Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Pets

Random Boomer

(4,386 posts)

8. Crates are a safe haven for anxious dogs

Reply to WhiteTara (Original post)

Fri Jan 2, 2026, 01:03 AM

Jan 2

A crate is not a jail, it's a comforting den, a place where a dog can relax rather than have to keep making decisions about where to go and what to do.

Our dog loves her crate, and during the first year after her adoption, she would voluntarily go inside her crate when she was feeling overwhelmed. Freedom was exhilarating, and that wasn't always a fun emotion for her. Three years later and we only use the crate when we need to separate her from a situation, like a workman coming into the house. But we can still just say "crate" and she rushes right in, secure in the knowledge that she'll get a high-value treat to gnaw on when she obeys.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

2 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

18 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

This is our first night as foster parents [View all] WhiteTara Jan 1 OP

I never thought of that, the need to crate train a foster, dem4decades Jan 1 #1

We need pictures of the lucky pooch. applegrove Jan 1 #2

I still have to learn how WhiteTara Jan 2 #17

You have to sign up to a photo hosting site, upload applegrove Jan 2 #18

Think of things this way: TommyT139 Jan 1 #3

How wonderful you are fostering Rosie Grim Chieftain Jan 2 #4

I crate trained my dogs, the phrase was "Go to your room" irisblue Jan 2 #5

Thank you for giving her a chance Randomthought Jan 2 #6

Bless you for saving that poor creature. JMCKUSICK Jan 2 #7

Crates are a safe haven for anxious dogs Random Boomer Jan 2 #8

What an adventure you're going to have! The smartest thing that I did was use a blanket over Nollie's ... littlemissmartypants Jan 2 #9

Put her in her home so that the cats won't kill here. Ours might. Then my wife and I would be next. mjvpi Jan 2 #10

All the best! Thanks so much for doing this! C Moon Jan 2 #11

Thank you for being a foster parent LetMyPeopleVote Jan 2 #12

Thank you for saving a life and good luck with the training. brer cat Jan 2 #13

Thanks for rescuing her MustLoveBeagles Jan 2 #14

Good luck! Joinfortmill Jan 2 #15

It's so hard to say "No" to sweet puppy dog eyes. Gotta make the crate her happy place. Ziggysmom Jan 2 #16

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Pets»This is our first night a...»Reply #8