Those of us who share our homes with dogs or other animals know that they are an integral part of the family. They\u2019re so important that I often find myself anthropomorphizing my pets \u2014 wanting the best for them, but through the lens of what would be best for a human. (I often joke that my cat is one of my favorite people. She is!)<\/p>\n
Yet while a dog is as valid a member of the family as a human, in order to care for them best, it\u2019s crucial to be aware of their canine-specific needs<\/a> \u2014 the ways that dogs\u2019 evolutionary instincts mean they may prefer or even require certain accommodations that may feel unusual from a person\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n Perhaps one of the most misunderstood items within that category are dog crates<\/a>.<\/p>\n While we may assume our dogs envy our open, roomy mattresses, an enclosed, cave-like space is actually what dogs are instinctually wired to prefer. \u201cFrom an evolutionary perspective, dogs typically like crates since [they serve] the same purpose as a den, providing a sense of comfort and security,\u201d veterinarian Dr. Carly Fox explained to HuffPost. Fox is a senior veterinarian at\u00a0Schwarzman Animal Medical Center<\/a>\u00a0in New York City.<\/p>\n Crates are especially useful and comforting for dogs when they are spending time alone, such as when their family is gone at work or out to dinner, or during nighttime. \u201d[Crating your dog] allows them to feel safe when they are alone and prevents them from getting into anything they should not when left unsupervised,\u201d Fox said.<\/p>\n Plus, it\u2019s an investment in your dog\u2019s future well-being. \u201cIf your dog ever recovers from a medical problem<\/a>, crating them might be necessary. It is much easier for a dog who is comfortable in a crate to recover from injury or surgery if they already associate their crate with comfort and security,\u201d Fox emphasized.<\/p>\n Another benefit? \u201cCrates are the best way to housebreak your dog, whether they are a puppy or an untrained adult,\u201d Fox noted. This is because dogs do consider their crates their own dedicated spot: \u201cDogs generally avoid urinating\/defecating in the same area in which they sleep.\u201d\u00a0Teaching a dog to use a crate, even though it is part of their evolutionary needs, is a process called crate training<\/a>.<\/p>\n As with any practice, there are best usage guidelines, but as long as you adhere to them, using a crate will benefit you and your dog. \u201cThere are few disadvantages to crate training if used appropriately,\u201d Fox told us.<\/p>\n The bottom line about crates? \u201cUltimately it is what is best for your pup!\u201d wrote Fox. \u201cDon\u2019t let your own emotions get in the way of successfully crate training your dog.\u201d It\u2019s up to you and your furry friend.<\/p>\n Read on for more information about crate training and some crate recommendations, including the model Fox chose for her own dog.<\/p>\n The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.<\/em><\/p>\n