After house training puppies, crate use tends to fade as dogs mature. They stop destroying things. They can be trusted to be out and about with supervision. However, just because your dog doesn’t need to be crated doesn’t mean you should let their crate training fall by the wayside. Here are 3 reasons why your Service Dog needs to be crate trained.
Crating Service Dogs: In Case It’s Ever Necessary
During day to day life, your dog might not ever need to be crated. However, sometimes, events are beyond our control. If your dog needs to be hospitalized at the vet, they’ll be staying in a sanitary crate or kennel unit. Dogs who aren’t used to being crated often stress when confined or separated from their handlers. If you’re traveling, you might need to crate them at a friend or family member’s house. If you’re hospitalized, part of the requirement for having your Service Dog on unit might include them being crated while you’re undergoing testing or procedures.
Looking for guidelines on bringing your Service Dog to a behavioral health facility? Check out our guide to Psychiatric Hospitalizations With a Service Dog.
Crate Training: For Safety and Management
Sometimes dogs need to be crated for their safety. Crate training can really help with environmental management. If there’s remodeling or construction going on in your home, crating your Service Dog keeps them safe and secure. For ill or injured dogs, crating them allows them to rest and recuperate safely. If you’re working on boundaries or a behavioral issue, using a crate allows you to keep an eye on the situation and manage your training plan more effectively.
Crate Training: So Your Dog Has Opportunities for Quiet Time
Working dogs work hard. Just like people, some dogs need more alone time than others. Crate training gives your Service Dog a quiet place to rest. If your Service Dog provides task work in the home, they might not ever willingly take a break. Crating your dog is an easy way to signify that they’re off duty and they can rest, chew a bone, or enjoy some downtime.
