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Can you house train a dog without crates?

The large crate is too big to put anywhere. So if you put up baby gates(that you can’t jump over), in a room and put him in there, is there a way to house train him without the crate?

Of course. How do you think they did it before crates? Some think a crate makes for easier and shorter training. I disagree. The old tried and true method is to have the dog on a leash in the house so that it is never out of your sight and you can quickly take it outside when you see it squatting or lifting a leg. Have a regular time you take the dog outside to potty. When you can’t be with or have the dog with you then you contain it in a small area of the house with easily cleaned floors. You never scold a dog for pottying in the house. You clean up the mess and make a fuss at the mess not at the dog. Dogs learn really fast when you catch them pottying and scoop them up and take them outside while they are doing it. They do not like that and will learn. See where one of the answerer’s said they also use the crate to keep the dog from chewing things? This is what I do not like about the crate. It is used for avoidance rather than training the dog to not chew inappropriate items, they just crate it, dog does not learn anything.

Pros and Cons of Wire General Cage Dog Crates

In 1964 there was a manufacturing company in Indiana called Monticello Manufacturing, they made square, wire mesh trash burners. One of their customers was using and selling these as a cage to hold puppies. Now, unlike today, the pet trade was practically nonexistent. But, as a forward thinking company, they saw the opportunity and formed a spin off company called General Cage and started making wire dog crates. In the last 40 years, their product line has expanded, but lets take a detailed look at the pros and cons of the original wire General Cage dog crates.

Benefits of wire dog crates:

• They allow your dog to see what is going on around them. This can either qualify as a pro or a con, depending on your dog. Your dog may normally have the run of the house, but sometimes he needs to be put in his crate. A wire General Cage dog crate allows your dog to feel more like a part of what is going on in your home because he can see what is going on around him.
• Wire crates are well ventilated, this can be especially important if you live in a warmer climate or if your dog has a longer coat. It allows plenty of air flow for your dog to stay cool.
• Wire crates are collapsable for easy storage, and can be broken down quickly and conveniently.
• They are easy to clean with their slide out tray. If your puppy does have an accident, the wire bottom keeps your puppy out of his mess. Being well ventilated, General cage dog crates allow any obnoxious odors to escape.
• One of the things that I really like about our wire dog crate is that it has two doors, one on the side and one on the front. Mostly we use the front door, but there have been times when traveling when only the side door has been accessible.
• Last, many General Cage dog crates offer dividers. A divider can be used to keep two dogs separated without getting a second kennel, or are great if you have a puppy that will grow to be a large dog. It saves you money by only having to buy one crate that will last your puppies growing spurt. A small puppy in too large of a crate removes one of the benefits of crates in general – allowing your dog to feel secure with a “den like” environment. This problem is overcome with a divider panel that can be adjusted as your puppy grows.

Disadvantages of wire crates:

• If your dog has a tendency to whine or bark, then a wire crate can accentuate the problem because he can see what is going on around him but he cannot join in the fun. Sometimes this problem can be solved with a cover or a chew toy.
• Wire General Cage dog crates offer less insulation than a plastic crate, this can be bad for smaller dogs or puppies, or if you live in a colder climate.
• They are not airline approved, so if you travel, you will need a second crate.
• Another bad thing if you travel or have to move the crate often is that they are heavier than plastic crates, especially if you have a large dog.

It is funny how an advantage for one person, can be a disadvantage for another, depending upon circumstances such as where you live, the breed of dog or even your dog’s personality. We have a wire dog crate, and it works great for our dog and lifestyle. But if a wire crate does not fit your needs, remember that General Cage dog crates come in other styles as well. The one thing I do know, is that a crate trained dog makes for a happier dog and dog owner!

About the Author

MJ owns Blue Summit Articles and is a freelance writer for Click Shops, Inc., which offers a full line of General Cage dog crates at www.dogkennelsandcrates.com.