Pros and Cons of Crate Training (2024)

FAQs

Pros and Cons of Crate Training? ›

Crate training your dog can help foster a sense of security and give them a safe space that is their own. Building this association can mean that the presence of the crate can help them stay calm in new or stressful environments.

Crate training your dog can help foster a sense of security and give them a safe space that is their own. Building this association can mean that the presence of the crate can help them stay calm in new or stressful environments.

Used in moderation—and with your dog's comfort and safety always top of mind—a crate can be a helpful tool for many pet parents. At the same time, Dr. Alleyne concedes that using a crate for housing or punishment, instead of training, can indeed be cruel. And crating for long periods of time is also to be avoided.

Yes, crate training is regarded as a healthy experience for puppies. Top pet specialists like veterinarians, dog handlers, and breeders are advocates of using crates as positive reinforcement and as a way to make your pet feel safe and secure.

Many dogs cannot be trusted completely until they are closer to two years of age. We recommend crating your dog at night until they reach this milestone. If you can leave your dog alone at home without crating them for a few hours, then you may be able to leave them out of their crate at night.

Puppies can only be crated, and left alone, for however many hours are equal to their age in months, plus one (for example, a two months old can tolerate three hours, at most), and no dog or puppy should ever be in a crate for longer than 10 hours total, even with potty breaks.

Some dogs may be highly stressed when confined or left alone. They should never be forced to remain crated alone if they are excessively barking, vocalizing, pacing, panting, eliminating or drooling. These dogs may do better by having a large space (like a pet-proof exercise pen) or a pet sitter to keep them company.

Crate Training Benefits All Types of Dogs

For rescued dogs, a crate provides a safe space to adjust to their new surroundings as well as the luxury of not having to fight for their own space. Crates provide comfort to rescued dogs, since they may be fearful around certain people or environments.

As den animals, dogs tend to enjoy enclosed spaces like crates. That means your best friend may naturally prefer the protective atmosphere the crate provides. That sense of security can also be good for dogs who get anxious, especially during a stressful event like a thunderstorm or the Fourth of July.

Crate Training Ramifications

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 many different disorders, including the following: Aggression. Withdrawal.

What age is too late to crate train? ›

Don't believe the tired cliche that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, as you can crate train a dog at any age. But while the training process is relatively easy, how long it takes can vary from one dog to the next. Keep reading to find out how to teach your senior dog that a crate is great.

Keep crate training your dog until they're 1 or 2 so they're not as destructive when they're left alone. Stop crate training your dog when they don't whine about going in their kennel and when they stop having accidents at home. Try letting your dog be alone outside of their crate for short periods of time.

The energy of a shelter is completely overwhelming to most dogs. This energy does one of two things to a dog: Fight or flight. Many dogs will completely shut down in this situation, others will act out in response. I call this Kennel Syndrome. Kennel Syndrome is the behavior that a dog assumes in survival mode.

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.

Some dogs simply hate being caged from the beginning. If yours panics in the cage or risks injury while trying to break out, consult a professional trainer. If your pup has learned to hate the kennel for whatever reason, you can usually change the animal's mind with proper training.

Crating is a popular “convenience practice” that is often used on adult dogs. It deprives dogs of the opportunity to fulfill some of their most basic needs, such as the freedom to walk around, the opportunity to relieve themselves, and the ability to stretch out and relax.

If you're trying to prevent a puppy from chewing on things or having an accident at night, you can use a tether in your bedroom so they're free to move about in a small space but can't wander off while you're asleep. Puppies under 6 months of age shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time.

Crate training is also helpful for dogs with separation anxiety since the crate can provide calm and protection. Dogs that do not like being alone may welcome the crate during moments of distress. Crate training takes time and patience. Relieving separation anxiety requires an owner's full attention and dedication.