Is the crate a good training tool for older dogs?

I used the crate for both my big dogs and eventally got rid of them when housetraining was complete.

We have a small house and a large crate was a pain. Now I wonder if it is a good discipline enforcer.

Why I ask. ....

The boxer and shepherd get along great and work with me all day. Lately when we come in at night the year old shepherd has a hard time finding his off switch.

Mostly my boxer takes the brunt of the pups energy. I continue to reinforce my no play in the house rule but it is a rule Quin constantly challenges.

It occurred to me last night that I should put up the crate and force Quin to settle
in the crate at night.

I worry that the crate will be seen as a punishment.


Can I crate the shepherd and leave the boxer roam the house.

I know Quin will pitch a fit if I go this route. Part of me thinks it would be cruel and confusing and the other part of me thinks it will reinforce e my leadership.

Kind of up in the air at this point.

just a comment that i crate 2 of my dogs, and 1 of my dogs is never crated, and i haven't seen any issues with it. but it's also been that way since day 1 for all of them, which may make a difference.

Bump.

I always use the crate at first when I adopt adults.

No-crate is earned.

"Force" and "pitch a fit" make me think that some "crate is good" work should happen.

To be honest Michelle, I don't personally put that much thought into it. Once they're crate trained I think it's just a matter of making it part of their routine again. I crate whichever of the three I want whenever I want and never have any problems.

Thanks connie.
I am unclear what you meant? Sorry to be slow.

Why ever eliminate the crate?

Life is so much easier and happier with it.

 Quote: michelle berdusco

Thanks connie.
I am unclear what you meant? Sorry to be slow.

I meant yes, use the crate (why not?), and if you are using words like "force" and "pitch a fit," then maybe the dog has associated the crate with bad stuff and you want to rectify that.

eta
Also, "no-crate" is earned. My no-crate dogs are adults .... beyond adults.

Phoenix my 2year old has recently earned no crate in the past month or so.

My other dog is still crated when we are gone or at night.
We had a small issue at first with wining but ignored it.

Personally I would not even consider non crating tell 2 and with my 1 year old puppy I most likly wont consider tell 3 or 4.
He nuts LOL.

So I would say yes crate.

Hi Michelle,
I would definitely start using the crate again, if I had 2 crates I would use them for both dogs. I've been having to crate 2 of my dogs lately and most of the time my 3rd older dog is not in a crate, I brought this up in one of my posts and was told not to worry what dog I want out and who is in the crate, basically thats my decision not theirs, I was putting too much emphasis on "Oh i feel bad for them, their crying, its mean" (kinda like you are feeling) but then you have to think your alternative is your young dog is going to continue to act like he is, I know Ed says the dogs need to learn to be calm in the house- I neglected that when mine were younger and now I've got a mess on my hands with them and am having to try to fix all my mistakes now-not any fun Just make it no big deal, throw some treats in the crate, throw some more in there when hes being quiet and a good boy, and invest in some ear plugs until he learns to behave. I dont think he will see it as punishment and it will definitely reinforce your leadership