Kenneling your dog, Useful or Cruel? Fenton, MI

First and foremost, it's important to note that a kennel is nothing more than a training tool. Because of that, there are many opinions and controversies on how, when, or even if they should be used.

“My dog has crate anxiety, and paws and scratches at the crate.”

Understandably, it can seem mean or even cruel to kennel a dog that shows obvious signs of disliking it, or being uncomfortable when confined to a crate. This is probably a good time to point out that kennels/crates come in all different shapes and sizes.

When asked what a dog kennel looks like, most people give you the generic wire kennel description that most everyone uses.

Dogs, just like people, can have sensory issues or triggers. If left confined to a crate where they can see and hear everything around them, that could cause them to feel more anxious. Most dogs that have kennel anxiety do better in a hard plastic kennel because it can make them feel more secure.

Many dogs also do better with limited visual and auditory stimulation, which can be achieved by being covered or being in an enclosed room, with background noise playing (radio, bathroom fan, etc).

Proper steps should also be taken to work through kennel anxiety, including crate games, counterconditioning the fear/anxiety associated with the kennel, and helping to get your dog comfortable in the kennel.

“My dog is so well behaved I never needed a kennel.”

Sometimes we do get lucky and our dogs are easier to train than others. Almost as if they came with all the training already. As a parent, this is the easiest way to explain this: would you let your baby crawl around your house with no limitations? What is a kennel if not a baby gate or a pack and play that limits your child's (dog’s) access to potentially dangerous things.

Your dog doesn’t come to you knowing the layout of your home, what you expect from him, what he is or is not allowed to get into, and from my personal experience, they definitely don’t come knowing not to go potty in the house.

Kennel training can be useful during potty training, teaching your pup boundaries and limiting them from getting into trouble. Dogs are a lot like children, and like children they need to be taught everything — using a kennel makes the teaching process easier.

Other possibilities you may run into during your dog’s life - the vet, the groomer, the boarding kennel, or even visiting somewhere, that requires your dog be confined to a kennel for a period of time. Dogs that have never been acclimated to a kennel will have a much more difficult time during their stay.

“Kenneling your dog is cruel!”

This is a pretty vague statement, because I disagree that using a kennel is cruel, but I agree with the arguments people use to back up this statement.

It is absolutely cruel to force a dog to live in a kennel, and not give it the proper amount of mental and physical stimulation needed for the dog to be successful.

I have a Belgian Malinois in my home, and I also have 4 children. There are times when my pup is hanging out with the family and cuddling with my kids. But there are also times when she is in her kennel because we need her to be out of the way for one reason or another.

My dog has a working purpose, and a family home purpose. All of her needs are met even though she’s kenneled when I leave my house, or overnight while my family is sleeping.

If you’re having trouble with kennel training, give us a call at 248-733-3776 to discuss your problems with our pro staff. Serving Genesee and Livingston County MI.