Crate Or No Crate-That Is The Question

[AngelBunny]

Another point to consider for crate training: The OP says he doesn't plan to travel. Sometimes life goes in directions we don't expect.

Let's say he needs to visit a frail relative or friend to help with something or other. It'll be very nice to have his dog crate trained, if only to give peace of mind to the person.

My DH's mom is 92 years old and lives in a just-so house filled with dainty tables on which are placed dainty items. Our two girls are welcome to visit, partly due to the fact they're crate trained. She likes our dogs, but two Rottie girls in her house is a bit much. Our girls have excellent manners, but I know DH's mom likes them as much as she does because they're crate trained.

I think crate training your dog is an important life skill for the dog.

[observer]

A crate and a traditional dog house really are two different things altogether. Crate training, inside, is an important part of raising a puppy.

I would hope you don't intend for the pup to live outside. Dogs, especially puppies (!) belong inside with their families, learning how to be family members. I assume the last Rottie you had (who I assume has gone to the Bridge) didn't live outside. The puppy should be no different.

[philipswanson]

Originally Posted by Anne

Can't see how you can house train a pup if it is kept outside in a kennel or a crate. Personally I don't like the idea of a young puppy being kept outside in a kennel. My opinion is that dogs should be inside with the family. How can you teach the dog house manners if it is not allowed in the house?

Who said anything about keeping it OUTSIDE in a crate??

[philipswanson]

Originally Posted by Anne

What's the point if this puppy is going to live outside?

Didn't say that either. Where are you coming up with these assumptions? Just because the dog has a dog house outside, doesn't mean he lives in it.

[SABELLESMOM]

Originally Posted by philipswanson

Just because the dog has a dog house outside, doesn't mean he lives in it.

Absolutely. We have dog houses in a fenced area. I'm usually out with them, training. But when not, the house is cool in summer, dry in rain, and a shelter from a blustery winter wind.

My dogs (3) live inside, with me. The longest they are out is a few (2-5) hours total on a nice day. But that's me!

Crates did help inside, for general house/potty training. But they DO have other uses. For example, pups like to chew things. Not everything they chew is safe, like electric cords, cable TV, garbage, cleaning supplies, etc. A crate is simply a safe place for yout pup to be when you need to go to the store without him/her.

Some folks prefer to let a pup have an room, say the kitchen or laundry room. The disadvantage there is, at least for me, too large an area can often prompt a healthy active pup to get into things that would be out of reach for a crated pup. Baseboards have been chewed, table legs, windowsills. If you have a pup not inclined to chew, great! But the larger space also, leaves more space for "poo accidents." Pups won't usually soil theri "den" (crate).

It's up to you. I've raised pups both ways, and find I prefer to have a crate available. It's your choice.

[DCs Dad]

With a crate, you can enjoy peace of mind when leaving your dog alone, knowing that nothing can be soiled or destroyed and that he/her is comfortable, safe, and not developing bad habits.

You can housebreak your pet more quickly by using the close confinement to motivate your pet to wait until taken outside, since canines naturally avoid soiling their den.

You can travel with your pet without risk of the the dog getting loose and becoming lost or interfering with safe driving.

Your dog can enjoy the security and privacy of den of his/her own to which he/she can retreat when tired or stressed.

Your dog can avoid much of the fear and confusion caused by your reaction to problem behavior.

Since he/she can more easily adapt to staying in unfamiliar places as long as he/she has his/her familiar "security blanket" along, your pet can be included in family outings, instead of being left behind alone.

[observer]

And you can still build a doghouse in the back yard, but that's not for keeping the dog in, just a shelter from weather while he is outside (though I agree about the supervision outside, especially of puppies.)