If you feel guilty for crate training your dog, you're not alone. It's a familiar feeling amongst dog owners because they often view it as cruel. But, enclosed spaces create a place for your dog to rest and relax.
When used correctly, it's very beneficial to have a dog house for your dog. In this article, you will learn about why you should get a kennel for your dog.
1. Provide Protection and a Safe Space
Dogs have a natural denning instinct. This is because a mother gives birth and nurtures her young in a maternal den. So even though dogs don't live in dens for extended periods, the confinement can create a place to relax and feel secure.
You should never leave your dog in the crate for too long. Dogs that don't get enough exercise or human interaction can experience depression and anxiousness. With training, your dog will understand that their house provides them safety and protection.
When your dog feels stressed or tired, an indoor dog house or crate gives the dog a place for downtime. In addition, you can leave the dog house open when you're home so your dog can quickly enter it when they need a safe space. Finally, many dog owners place a dog bed inside the house to provide additional comfort.
However, when the dog is in the crate, it should be left alone. Voluntarily going into the dog house lets you know the dog needs some alone time.
Should your dog ever need surgery, being crate trained will aid the dog when it needs to recover. Illnesses and surgeries are stressful. Resting in the kennel will make complications less likely because the dog will feel relaxed.
Outdoor Dog Houses
An outdoor dog house can temporarily offer protection to your dog or stray dogs during unfavorable weather conditions. For example, dogs can use the dog house in the summer to cool down and get out of the heat when playing.
For cold months, you can consider buying a heated dog house. However, you will need to be careful because other animals may take shelter there when it is cold. Watch out for skunks, raccoons, opossums, and coyotes.
Most importantly, remember outdoor dog houses must still provide safety and comfort. They should protect the dog from the natural elements. Outdoor dog homes are not a replacement for your dog's indoor spaces. You must never leave your dog outside in high heat or frigid cold.
2. Helps With House Training and Safety
Using an indoor dog house or kennel greatly helps with house training, especially potty training. Dogs don't like lying near where they go to the bathroom. Using a dog house or crate will teach them bladder and bowel control. It would help if you created a schedule so the dog knows what times it goes in the crate and when it goes to the bathroom.
Dogs thrive on a scheduled life.
Additionally, if you have guests over or find yourself working on home renovations, you can put your dog in the kennel to keep everyone safe. There will be situations where you want the dog to stay calm in the dog's house rather than wander around the home. With proper training, your dog will learn how to relax even in hectic situations.
The dog house also helps prevent your dog from destroying your furniture and other home items when you're away. But, crates are not a replacement for dogs with separation anxiety. If you think your dog is experiencing anxiety, you can ask your veterinarian or certified dog trainer for assistance.
Crate training is a great training tool when used correctly. However, it should never be a form of punishment for the dog.
3. Safer Travel
Using a dog house teaches your dog to be confined when traveling. It's not safe having the dog unsecured in the car while driving. You can use a dog house in your home to teach the dog to use a crate or designated area in the vehicle.
Further, if you need to evacuate your home in an emergency, it will be much easier to take your dog when comfortable with the crate. The scent and familiarity will keep your dog relaxed in a stressful situation.
4. Easier Visits to the Vet
As mentioned, crate training helps make travel easier. This includes trips to the vet.
Moreover, if your dog ever needs to stay overnight at the vet, you can rest assured knowing it will be less stressed out when confused in the cage. As a result, your dog will be less likely to be frightened easily or run away.
How to Choose a Dog House
There are several things to consider when buying a dog house or kennel. First, you must ensure the size is correct. If you have a puppy, remember the puppy will grow. You can invest in a large dog house from the beginning to avoid buying a new one. The dog needs to have ample space to enter and lay down in the house.
It's also best to consider where you will put the dog house. Do you want it inside or outside? The location will affect what type of material you should choose. If it's going outdoors, you need to think about the weather conditions.
The dog house should not get soaked by rain. Wooden dog houses can rot in heavy rain or snow. Plus, in colder conditions, the dog house needs insolation. In warmer conditions, the dog house needs ventilation. These questions will help you determine if you should buy a plastic, metal, or wood dog house.
If you are traveling with your dog in the future, you should consider buying an airline-approved crate. Not all crates are suitable for flying, and airline-approved crates can be more expensive. If you know in advance about relocating, this is another option to consider. It will prepare the dog for the stressful journey.
Get a Dog House Now
Crate training your dog is beneficial to both you and your dog. Using a dog house can create a safe and comfortable place to go when it needs to de-stress and relax.
To find the perfect dog house for sale, message us at Pet Crate Direct. We offer a unique range of dog houses, crates, and kennels for you to choose from.