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When I brought home my dog as a puppy, I’ll admit that the idea of closing him in a crate struck me as cruel at first. Wouldn’t he be lonely? Feel isolated? Turns out, this is a pretty common misconception among new dog owners that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Many dogs naturally seek small, enclosed spaces to rest,” explains Dr. Erin Schroeder, a veterinarian and Wellness Pet Education Partner who stars in the National Geographic series “Heartland Docs, DVM” with her husband Dr. Ben Schroeder. “A crate can actually reduce anxiety, prevent overstimulation and create structure.”
Eight years later, I can say my pup is living proof of the perks of crate training. Not only does he happily put himself to bed every night (Yes, really!) but he has a place where feels safe and secure when I’m not home — both of which come with benefits for me, too.
From why vets recommend getting puppies used to a crate to how long to keep them inside, we spoke with experts to clear up the debate on crate training once and for all.
Key takeaways
- Vets recommend crate training because it supports potty training, helps prevent destructive behavior, and provides a consistent place for dogs to feel safe. Crates can actually reduce anxiety, prevent overstimulation and create structure for dogs.
- The maximum crate time for puppies is four hours per day, with approximately one hour per month of age being the ideal. A dog crate should never be used as a form of punishment or to contain a dog for excessive periods of time to avoid associating the small space with fear and anxiety.
- If a dog shows signs of distress in a crate, such as pawing at the gate or using the bathroom while inside, seek advice from your vet or trainer. If you have a dog with separation anxiety or a history of trauma, a crate can cause more stress.
What is crate training?
Crate training is a process that uses positive reinforcement to help dogs get accustomed to being crated for a short period of time during the day or while sleeping.
“Crate training helps your dog to view a crate as a safe, comfortable space for resting rather than confinement,” explains Dr. Schroeder. “The crate can become your dog’s own space where they can relax, decompress and feel secure.”
Why vets recommend crate training dogs as puppies
Crate training puppies comes with both short-term and long-term benefits. “We recommend crate training because it supports house training, helps prevent destructive behavior and provides a consistent place for dogs to feel safe and comfortable,” Dr. Schroeder says.
Here’s a closer look at the short-term benefits of crate training for puppies and their owners:
- Crating keeps puppies safe. Think of a crate similar to a playpen for a crawling baby: It is a contained space to keep your curious puppy out of trouble for a short period of time.
- Crate training supports potty training. Getting your puppy used to sleeping in a crate is a useful house training tool because dogs don’t like to soil where they sleep. This naturally prevents accidents and helps teach pups to alert you when they have to go out.
- Crate training gives dog owners peace of mind. Whether you’re leaving the house for a few hours or simply walking outside to get the mail, crate training results in less anxiety for everyone — owners know their dog is safe, and puppies feel more secure, too.
As for the long-term benefits of crate training? Dogs that are crate trained as puppies will feel more comfortable and less anxious any time they have to spend time in a small space later in life, explains professional dog trainer Elisha Stynchula, owner of “I Said Sit!” School for Dogs in Los Angeles. Think trips to the vet, groomer and during boarding stays.
“Dogs should view the crate as a safe retreat, so we recommend always associating it with positive experiences, including treats, praise and toys.”
— Dr. Erin Schroeder, veterinarian
Stynchula has also seen crate training help reduce stress for dogs in emergency situations, most recently during the fires in California which affected many of her clients. “Having a dog comfortable in a crate helps if you are unhoused and forced into a shelter, hotel or friend’s house,” Stynchula says. “All three of those situations are stressful enough that I promise, eliminating the stress of a dog that is not crate trained is well worth it.”
Can you crate train older dogs?
Yes! While crate training a puppy is best since using food, games and toys ensures a positive experience from the start, dogs of all ages can be crate trained. “Getting an older dog means it might be trickier, but it’s never impossible to acquaint them with a crate,” Stynchula says.
Can crate training ever be a bad thing?
