Pawscessories is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Learn more.
Many people think that crate training is bad for dogs. They don’t understand why a dog would need to be in a cage, and they don’t think it’s natural for them.
However, there are many reasons why crate training can be beneficial for both the dog and their owner!
Is Crate Training Bad For Dogs:
Overall, crate training for dogs has many more benefits than disadvantages. Crate training your dog gives them a place where they can feel completely safe and secure. It’s also great incase of emergencies to get your dog where they need to go without them making a big deal about being crated.
For example, crates make cleaning up easier because you just have one easy-to-clean space instead of all over your house. It also keeps your dog safe when you’re not able to watch them.
If you’re still unsure about whether or not crate training is good for dogs then continue reading this blog post!
We will explain what the benefits of crating are and how it can help provide a better life for your furry friend.
Table of Contents
What Is Crate Training?
Contrary to popular belief, crate training is not meant to be used as a tool for punishment… But a tool to help build proper habits in your pup.
Crate training is a way to keep your dog safe and secure when you’re not able to watch them. It’s also an excellent tool for housebreaking.
It gives the pet owner more control over their animal’s bathroom habits. It does this by providing access only at designated times or in specific areas of the home (such as outside).
Crates are often used during travel because they provide protection from extreme weather conditions such as heat waves/cold snaps.
They can also be used to protect against theft if left unattended on walks, prevent animals escaping while unsupervised around children who may be unaware how dangerous dogs can become without proper supervision… And so much MORE!
The benefits really do go beyond what most people think about crates being just “punishment.”
They actually provide a safe, comfortable place for your doggo to rest.
This post is about the benefits are of using crates as well as how and when to use them.
Benefits Of Crate Training
Crates are a safe and comfortable way for dogs to sleep when they’re left unsupervised.
Crates can help give the dog’s sleeping area stability, encourage potty training, and keep curious puppies locked away from hazards within your home.
Dogs are naturally den animals and they like having their own space where no one can bother them. They like to rest in areas where they won’t be startled or awaken from sudden movements.
Doggos are also naturally clean animals and they will not want to sleep in their own waste.
Crates can help stop this from happening by providing a designated area for the dog’s bathroom breaks. This is usually when dogs go outside to go number 1 & 2!
Related Reading: What’s the Purpose of Crate Training Your Dog?
How To Crate Train Your Dog
The most important part of crate training is to make sure your pup associates their crate with a positive experience.
The first step is to get the crate set up and ready. You definitely want it in a place where you can see your pup and they can see you.
You also want some of their favorite toys inside. This way when they go into their new space there’s something familiar waiting for them.
This will help them feel more at home while being confined within this area with four walls around them.
At first it could be scary for them, as most things that are new are! However, even more so for dogs because they don’t know what’s happening next.
Until we teach our pups how crate life works by giving clear instructions through words & actions, they will be anxious and confused.
The first day you bring your pup home, make sure to take them outside for a potty break before putting him or her in the crate with something they find comfort in!
For example, a blanket from their litter or something else that has a familiar scent.
They need time out of this new space so that it doesn’t feel like punishment when you put your pupster back inside later on after dinner (or whenever).
This is also important because dogs don’t have as much bladder control until about six months old which means accidents are bound to happen if not given enough breaks during crating sessions each night/day.
Related Reading: Where Should I Put A Dog Crate In My House
When Not To Use A Crate
As a means of punishment! Their crate is supposed to be their safe place, not a place of punishment.
If you use their crate as their sanctuary but also use it as a punishment tool you’ll wind up confusing them. This also means they likely won’t take to their crate easily.
Something else important to mention is just because you have your doggo crate trained doesn’t mean that they can be left in their crate for 20 hours.
Mental stimulation and physical activity should be provided to your dog in order for them stay healthy, happy-go lucky pups!
If they’re left alone too long without any kind of mental stimulus then their behavior can become destructive due to lack of attention from a human companion.
This then can easily lead to separation anxiety issues… Bad news bears!!
Crate Safety Tips
Here are some general safety tips to ensure your dogs experience crate training isn’t a bad one:
- Make sure the crate is large enough for your pup to stand up, turn around and lay down in comfortably.
- Some dogs will prefer their crate with a blanket over top to make it feel more like a den. Consider putting something over their crate to test.
- Make sure the latch on the crate is adequately secured so that your pup can’t escape.
- A dog should never be left unattended for more than 8 hours per day (including weekends)
without being taken out of its kennel/crate.* **This includes time spent sleeping as well*** - Make sure the crate is in a safe place where it’s not too hot or cold. Also it’s a good idea to ensure there are no other animals around to bother them when they’re trying their best at napping!
- Make sure there’s no vulnerable parts to their crate where they could wiggle something loose and wind up hurting themselves.
Final Thoughts
Dog owners often find themselves asking the question of: “Is crate training bad for dogs?” The answer is, if done appropriately, no.
A lot of people are only familiar with the use of crates as punishment, so they believe that crating causes their pet to be unhappy and anxious.
However, proper crate training can actually help your dog by providing them with a safe haven when you’re unable to monitor them closely or completely provide for their needs.
Crate training also helps owners create boundaries for pets and teaches them self-control and other behaviors needed in order to live peacefully with humans in our homes (or outside).
Other posts you might find interesting:
How & When To Stop Crate Training A Dog | Simple Steps