Crate training

Crate training is the process of teaching a pet to accept a dog crate or cage as a familiar and safe location. Advocates claim that dogs are den-dwelling animals and that a crate can become a den substitute. While this is a widely held belief, there is little evidence to support it. Regardless, most puppies can learn to tolerate crate training if it is introduced properly. The initial stress from being confined can give way to "increased feelings of security, safety, and comfort" after repeated exposure to the crate. Long term or excessive crate confinement "may lead to emotional and behavioral deterioration over time."

Rationale

Proponents of crate training argue that dogs are den animals and that the crate acts as a substitute for a den. While this is a widely held belief, there is little evidence to support it. Borchelt (1984) states:

Nevertheless, once a dog gets used to a crate, they can see it as a place of comfort and safety. The Humane Society recommends crate training to create a place of security and comfort for a dog, while cautioning that it is not the best solution to animal behavior problems.