Crates are virtually essential for any dog that isn't yet housetrained. When of appropriate size, it serves as a comfortable, den-like bedroom, something almost all dogs naturally want to keep free of urine and feces.
Can you have a dog without a crate?
Some people just don't like them, others may have adopted a dog that experienced abuse from a previous owner involving a crate and some just don't have the room for one in a small home or cannot stand the look of one ruining their interior design. The good news is, you can succeed at house training without a crate.
What happens if you don't crate train your dog?
Interactive food toys like Kongs or Buster Cubes can keep your pup busy for hours. Break up the day with a walk. Find a family member, neighbor or dog walker to take your pup out for a potty break, some exercise, and a bit of people time. Be sure to puppy proof your dog' space.
Is it cruel to crate a dog at night?
It is not cruel to crate a dog at night as long as he is properly crate trained, enjoys being in his crate, has had plenty of out-of-crate time during the day, and was given a potty break before going to sleep.
When should a dog stop using a crate?
If housetraining is the reason you've crated your puppy, it is suggested to set a deadline of two months from the last accident indoors—as in, if your puppy hasn't soiled inside his crate or in your home for two months, then it may be time to start exploring phasing out the crate.
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