The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) recommends dog crates as a means for safe and effective training and transporting.
Greenville, SC, December 1, 2012 — Mychelle Blake, President and CEO of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) is pleased to announce the APDT’s position statement on the appropriate use of crates for puppies and dogs as a short-term training tool and as safety equipment throughout the dog’s life.
“We want to assure shelters, rescues, vets, and dog owners that using crates is safe, humane and effective and in many cases can be what helps a dog stay in its home,” said Blake. “We also recommend doing your research to ensure proper size and features and use as only a form of positive training, not for punishment.”
Crates are valuable tools for house training, as well as managing the environment so dogs avoid developing problem behaviors such as destructive chewing and counter-surfing. Crates also provide safe restraint in the car, and make it easier to travel by providing short-term confinement options in a hotel or at other destinations. Crate training also helps minimize stress during times of emergency, while boarding in a kennel or while spending a night at the vet clinic. When introduced properly, a crate becomes a safe place that many dogs seek out when they need a break from a hectic home environment.
The APDT recommends introducing dogs to the crate gradually and making sure it’s a pleasant experience. It is important to choose a crate of appropriate size and adjust confinement times as the dog matures in order to build long term success. Avoid using the crate as punishment, and avoid crating a dog who is experiencing anxiety, whether that anxiety stems from the confinement itself, separation from a loved one, or from environmental factors like a thunderstorm or other dogs.
The APDT does not recommend the use of crates as a confinement tool for extended periods – this is a tool best used in conjunction with a comprehensive training and socialization program guided by a professional dog trainer. To find a trainer in your area visit the APDT trainer search page on www.apdt.com.
For detailed tips on choosing a crate, introducing your dog to it, and appropriate crating schedules, see the article on the APDT website at https://staging.apdt.com/resource-center/crate-training/.
About APDT: Founded in 1993, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) is a professional organization of nearly 6,000 trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education. APDT’s primary mission is to represent and advance the dog training profession through education and advocacy while increasing public awareness of dog friendly training techniques. www.apdt.com
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