About to get a (rescue) dog - do I need a crate?

[purrsister]

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I'm getting things together for our first dog. It will be a M/L adult dog. I know a crate can be used as a den or quiet retreat for the dog. Along with all the other essentials like leads, ID tag, bed, toys etc. do I need to get a crate?

 

[Dibbythedog]

Well done for adopting a rescue dog.
Do you know if he or she is used to a crate? Perhaps you could buy one just in case and see how it goes.

 

[Ragsysmum]

Had lots of rescues of various breeds and never used a crate at all. However, if the dog is used to one it might help. Could you borrow one, maybe from the rescue the dog is coming from?

 

[JoanneF]

A lot of people use crates to keep puppies safe from things like chewing wires and they can *help* with toilet training (because dogs prefer not to toilet where they sleep - that said they are not a solution by themselves, if a puppy has to toilet, it will have to do it where it is). And they can help keep your house safe from destructive behaviour. So with an adult rescue, whether you need one is very much dependant on the dog.

Do you know anything about the dog's background?

 

[Caro Perry]

I'd ask the rescue if he is crate trained first. I only used one when Harri was small, it was retired at about 10 months old as he really didn't need to be in one.

If you do decide to buy one they are easy to get second hand

 

[JudyN]

Having a dog who is happy in a crate can be really useful if he ever needs crate rest, or, say, you had to stay in a hotel or friend's house with him and didn't want him wandering round. Having said that they're certainly not essential and I don't use one.

 

[Mad Murphy]

Ive had lots of rescues but Ive never used a crate. However if the dog is used to it then it might be a good idea.

 

[merlina]

Have never used a crate for loads of reasons- do find out if your is used to one first. I'd really go with advice from rescue and most adult dogs should not need one anyway.

 

[JenniWDog]

I have ‘uncrate trained’ a rescue dog before as they were using it as a crutch to hide from the world and wouldn’t come out!

Have also crate trained a rescue dog - even though she was brilliantly behaved in the house - in order to put on her doggy CV to make her more adoptable. She displayed very challenging behaviour outside so we needed a few positive bullet points!

It really depends on the individual dog and why you’re doing it.

Certainly not absolutely necessary - you could get one and make it a nice cosy den and see if they go in it willingly. But if not then don’t worry about it.

Likewise if they’re used to one then it might help to ease heir stress as they’re getting used to their new home.

I bought a crate for my own dog when I got her as a puppy and she went in there once, came out and refused to ever go in there again. Fair enough.

 

[purrsister]

Thanks for your helpful replies everyone. I've found out he is happy to use a crate. I'm going to get one and put a nice bed inside as a den for him to help define his space as much as anything else when he first arrives. I'll be careful and not expect him to stay there too long.

 

[Mad Murphy]

@purrsister sounds like you have it sorted...

Its important to make sure it is his safe space. Sadly Ive seen some terrible abuses of crates since they became popular with some dogs being locked in them 23 hours a day, only getting out to eat and pee..

 

[merlina]

Couldn't agree more. The thing is this- I always ask people who are big users of crates, if the dog is happy/ contented/feels so secure in one, why do you have to shut the door? Let them go in of their own accord. Dogs have no concept of doors and locks- but they do have an atavistic fear of being trapped. But this is part of a much larger discussion about the rights of companion animals in general so guess I'll stop there. Good luck with your rescue dog- if it's anything like the three I've had, a good new home can work wonders!

 

[purrsister]

Couldn't agree more. The thing is this- I always ask people who are big users of crates, if the dog is happy/ contented/feels so secure in one, why do you have to shut the door? Let them go in of their own accord. Dogs have no concept of doors and locks- but they do have an atavistic fear of being trapped. But this is part of a much larger discussion about the rights of companion animals in general so guess I'll stop there. Good luck with your rescue dog- if it's anything like the three I've had, a good new home can work wonders!

I know what you mean merlina, I would have a problem with people expecting a dog to stay in a crate for a long time with the door shut, unless it had a broken leg mending or was recovering from illness. I'd only use one if the dog was genuinely happy and for short periods of time. Our house is a bit crowded with furniture/ play kitchen/ desks etc (time for a trip to the charity shop maybe? ) so I think a crate will be useful at least initially