Do we need a dog cage at home?

Dogs Also Like Small Spaces

Generally, owners will call it a dog house, dog cage, or kennel. But I prefer the term “dog room,” because it represents a safe and comfortable private space, which not only people need, but dogs also need.

Why do we need small spaces when we can move around at home?

For example, the whole house is a living space for the family, so why do you need your own room? Because in addition to the joyous space where the whole family lives together, people also need private solitary spaces, and so do dogs.

Don’t use “locking up” as a punishment

Often, when a dog does something wrong, the owner will call the dog into a small space and lock it up.

After a few times, the dog will think that the small space is a place where he is punished and loses his freedom, and he is unwilling to go in again.

What’s worse is that not only do dogs have a bad impression of small spaces, but some owners also have a bad interpretation of small spaces.

In fact, the room is not for locking up, it should be for relaxation and rest.

Concept Transformation: Small Space ≠ Prison

So many people think that it’s pitiful to lock the dog in a small space.

For example, imagine living with your parents and dealing with some annoying things in life, or feeling tired after exercise and not wanting to be disturbed. Wouldn’t you want to go back to your familiar room, be quiet, and recharge?

At this time, the room is a safe haven that stabilizes you.

The same is true for dogs. Dogs need to have their own small space at home to make them feel secure.

Whether it’s a prison or a dog room, it’s just a matter of changing the concept. Just like for humans, whether it’s a home or a prison depends on how you use the space.

Space Size Suggestions

The Function of a Kennel

Among all the small spaces, I recommend a kennel. Although it doesn’t have the sweet pink cottage image that girls like, it has a high cost-performance ratio.

However, as long as it’s an independent small space, it’s fine. Let the dog get used to going into the space to deal with the following situations.

Convenient for going out When you need to take the dog out, it can ensure safe driving and not be easily disturbed, such as the impact of the dog running around and scratching.
Use in emergencies In an emergency, you can put the dog in the kennel, and the owner can concentrate on handling things, preventing the dog from causing trouble. A short entry, coupled with regular habit training, will not make the dog feel disgusted.
Tool for training regular life When the dog is in the kennel, it is easier to develop a regular schedule, grasp the dog’s rest time, and help with toilet training.
Get used to being alone In a private space, if you put his favorite toys and snacks, the dog will forget the anxiety of being temporarily separated from you and become more independent and strong.

Let the Dog Love the Dog Room

The most effective way is to feed in the dog house. If the dog is not afraid of the space, you can let the dog go in and sit down before giving food.

If your dog is already afraid of the dog house, first put the food at the door of the house.

Gradually push the dog bowl inside in multiple times, let the dog go from part of the body to getting used to the whole body entering the cage, remember not to push the dog with external force.

In the early stages of training, don’t close the door first, let the dog get used to staying inside. Then gradually, you can slowly close the door, but not lock it.

Let the dog go in and out easily, and try to lock the door after the dog is very stable.

If the dog is still unwilling to go into the kennel, you can also lock his favorite food in the box first, increase the dog’s eagerness to go in, and it will be easier to succeed.

After the dog is locked in for a longer time, you can immediately take it out for a walk when it comes out, solve the dog’s toilet needs, and it is also a reward.

Later, the dog will like being locked up for a short time (more than 10 hours a night for adult dogs is okay).

Be careful not to lock it up for too long and not come out, which will make the dog hate the small space and develop the habit of going to the toilet at will inside.