Most people don't realise that animals who are caged for extended periods of time often become aggressive, withdrawn, hyperactive, and/or severely depressed, and they can also develop other problems, such as eating disorders. Crating for extended periods of time prevents dogs from fulfilling some of their most basic needs, including walking around, relieving themselves, and stretching.
How are housetraining and caging two entirely unrelated concepts?
Crating is a misguided manner in which people house train puppies. The theory was that a dog in a small cage will "hold it" rather than eliminating, and dog owners would thus not have to pay close attention to their puppies while they are confined to the cage. Crate training does not speed up the housetraining process. Regardless of the training method, puppies do not have complete control over their bladders until they are about 6 months old. Puppies that repeatedly soil their crates often lose the urge to keep them clean, which prolongs and complicates the housetraining process.
What are the consequences of long-term caging?
· Aggression
· Withdrawal
· Hyperactivity
· Depression
· Eating disorders
· Obsessive licking
· Separation anxiety
· Inability to bond with humans
· Muscle atrophy
What are other alternatives to caging/crating dogs and pups, especially when their guardians are away?
· Exercise the dog regularly
· Dog day care centres
· Hand over the dog to someone responsible to take care of while you are away.
Source - Animal Clinic Kelaniya
0 Comments