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You are right, I didn't really put much thought into my comment.
It is good for a time out to chill the dog if they are being too hyper, especially if they associate it with their safe place.
DethBeard-
especially if they associate it with their safe place.
I think this is key. As long as they’re retaining positive associations with their cage and that they know it’s their safe space. We are constantly telling the kids to leave Odie alone when he’s in his cage! He will quite often slink off their on his own, when it gets a bit much for him. He’s a very affectionate and tolerant dog, but he clearly values being able to opt out of life with young kids every now and again. Tempted to get another cage for me, in fact.
AlexD
We kind of do this. Not really though. If Odie’s being a jerk and we need to put him a way for a sec, we’ll put him in the crate, but always try and do it positively. He’ll get a treat for going in and a ‘good boy’. Sometimes you do just need to get them out of your hair before you get cross with them and the crate can be useful for that (we’ve got you do kids and occasionally the chaos all gets a bit much!). My feeling is that if they’re rewarded for going in, the positive affirmation is still there.