Why Using Dog Crates Is Not Cruel

One of the most common reasons people choose not to use dog crates is the perception that they are a cruel thing to use. People are unsure about how a dog feels when they are placed inside, but the truth is your dog doesn't see them in the same light that you probably do. Dogs naturally have a den to live inside for protection and security when in the wild, so when used correctly dog crates should be viewed as a way of replicating this.

As such, there are several reasons why keeping a dog inside a crate isn't cruel. But this also depends a lot on the manner in which you use them for containing your dog - for example, placing your dog inside with their favorite toy or treats so they know it isn't a form of punishment.

One of the most important things a den (or any living space offers) is security and protection - when speaking of a crate, this becomes especially important when traveling in the car or even on an airplane and helps ensure your dog will arrive to their destination unharmed. They also offer your dog their own place of refuge while staying at home that they can go to when they want to feel the same protection, or act as a familiar space when traveling to new environments such as the dog show.

The ability to provide your dog with such benefits shouldn't be viewed as cruel - in fact, it's actually the complete opposite. Letting your dog travel in the car without any method of containing them is actually quite dangerous (and illegal in a lot of places) and your dog may not feel as safe if they are forced to walk among potentially thousands of dogs at the show without the protection of a crate.

But with that said there are some justifiable reasons for why people assume using dog crates is cruel. The first aspect of this stems from the fact that a lot of types of crates - particularly wire crates - don't look especially friendly. More importantly, though, is the association of crates with negative training techniques - as people we assume it's akin to locking your dog in jail to discipline them, and the worrying fact is that some dog owners actually use them incorrectly in this fashion. Your dog is always learning from you, whether you trying to train them or not. If you use a dog crate incorrectly then it can have negative consequences.

The most important rule is that you should never use negative techniques to train or discipline your dog - all good dog training methodology should be based on a routine of positive reinforcement. Locking a dog inside a crate as a form of punishment is similar to using methods such as shock collars and should be avoided. Such a use of dog crates would definitely be construed as cruel, but virtually any other time you use them in a positive fashion you needn't worry because once they become accustomed to it they'll be grateful for the security it offers them.

CratesDog.com provides dog crate information and advice on types of dog crates.