No matter what a pet shop owner or dog trainer might say, a crate is just a cage, and putting dogs in crates is just a way to ignore and warehouse them until the guardian finally gets around to making time for them.
Crating is popular because it is convenient. But this inappropriate practice deprives dogs of the opportunity to engage in some of the most basic activities, such as walking around, stretching out to relax, and looking out a window. Obviously, it prevents them from relieving themselves or indicating the need to relieve themselves as well.
Crating began as a way for people who participate in dog shows to keep their dogs clean, but they did not take into account their dogs’ social, physical, and psychological needs. Dogs are highly social pack animals who abhor isolation and crave and deserve companionship, praise, and exercise. Forcing dogs to spend extended periods of time confined and isolated simply to accommodate their guardians’ schedules is unacceptable.
Crate training does not speed up the housebreaking process. Regardless of the training method, puppies do not develop full bladder control until they are about 6 months old. It is counterproductive to crate young puppies in the hope that they will “hold it.” They are physically incapable of doing so and will be forced to urinate in their crates after experiencing great discomfort while trying not to soil their beds.
Puppies who repeatedly soil their crates often lose the urge to keep their crates clean, which in turn prolongs and complicates the housebreaking process. Puppies who are born and raised in crate-like structures in pet shops and puppy millscan experience severe anxiety and develop fearful or destructive behavior if they are confined to crates. They may even injure themselves while trying to bite or scratch their way out.
Studies have shown that long-term confinement is detrimental to the physical and psychological well-being of animals. Animals caged for extended periods can develop eating disorders and anti-social and/or aggressive behaviors, or they can become withdrawn, hyperactive, or severely depressed.
PETA does not oppose keeping a dog in small area if it is in the dog’s best interests (e.g., when cage rest is ordered by a veterinarian or when confinement will keep the dog safe during travel). In such cases, guardians should always take steps to ensure that dogs are provided with bedding and the opportunity to relieve themselves and that they are given access to water, fresh air, food, and other basic requirements.
For people whose work schedules force them to leave their canine companions at home during the day, there are numerous humane alternatives to crating. PETA supports humane, interactive dog training, which promotes and teaches guardians effective ways to communicate with their animal companions. Committed caretakers who successfully complete training and continuously practice with their dogs have no excuse for imprisoning their well-behaved companions while they are away.
For those who cannot make it home during the day, PETA recommends hiring a reputable pet service or soliciting a reliable person, perhaps a neighbor, to take dogs out for midday walks. A “doggie door” that provides access to a secure, fenced yard gives dogs a way to relieve themselves and can prevent boredom. Having an animal friend can also alleviate boredom and loneliness in dogs.
Click here for more tips on how to help keep your animal companion healthy and happy.
PETA’s Milestones for Animals: 1980 to Now
FAQs
Dogs are highly social pack animals who abhor isolation and crave and deserve companionship, praise, and exercise. Forcing dogs to spend extended periods of time confined and isolated simply to accommodate their guardians' schedules is unacceptable. Crate training does not speed up the housebreaking process.
What is the maximum time a dog should be crated? ›
Nina Torres says it's fine for most adult dogs to be in a crate “nine hours maximum” during the day (with a walk in the middle), and then eight hours at night – unless they are seniors or large dogs needing to stretch their joints.
How long can a dog stay in a crate? ›
Healthy adult dogs: For our adult canines in good health, aim for crate time around 4-6 hours, and certainly not more than 8 hours. They have better bladder control and can handle more extended periods of confinement.
When can I stop crating my dog? ›
You can usually stop closing your dog into your crate when they are around two years of age. Before then, they are usually more likely to get into trouble. It isn't until they mature fully that they are able to behave properly when not supervised. This is especially true for larger dogs, who tend to mature later.
What's the longest you should leave a dog in a crate for? ›
Older dogs can be crated for a bit longer, but if you need to be gone for more than 4 hours out of the day (which is typical), it's time to look at other solutions than crating.
Are dogs unhappy in crates? ›
Pet store and puppy mill puppies, who are born and raised in crate-like structures, tend to be difficult to housetrain, and they may experience severe anxiety and develop fearful and/or destructive behavior if they are confined to crates. They may even injure themselves while trying to bite or scratch their way out.
What is caged dog syndrome? ›
Most people don't realize that animals who are caged for extended periods of time often become aggressive, withdrawn, hyperactive, and/or severely depressed, and they can also develop other problems, such as eating disorders.
When should a dog stop sleeping in a crate? ›
Most experts recommend crate training for puppies until they are reliably house-trained, which typically occurs around 6 to 12 months of age. As a puppy matures and gains better bladder and bowel control, you can gradually extend the time they spend outside the crate.
What happens if a dog is crated too long? ›
A dog who's crated all day and night doesn't get enough exercise or human interaction and can become depressed or anxious. You may have to change your schedule, hire a pet sitter or take your dog to a daycare facility to reduce the amount of time they spend in the crate each day.
Is it OK to put a blanket over my dog's crate? ›
When you observe a few important guidelines, covering your dog's crate is very safe. You should never completely cover your dog's crate as it can block airflow. Keep blankets away from heat sources, ensure the fabric is breathable, and avoid using knit blankets that may snag or unravel.
Put the crate in a commonly used room during the day. If your pup is using the crate at nighttime, have it in your bedroom. Your pup will have the comfort of your sounds and scent, plus you can hear if they need to go out for a potty break.
Where is the best place to put a dog crate? ›
Usually the best place for dog crates at night is in the owner's bedroom, so the dog has the feeling of being in safe company during sleeping time.
When to get rid of a dog crate? ›
Once your puppy is house-trained and has grown out of the destructive phase, you can stop crating him. However, a crate can still be a useful resource for an adult dog. Many dogs like their crates, and by taking them away, you could be depriving him of somewhere that he felt safe and secure.
Do dogs like being in their crate? ›
When dogs aren't actively training, they are in command – on their place cot or bed, in a down-stay, or in their crate. This kind of structure is so therapeutic to dogs. It helps them to feel safe and calm because they clearly know exactly what they should be doing, rather than stressing out or making poor choices.
What is a good crate training schedule? ›
You want your puppy to want to go into their crate on their own and not associate being reprimanded. It's also not a way to leave your puppy unattended for long intervals. As a general rule, take puppies under 4 months old out of crate every 1-2 hours, and puppies over 4 months out every 2-4 hours.
Is it cruel to crate a dog during the day? ›
DON'T: Leave your dog in the crate for long periods of time
Dogs are not meant to be crated all day. They need social interaction, exercise, and regular potty breaks.
Is it OK to leave dog in crate during day? ›
Impawtant Note: While it's common for dogs to sleep in crates at night, we don't recommend that you keep your dog in a crate for more than a couple hours during the day. Before you go back to the office, make sure your dog is fully potty trained so they do not have to stay in a crate at all while you're gone.
Is it okay to leave a dog in a crate for 10 hours? ›
In some cases you may be able to crate a dog for 10-12 hours overnight. Adult and senior dogs tend to sleep rather long at night and will be able to hold their bladder for that long. Especially more laid-back breed such as Pugs or Saint Bernards might not even want to get up before sleeping that long!
How long should you leave a dog in a crate for punishment? ›
(More on this below). 3) She will remain in the crate for a 30 second to 2 minute Time Out and you will only let her out of the crate once she has been quiet for about 30 seconds. 4) When she starts barking again repeat the sequence.
