The Importance of Crate Training: A Journey with Our Boxer Breeze

                     The Crate Chronicles: Breeze’s Journey

Years ago, we welcomed our first boxer into our home—not our first dog, but certainly our first boxer. Tiny and sweet, Breeze had one strong aversion: she absolutely hated being alone. From the very start, it was clear that she needed companionship, especially at night when she resisted the idea of being in her crate.

Once the initial few weeks of crate training were over, Breeze began to love and depend on her crate. I remember a time when she was just over a year old. We thought we would allow her to stay out with our Golden Bentley, closing all the doors and putting up a baby gate to ensure there was nothing she could get into. However, we came home to a hole in the wall. Yep, she chewed a hole in the wall due to the stress and anxiety she felt when we weren’t home. So the crate went back up, and because she often chose to crate herself, we never took her safe place away again.

Fast forward to when Breeze turned 11, and our crate remained an integral part of our home. By then, she was well-trained and didn’t require a crate for safety or to protect our belongings. Yet, despite her maturity, Breeze had a unique relationship with her crate. Whenever we prepared to leave the house or when there were too many visitors around, she would instinctively retreat to her crate. It became her sanctuary, a place where she found comfort and security.

When we returned home after a few hours, Breeze and our second boxer, Winter, would rush out of the open crate to greet us, nubs wagging with excitement. This behavior illustrated the profound sense of safety Breeze associated with her crate—a lesson that underscored the importance of crate training in providing dogs with their own personal space.

Many breeders now include crate training in their contracts, emphasizing its significance from the very beginning. For instance, when we brought home our golden retriever, Banks, he arrived with a brand-new, full-sized crate as part of his care package from the breeder. This practice highlights the growing understanding that crate training is essential for a dog’s well-being.

When dogs are given too much freedom, not enough sleep, and are often left to their own devices, the consequences can be significant. We often see delayed housebreaking, overtired and overstimulated puppies, and frustrated handlers. While crates can certainly be misused, this post focuses on the importance of proper crate training, ensuring dogs get adequate rest, and using crates as part of a healthy schedule or routine.

Another reason to crate train is the event that your dog needs to be hospitalized at your vet’s for any given reason. Crating a dog who has never been crated can add even more undue stress to an already stressful situation.

As you set up a crate for a brand-new puppy, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. It’s essential to provide just enough space for your pup to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If the crate is too large, your puppy may find a spot to potty inside, which can hinder the housebreaking process. Once your pup is well on their way to being housebroken, it becomes safe to gradually expand the amount of space they have inside the crate.

Despite common misconceptions that crate training is cruel—often referred to as “putting an animal in a cage”—I see it as akin to placing a baby in a crib. A crate serves as a safe environment where dogs can settle down, relax, and avoid developing unwanted habits. It helps prevent issues such as indoor accidents, chewing on dangerous wires, and other destructive behaviors. Moreover, having a designated space for our pups allows us to get things done around the house, knowing they are safe and can take a peaceful nap.

Crate training not only fosters a sense of security for our pets but also brings peace of mind to us as pet owners. Ultimately, it’s about creating a harmonious living environment for both dogs and their families.