When a shelter dog first finds himself in his new forever home, he is introduced to a whole new world of luxury and possibility. Rugs and beds and affection whenever he wants it. Such a world can make a dog giddy with freedom! These first days are commonly called the “honeymoon period” and it can extend for up to three months. In this time, a dog who has had too little attention and exercise, too few toys, and virtually no freedom in the shelter is suddenly navigating a life rich with all these things. As he grows more comfortable and confident in this new existence, behaviors can start to develop which are just fine by dog standards but not so by human standards – chewing, pottying, barking at passers-by.
It is because of the inevitability of this pattern that the crate is absolutely essential from day one in his new home. Fresh from the shelter, where his personal space was likely a cage, the transition to a crate in the home will be a natural one. It is the place where he is fed, where he finds frequent treasure troves of hidden treats, where he has quiet moments to work away on a deliciously stuffed Kong or a tasty chewy, and where he sleeps, close by the bed of his new family members.
All too often, adopters will immediately grant their new canine family member with freedoms that he’s never had before and, because he’s still in his “honeymoon” period, the dog will seem a proverbial angel. But, as problems slowly start to take shape and the adopter attempts to crate the dog, he now resists confinement. Once out of the bottle, the genie does not want to go back in! He has enjoyed the forbidden fruits of plush rugs, cushioned couches and downy bedding, cuddled beside his humans. How can a crate compete with this kind of luxury?
So, look, people want their dogs to curl up on their laps in front of the TV and nestle in their arms as they sleep. And, universe willing, there will be many years of such closeness, but it cannot possibly happen with a dog who develops a penchant for peeing on carpets and chewing on pillows. Freedom too early will ultimately result in no freedom at all. Early confinement so that you can teach your new canine partner the rules of acceptable house behavior will afford years of living and loving side by side.
Please refer to my handout on crate-training for tips on how to introduce and endear your dog to his crate.
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