Is using a crate cruel?
Recently I reposted my article on “6 foolproof steps to housebreaking a puppy” on Facebook. Frankly, I was surprised at how many comments it got that crating a dog is cruel.
For one, I am NOT, nor would I EVER be cruel to my precious fur babies! I used a crate to housebreak all of them, and I have a crate in the bedroom with an open door policy. So, I felt compelled to address this apparently controversial subject.
Confusion in Terminology, Perhaps?
Possibly it is a simple confusion in terminology. Perhaps some people confuse a crate with a cage. A cage is definitely cruel, but sadly it is also necessary in a few cases.
A cage is something you find in a puppy mill. These are often filthy, stacked on top of each other and with no type of comfort what so ever. That is cruel!
You even find dogs and cats in cages at the local animal shelter. Although it may be cruel the shelter, really has no other alternative. Responsible shelters do their very best to make them as comfortable and calming as they can while they try to find good homes for these poor animals.
A cage is something you find at the veterinarian office. Again, unfortunately, there they are necessary for your dog’s and all the other dog’s safety.
Reasons a Crate Is Not Cruel
Okay, you’ve heard this many times, dogs are den animals. I wholeheartedly believe that our domestic dogs of today have been with humans for such a long period of time that they have adapted to our lifestyle and our way of living. They no longer act as their ancestor, the wolf. However, when it comes to a crate and dogs being den animals, that has not changed. That is not the only reason — keep reading.
The point is; you may think that a using a crate is cruel, but guess what? Your dog does not feel the same way about a crate as you do. According to the AKC, dogs will seek out a den or “den-like” place when they are cold, when they sleep, or when they are stressed.
Does your Chi crawl under and snuggle into a blanket? Why do they do that? Because it feels safe, it is warm, and it feels like a den. They like the dark, warm and safe feel of a cozy den.
Not To Be MisUsed
I think that another reason for the confusion is the misuse of crates. A crate is NOT a place for you to keep your dog all day for your own convenience.
With all of that being said, using a crate can be misused and then a crate becomes cruel. Never leave a dog in a crate for a long period of time at all, ever, period. A crate is a good way to contain a puppy, for very short periods as a way to housetrain.
When a dog is already housetrained it is an option to have a crate in a quiet place in the house with the door always open where your dog can go to get away from any person or situation that may be overwhelming for them.
If your Chihuahua needs to spend the night or has a procedure of any kind, they are placed in a “cage” for their own safety.
For instance, say you are having a party. That may be the time your dog feels overwhelmed and wants to go where it is safe and quiet to rest. Perhaps you have a friend visiting with a toddler, that just loves puppies and wants to squeeze them. If there is a crate in a quiet place away from the overzealous toddler, he will go there.
It’s An Option
I’m certainly not saying that you have to use a crate after your puppy is housebroken. It is an option. Some people prefer to use a cozy bed with a blanket to serve the same purpose. Some use a cozy open doored crate and some prefer the cozy bed with a blanket option. Neither option is wrong, nor is it cruel. That is your decision according to your preference.
Here’s The Take-A-Way
To create or not to create? The answer is; it is the very best way to housetrain a puppy, as long as it is not for long periods of time for your convenience.
After that, it’s your option as to whether you use a cozy crate or a cozy bed. But you should provide your Chihuahua one or the other in a quiet place so he will always have his very own place to “chillax”.
Shouldn’t we all be so lucky to have a place that means peace and quiet? ~ PETMD
So, what do you think? Share your opinion with our readers. Do you still think a crate is cruel, regardless of the above article? Tell us why? Do you prefer a cozy crate or a cozy bed and blanket?
I love hearing from you! Please leave your comment below.
I have a small crate for my guy. It is in the closet where it is the quietest in the apartment. The closet door is always open and so is the the door to his crate. I have a carpet remnant and a dog blanket for him to burrow in in there. He goes in freely and comes out when he wants to. But saying that, I have used it when we have thunder storms because he is terrified of thunder and lightening. I hold him for the first half hour and then crate him with the door closed on the crate, keeping the closet door open so he can still hear me around. After an hour I get him out and he has calmed right down. He gets lots of cuddles when he comes out of the crate. That has worked better then the thunder jacket. Jacx mom Julie.
Hi Julie!
Yes, if a crate is not used as punishment, then it is a little den for them. They love to have a quiet place to go and decompress when they are tired or stressed. Being in a quiet place with familiar things will calm them down if they are afraid too. Thanks so much for your comment! ~ Linda
I use a two crate system. This involves purchasing two, two door crates. I removed a door from each crate and zip tied them together. One crate has a soft bed for sleeping with a food and water bowl. The other has a potty pad. This is how I trained my Yorkshire Terrier. Now that she is trained the doors are left open and she uses both crates for their intended purposes. When I got my rescue Chihuahua I used the same method. My little Chihuahua, however, uses her Yorkie sister’s potty cage. She prefers that both her cages are clean. Smart dog!
Hi, Willa!
Genious! That’s a clever idea and I’m sure your yorkies were and are very comfy!
Thanks for your comment and I hope it will help others too. Great idea 💡 ~Linda
That is a grand idea! I don’t see any new pups in the near future but will definitely remember your trick. I have recently started using washable, reusable pup pads. They are fantastic. My Mazzie chi/shi mix isn’t much of a walker so we do indoor exercise. The washables have been a lifesaver during this quarantine. She has her ‘house’ with completely open door policy. The only time I close the door is if I’m leaving the house to shop or when I’m in the shower. She’s quite nosey so this keeps her safe if I’m not there to keep her out of trouble. Thanks again for your 2 crate idea. Check on the washable pads. Amazon – highly recommend especially for small dogs.