Why I'm against crate training? (2025)

Why I'm against crate training?

Crate Training Ramifications

Is it OK to not crate train your dog?

Most veterinarians, trainers, and breeders recommend crate training dogs from a young age. Crate training is an essential part of housebreaking puppies, as dogs don't like to soil their sleeping quarters. They learn to hold their bladders while they're in their crate, so you won't have to clean up messes.

What are the disadvantages of crate training a dog?

Cons of Crate Training for Dogs

It requires time, consistency, and patience from the dog owner. Dogs may initially resist being confined, and it takes time for them to adjust to the crate as a positive and safe space. Rushing the training process can lead to anxiety or aversion to the crate.

Why is crate training so hard?

Poorly trained dogs hate their crate because it becomes a cue that they're going to be alone for a while. Dogs are pack animals and being alone is not only unnatural for your dog … it's stressful!

Are some dogs impossible to crate train?

Some dogs will have some problems crate training; especially those with crate anxiety who struggle being trapped in enclosed spaces. It's not impossible to crate train these dogs, we just need to take the training much slower and at their pace, using plenty of rewards, to make them feel good about the crate.

What can I do instead of crate training?

Is it cruel to crate a dog while at work?

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.

What is crate syndrome?

Crating prevents dogs from fulfilling their basic needs, including moving around, relieving themselves, stretching, and interacting with and learning about their environment. Many crated dogs become severely depressed and withdrawn and can suffer from separation anxiety or even Stockholm syndrome.

What age should a dog stop using a crate?

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.

Is it cruel to leave a dog in a crate all day?

It can be cruel to leave your dog in a crate for several hours out of the day, every day. Because of this, we should seek out solutions that can let your dog be happy and allow you to carry on your business without feeling guilty about leaving them confined somewhere.

What is the fastest way to crate train?

Should I let my puppy sleep outside his crate during the day?

Some puppies need structured nap times. For puppies who aren't good at taking naps in the daytime without being crated, there is no harm in keeping the crate a while longer if it helps your puppy get enough sleep for their needs.

How many nights does it take to crate train a dog?

Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog's age, temperament and past experiences. It's important to keep two things in mind while crate training: The crate should always be associated with something pleasant and training should take place in a series of small steps. Don't go too fast.

Is crate training traumatic?

If your dog was in a kennel for the majority of their life and is now a new member of your household, the crate might trigger post-traumatic stress. Puppies oftentimes experience crate anxiety, as they are unsure what a crate even is or why they are in there to begin with.

What is the easiest dog to crate train?

Australian Shepherd

They're fast learners and love playing outside but also do great in a home environment. For Aussies, crate training is made easy because they don't like to go potty where they sleep. So they naturally understand that where they sleep and potty are separate areas!

What if your puppy hates the crate?

Get your puppy comfortable with the crate.

Never use your puppy's crate as punishment, adds Campbell. “Providing treats, chew toys and bedding in the crate will help with the experience,” she says. Use dog treats to reward your puppy when he is being quiet and calm in his crate.

Where should a puppy sleep if not crate trained?

If you choose not to use a puppy crate, have a soft, warm, safe bed that you can put on the floor beside you but set up a play pen or a barrier around it so your puppy is more likely to settle down and sleep – and so get into a sleeping routine – and can't wander off, chew things, play, or use various parts of your ...

How do I stop crying during crate training?

Try to ignore the whining. If your dog is just testing you, he'll probably stop whining soon. Yelling at him or pounding on the crate will only make things worse. If the whining continues after you've ignored him for several minutes, use the phrase he associates with going outside to eliminate.

Is it OK not to crate a puppy at night?

Your young dog will need a safe, comfortable environment where they can rest and recharge. That's why many dog trainers and pet parents rely on nightly crate training to keep puppies safe when they cannot be actively supervised.

What age should a dog stop crate training?

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.

Should I ignore my dog crying during crate training?

If you're convinced that your dog doesn't need to eliminate, the best response is to ignore him until he stops whining. Don't give in, otherwise you'll teach your dog to whine loud and long to get what he wants.