Reasons for Crate Training an Older Dog

Crate training is a valuable skill all dogs should learn. There are myriad reasons why crate training is so important:

Crate training is great for housebreaking

Not all older dogs come housebroken. If you’ve recently welcomed an older dog into your life and notice they can’t be in the house without accidents, you may need to potty train from scratch- and a crate is the perfect tool for house training. Very few dogs will have accidents in their crate as the space is too confined. So, if you make the crate a part of your potty-training routine, you can help teach a dog to hold their bladder longer.

Crate training can be important for safety

We love our dogs and want them to be safe and live long, healthy lives. In your house, crating your dog can keep them engaging in bad behaviors by preventing them from eating things they shouldn’t. A chewed cord or swallowed piece of your shoe could lead to choking or a bowel obstruction. With your dog safely in a crate, you can rest easy when you leave your best friend unattended.Peace of mind is important, and in the event of an emergency, such as a house fire or other natural disaster, crating your dog can ensure that they are easily located as you evacuate or are rescued by emergency personnel.When traveling with your dog, the safest place for them is within a crate. Unrestrained pets can become projectiles in a car crash, and according to the American Automobile Association, only 16% of dog owners properly crate their dogs while traveling, creating a huge risk in the case of an accident. If you need to fly with your dog, generally speaking they must be crated either in the cabin or in the cargo. It is best to prepare your dog for these situations so they are calm and happy during their ride.

Crate training can help ease anxiety

Crate training is not only beneficial for your mental health, but also your dog’s. Introducing them to the crate in a positive manner can give them a safe retreat when they are experiencing anxiety from thunderstorms, fireworks, and other loud noises. Your pup can also experience anxiety from being left alone. Because departures can be emotional for dogs and humans alike, separation anxiety is a common complaint from pet owners, and crate training can be a remedy for separation anxiety and aid in behavior modification. Beyond separation, a bustling household can also be stressful on older dogs. Especially if you have children, it is important to give your dog their own space to retreat during a stressful situation.

Crate training can help with vet visits and grooming appointments

When your dog has to go to the vet or the groomer, they will likely need to be crated- especially if your dog needs to stay overnight if they are sick or injured. Vet visits and grooming can be stressful on their own, by making sure the crate is a familiar and safe place, you can help your best friend feel comfortable and ease their mind.