An ongoing debate has risen lately over the use of kennels and cages to train dogs. Kennel training is on top of the list of dog protection protesters, right behind collars that produce electric shock, or choke dogs in order to obtain obedient behavior. A number of pet owners believe putting their dog in a cage is a quick solution to their problems.

When performing any type of dog kennel or cage training you must to fall into the temptation of locking up your dog every time he has misbehaved. Additionally, the amount of time a dog spends in the kennel should not exceed 4 hours. They will need to exercise their legs and relieve themselves. Most dog will begin to feel uncomfortable in the kennel after about three and a half hours. Locking up your dog may produce far different results than the owner expected. Some pet owners, including myself, agree that dogs may acquire a more hostile attitude after doing time in a kennel. For some people this works to their advantage, in the case they have a guard dog that they lock up during the day.

As the dog owner, you need to analyze the situation first, and ask yourself why you are using this training method in the first place. The kennel should be a happy place for your dog. It should contain a place where they can rest, and never lack food and water. If your dog is in the cage for chewing problems, then chewing toys should be readily available in the cage, and nowhere else. Using the kennel for house training is a bit more complex, as the majority of dogs will not do their thing in the place where they sleep. Thus, you will need to observe your dog, and learn the signs that show he needs to go to the toilet. At which point you need to take him out and let him go about his business. It is very important to give your dog lots of praise every time he does the right thing. Let him know he did well. Cage or kennel training is probably not the best idea for every dog. Maybe for more difficult cases of hard headed dogs, since it can turn out to be a real hardship for more affective dogs.

For those who look upon this type of training as gruesome cruelty, perhaps they need to look at some baby pictures and see where they were kept. Many human toddlers are not left lose around the house, in an attempt to prevent disaster, in the same way dogs have to be restrained for the very same reason. If monitored carefully, for a pre determined purpose and under controlled amounts of time, kennel training can be a meaningful tool for your dog. However, as with this and other types of treatment that edge over into extreme, you are best advised to consult your veterinarian. Gather his endorsement before putting your dog in a kennel, as a safety precaution in the best interest of your dog.