Pets Crate Training 101

At frst glance, putting your puppy into the small, con?ned space of a crate may seem cruel, but it's actually one of the kindest things you can do for your dog. Marcus Thompson, a German Shepherd trainer and breeder from Vermont, makes the following connection between dogs and their wolf ancestors:

“Wolves and dogs are den animals that feel protected and comfortable when they're sleeping in a covered area. The den provides security and a calming e@ect,” Marcus says. “Besides the bed or the couch, many dogs naturally choose places to sleep in the house that closely resemble a den or crate, such as beneath a desk or dining table, behind the drapes, or in an alcove.”