’t.
Tish’s extrovert sister, Lily, on the other hand, never chooses a crate. Instead she has her favorite chairs and spots on the sofa.
If your dog is fearful, it may be worth giving them a crate with an open door, covered with a blanket, and kitted out with comfy bedding as an option.
If your dog is continuing to have accidents, then crating for house-training (for 2-3 weeks) is a great way to go.
What I will strongly state is that crates should not be used without crate-training, which is an incremental, at the dog's pace, process to make sure your dog feels relaxed and comfortable in the crate. The same goes for muzzles which can be a useful tool, but muzzle-training is key.
I can help with both!
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