Should We Crate Train Our Dogs?
Questioning if it’s kind and fair to keep dogs in crates or kennels?
Unsure if teaching your dog to rest in a crate is the right call for them?
Ever wondered why dog trainers often prioritise comfort in kennels and crates?
Check out this live with Karishma & Gemma from The Pet Carpenter where we go into the reasons why we often use crates, and the ways we ensure we always do so fairly and kindly.
You can also find an overview of the information covered below.
Crate Training for Dogs: Benefits and Best Practices
Crate training, when done properly, offers numerous benefits for both dogs and their owners. It's more than just a method of containment—it's a practical tool that promotes your dog's health, safety, and well-being.
Let's explore why crate training is important and how to approach it in a way that is both ethical and effective.
Is Crate Training Fair to Dogs?
Let’s start by addressing this big question.
Some people worry that is it unfair or even immoral to confine dogs in smaller spaces. To be clear, I’m very sympathetic to this. I understand that dogs are already living in captivity in our homes and strive for them to have the most freedom possible.
That being said it is my opinion that containment skills, when used appropriately, can assist us in meeting their needs and keep them safe. I’m not talking about just shutting dogs in a cage and leaving them to deal with it. I’m talking about teaching dogs to actually feel comfortable and safe in confinement, within fair limits.
Here are some considerations when assessing ‘fair limits’…
Confinement spaces should be large enough, comfortable, and temperature-regulated.
Dogs must have access to water and regular potty breaks (every two hours is a good rule of thumb).
Dogs should have their exercise and movement needs met consistently, and definitely before being confined.
Confinement time should be individualized to each dog's needs and tolerance levels.
Proper teaching should ensure the dog is comfortable and stress-free in the crate.
Dogs need to be able to signal when they need something, meaning no unsupervised crate time with restrictive devices like bark collars.
These are just some initial considerations and each case needs to be assessed on an individual basis.
The Benefits of Crate Training
It may seem counterintuitive but teaching dogs to relax in confinement can actually be an incredibly empowering skill that can improve overal quality of life.
Let’s overview some of the major benefits we see to instilling this sort of skill in our pet dogs.
Practical Benefits:
Preparedness for Emergencies: Crate-trained dogs are more comfortable during emergencies, vet visits, and travel. It ensures they’re prepared for inevitable situations where confinement is necessary.
Supports Daycare & Travel: Whether you're sending your dog to daycare, a sitter's house, or on a trip, a crate-comfortable dog will be much more equipped to handle changing environments.
Safety During Travel: Crates are the safest option for travel, preventing distractions and injuries while also shielding your dog from overwhelming external stimuli.
Behavioral Benefits:
Boundary Setting: Crates help manage access to the environment, preventing unwanted behaviors such as destructive chewing or excessive barking while you work on the behaviors.
A Safe Retreat: Fearful or anxious dogs often see their crate as a safe space to retreat and recharge.
Encourages Rest: For hyperactive or sound-sensitive dogs, a crate provides a quiet, restful place to relax, improving their overall well-being.
Prevents Conflicts: Crates allow for safe management of dogs in homes with children or other pets, reducing the risk of aggressive or reactive incidents.
When Should You Start Crate Training?
Crate training can begin at any age. There’s no such thing as a dog that’s "too old" to learn new skills, as long as they have a clean bill of health from the vet. However, it’s important that puppies are introduced to crates as early as possible. Avoid starting crate training if your dog is unwell or in pain—ensuring their basic needs are met first is crucial.
Top Tips for Successful Crate Training
Don’t Rush: Don’t simply put your dog in the crate and shut the door. Experiment with set ups to make the crate very appealing, keep the door open and allow them to get comfortable over time.
Crate Games: Make crate time fun by incorporating games that build positive associations with the space.
Provide Long-Term Projects: Offer your dog interactive toys or long-lasting treats inside the crate to keep them entertained.
Go at Their Pace: Watch for signs of stress, and never force a dog to stay confined if they’re uncomfortable. Let them out if necessary.
Seek Professional Help: If you’re unsure of the best approach, consult a professional dog trainer for personalized guidance.
Steps for a Positive Crate Introduction
Introduce the Crate: Let your dog explore it at their own pace without pressure.
In & Out Game: Encourage your dog to go in and out of the crate freely, rewarding them for calm behavior.
Relax in the Crate: Gradually work on teaching your dog to relax inside the crate with the door open.
Confinement Practice: Once your dog is comfortable, start closing the door for short periods.
Increase Distance & Add Distractions: Build up to leaving the room and introducing distractions slowly at your dogs pace
What If My Dog Has Separation Anxiety?
Dogs with separation anxiety experience genuine panic when isolated.
This often looks like vocalisations that do not decrease over a few minutes, attempts to escape, and at worst urinating/ defecating in the crate.
Forcing anxious dogs into a crate can worsen their anxiety and the idea of “letting them cry it out” is outdated and harmful, often leading to a future phobia of confinement.
In such cases, it’s best to work closely with a professional to help your dog overcome their anxiety and regain their sense of safety when alone or in confinement.
What If My Dog Struggles with FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) in the Crate?
Many dogs struggle with being separated from exciting activities or their caregiver. Take their feelings seriously and work on building their comfort in confinement slowly over time. Some tips…
Know their limits and avoid forcing confinement they can’t handle.
Meet their needs proactively before attempting confinement (exercise, playtime, etc.).
Practice stationing around distractions out of the crate, behind gates and on tethers first.
Use positive distractions during challenging moments.
Seek professional help if needed.
Crate training, when done with patience and positive reinforcement, can offer a range of benefits for your dog's health, behavior, and safety. With the right approach, your dog will see their crate as a safe, comfortable space, and you’ll have a valuable tool for managing their well-being in everyday life and emergency situations.
