Puppies and grown dogs alike, a dog cage can be a useful dog training tool for any age dog. Dogs naturally crave shelter even indoors, they will find it under a table, chair or bed, virtually anywhere that will make them feel safe and secure. By providing a dog cage for your dog you are giving them the security they want in a safe clean environment that you control. Dogs naturally avoid soling their “den” and by putting your puppy into a cage you are promoting them to hold their bladder until they are in an appropriate area. After dogs have reached maturity from 3-6 months, they gain the ability to hold their bladder and potty training becomes more possible.
Using a dog cage is meant for any age dog, not only can it be useful for potty training but also to help prevent property damage. Keeping your dog inside their dog cage while out of the house or at work can eliminate coming home to a house full of chewed up pillows and soiled rugs.
When trying to decide when to stop using a dog cage the answer fully depends upon the dog. Some only use a cage while still puppies but others will use their cage as their own place to feel safe their entire life. For older dogs, small children and other pets can cause your dog to become stressed and having a place where they can go to feel safe and be alone is critical to the well being of some dogs. Other dogs prefer the hustle and bustle of every day life and then a dog cage isn’t needed. Be sure to place your cage near the daily activity of the house, dog are naturally social animals and usually crave the presence of their masters.
To prevent barking a dog cage cover should be used. Typical dog cages are built of metal wire and are exposed on 5 sides but by simply using a cover, which can be a towel over the top, the visibility your dog has decreases. If your dog doesn’t know your there they won’t bark for attention. If you feel your dog suffers from separation anxiety and shows signs such as excessive chewing and salivation, scratching walls, floors and doors (most commonly exit doors) and worst case scenario escape attempts through windows and doors, seek professional attention for the best way to help your dog.
One last thing to make sure of is to get a cage that fits your dog, having too large of a cage can make a dog feel uncomfortable and too small of a cage won’t be comfortable. By using the right dog cage you can relieve the stress of coming home to a destroyed home and help your dog feel safe a secure.