When it comes to crate or kennel training your dog, there are pros and cons to both. Crates can be beneficial because they provide a safe space for your dog to stay while you're away from home. Kennels, on the other hand, offer more room for your dog to move around and can be used both indoors and out. So, which is the better option for your pup? Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you make a decision.
Crates: The Pros
One of the biggest advantages of using a crate is that it can help with potty training. Dogs are naturally clean animals and they don't like soiling their sleeping area. If you confine your dog to a crate when you're not home, they'll learn to hold it until you let them out. This is especially helpful if you have a young puppy who isn't quite housebroken yet.
Another pro of crate-training is that it can give your dog a sense of security. Dogs are den animals by nature and crates provide them with a safe, comfortable place to retreat to when they're feeling anxious or overwhelmed. This can be helpful if you have a shy or timid dog who gets stressed easily. Crates can also be useful in preventing destruction around the house when you're not home to supervise – no more coming home to find that Fido has chewed up your favorite shoes!
Crates: The Cons
One downside of crates is that they can become "catch-all" storage areas if they're not kept clean. It's important to make sure you remove any items that your dog could chew on or that would otherwise make the crate an unpleasant place to be. Otherwise, your dog may start avoiding the crate altogether. Another potential downside of crates is that dogs who spend too much time in them can become anxious or stressed. This is why it's important to only confine your dog to the crate when absolutely necessary and to make sure they have plenty of time outside of the crate to exercise and socialize.
Kennels: The Pros
Kennels offer many of the same benefits as crates, but with some key differences. One advantage of kennels is that they're typically larger than crates, which means they're more comfortable for dogs who need more room to move around. They also tend to be less confining than crates, making them a good option for dogs who get anxious in small spaces. Kennels can also be used both inside and outside, which gives you more flexibility in where you place them. And because they're often made out of durable materials like metal or plastic, they're more difficult for dogs to destroy than crates made out of wire or fabric.
Kennels: The Cons
The biggest disadvantage of kennels is that they're not always as secure as crates. If your dog is determined enough, they may be able to escape from their kennel – especially if it's made out of wire mesh or other equally destructible materials. They may also be able to reach things from outside the kennel that they shouldn't have access to, like garbage cans or poisonous plants. For these reasons, kennels are not always the best option for dogs who are prone to escaping or getting into trouble when left unsupervised.
Conclusion: So, what's the verdict? Is a crate or kennel better for your pup? Ultimately, it depends on your individual dog and what works best for them. If your dog does well in small spaces and isn't prone to escaping or destroying property, then a crate may be the way to go. But if your dog needs more room to move around or has a history of getting into trouble when left unsupervised, then a kennel may be a better option. Talk with your veterinarian or another trusted animal expert before making a decision so you can choose what's best for both you and your furry friend!