Not when it’s done correctly, according to the pros. “Crate training only becomes negative if it’s misused,” Dr. Schroeder says. “Dogs should view the crate as a safe retreat, so we recommend always associating it with positive experiences, including treats, praise and toys.”
The most common crate training mistakes to avoid
If dogs associate their crate with shame, fear or isolation, the security it offers will disappear. This is why you should never use a crate as a form of dog discipline.
“Crates should feel like a bedroom, not a timeout space,” explains Dr. Ben Schroeder, who practices veterinary medicine in Nebraska alongside his wife Erin. Here are the most common crate training mistakes to avoid to ensure a positive experience:
- Using a crate as punishment. Examples include putting your dog in a crate after a potty accident, barking at guests, or destructive chewing.
- Confining your dog for excessive periods. This is detrimental for all dogs, but especially for puppies because they need more frequent bathroom breaks, exercise, and social interaction, explains Dr. Ben.
- Crating a dog showing signs of distress. “Things like hypersalivating, non-stop pawing or biting at the kennel door, and eliminating in the crate are all clear signs the dog needs a slow introduction in order to be successful,” Stynchula says.
How long should dogs stay in a crate?
For puppies, vets recommend one hour of crate time per month of age during the day, with four hours in a row being the maximum, according to Dr. Ben. Older dogs are typically allowed more crate time, depending on their bladder control, energy level and exercise routine.
“Adult dogs can typically stay in a crate for about four to six hours during the day,” Dr. Ben says. “At night, many dogs can comfortably sleep in a crate for six to eight hours if they are healthy adults and have had adequate activity before bedtime.”
The best ways to use a dog crate, according to experts
Crate training is all about associating feelings of comfort and security with a crate — for both humans and dogs. Here are some of the best ways to do it:
- Build positive, consistent routines around crate time. Offer a dental chew at night when your dog heads to bed to turn crate time into something your dog looks forward to. “Our favorites are Wellness WHIMZEES,” says Dr. Ben. “By pairing the crate with an enjoyable, health-focused treat, you reinforce it as a safe, positive space and make dental care part of their everyday routine.”
- Manage behavior strategically. For puppies and adolescent dogs, crates are great for managing behavior when positive reinforcement is the focus. For example, Stynchula recently worked with a client to create a crate time routine that included giving a dog a high-value treat around bedtime to curb unwanted zoomies before bed.
- Keep your dog and other humans safe. Any time there are new people in your home or any sort of commotion that could pose a risk to your dog, a crate is a great way to keep them out of harm’s way, Stynchula says. A few examples include home renovation, construction jobs or even family visitors who aren’t accustomed to living with a dog.
When to seek help or consider a crate training alternative
If your puppy is showing signs of distress inside a crate, Stynchula recommends seeking guidance from a certified dog trainer on how to slow down the crate training process and ensure you’re using the right rewards and treats to help create a positive experience.
“Things like hypersalivating, non-stop pawing or biting at the kennel door, and eliminating in the crate are all clear signs the dog needs a slow introduction in order to be successful.”
— Elisha Stynchula, professional dog trainer
There are also instances when crate training older dogs requires caution. Specifically, if you have a dog with separation anxiety, a history of trauma, or panic behaviors such as attempting to escape and injuring themselves, a crate may increase stress, explains Dr. Ben.
This is when vets advise considering a crate alternative. “Different approaches that I have seen some clients use include a playpen and baby gates to create a larger safe zone,” Dr. Ben says.
The bottom line on crate training
Crate training is recommended by vets most often to help keep puppies safe and get the hang of potty training. But when it’s done correctly, crate training comes with lifelong benefits for both dogs and humans, including making trips to the vet less stressful, correcting behavior, and offering security for dogs in stressful or dangerous situations.
The only time crate training can become a bad thing is when it’s used as punishment or for excessive periods of time. Keeping the process positive by always always associating it with positive experiences like treats, praise and toys is key, according to vets.
