The conversation around dog crating is anything but neutral. A recent social media post stating, “HOT TAKE: Please don’t get a dog if you’re not willing to make lifestyle changes. They don’t deserve to sit in a crate all day,” ignited a firestorm of debate, with pet owners, rescue advocates, and trainers passionately weighing in.
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Some see crates as necessary tools for safety, training, and stability. Others believe prolonged crating is cruel and unnatural. But where is the line? When does responsible crating become harmful confinement?
The Case for Crating: Safety, Structure, and Training
For many dog owners, a crate is more than just a box—it’s a sanctuary.
Proponents Fire Back
Nicole York, a strong advocate for crating, commented:
“I am a HUGE advocate for crate training for a plethora of reasons. Safety for the dog being the #1. I have a 3-month-old pup who would love nothing better than to chew everything up and get into all kinds of mischief. So for his safety, he spends a lot of his day in a crate even though I work from home.”
Nicole further argues that crate training isn’t just about convenience for owners but also about preparing dogs for necessary life events:
“If your dog requires a vet stay, a trip to the groomer, or even needs to be boarded, what do you think they put them in? A crate. If your dog is never taught how to feel safe in a crate, what do you think will happen to them at these places? Talk about causing anxiety.”
The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports crate training, stating that it aids in housebreaking, prevents destructive behaviors, and can provide dogs with a space of their own where they feel secure.
“Enclosed spaces create a shelter for your dog to rest and relax. Actually, dogs instinctively seek small spaces to create protective shelters for themselves,” says an AKC expert.
For working dog owners, crating can prevent destructive behaviors that may put dogs at risk. Carla Freestep points out:
“Crate training is important. So is proper exercise, training, bonding, and providing an outlet for the dog’s natural instincts. Dogs will happily sleep in a crate for hours, but they need all the other stuff too.”
Rescue Workers Weigh In
Even those working in dog rescue—who are deeply familiar with the issues surrounding animal welfare—support crating under the right conditions. Keri Johnson, a rescue volunteer, responded:
“Your hot take is a total miss. There is nothing wrong with a dog being in a crate all day. Some dogs need it for safety. Your hot take should be that people should volunteer, foster, adopt, donate, and try to help the overpopulation of animals in our country while perfectly good animals get euthanized every day just to make space for more.”
Similarly, Jennifer Ann Calow, who has worked in shelters, countered the anti-crate stance, “Do you really think a dog in a crate while you’re at work all day is worse than a dog in a shelter all day? No, it’s not. At least at the end of the day, the dog gets out and stretches their legs for a while. They get more than just 20 minutes of one-on-one time every three days.”
Shelters, after all, are often overcrowded, with stressed dogs barking non-stop in close quarters, potentially worsening behavioral issues.
The Benefits of Crate Training
Proponents of crate training assert that, when used appropriately, crates offer numerous benefits for both dogs and their owners.
1. Aiding in House Training
Crate training is often recommended as an effective method for housebreaking puppies. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas, and a properly sized crate encourages them to hold their bladder until they are let outside. The American Kennel Club (AKC) states, “Crate training is a vitally important part of bringing a dog of any age into your life and home. It can benefit puppies, adult dogs, and seniors in one way or another.”
2. Providing a Safe Haven
Crates can serve as a personal den for dogs, offering a sense of security and a place to retreat when they need rest or solace. The AKC notes, “Enclosed spaces create a shelter for your dog to rest and relax. Actually, dogs instinctively seek small spaces to create protective shelters for themselves.”
3. Assisting in Behavioral Management
Crates can be instrumental in managing and modifying undesirable behaviors. By confining a dog to a crate when unsupervised, owners can prevent destructive activities such as chewing on furniture or getting into hazardous situations. The AKC advises, “Crate training can give dogs a sense of security and give owners more peace of mind.”
4. Facilitating Safe Travel
Using a crate during travel can ensure a dog’s safety and comfort. Crates prevent dogs from roaming in vehicles, reducing the risk of distraction-related accidents. Additionally, in emergency situations, a crate-trained dog can be evacuated more efficiently, as they are accustomed to confinement. The AKC emphasizes, “Crates make it easier to safely transport your dog by car or by air during long-distance travel or vacations.”
5. Preventing Separation Anxiety
Introducing a crate as a positive space can help dogs develop independence and reduce the likelihood of separation anxiety. By spending time alone in their crate, dogs learn that being alone is not a negative experience. The AKC suggests, “Crate training helps dogs learn to self-soothe or deal with their anxiety during situations where they become distressed.”
The Case Against Crating: Is It Just a Cage?
Despite its widespread use, many people believe crating is unnecessary at best and inhumane at worst.
Crate Opponents in Defense
Christina Hatch painted a distressing mental picture, “Would you like to have to sit in your bed for, say, 12 hours? You can’t get up to use the lavatory, so your bladder aches. Maybe you have an upset stomach & vomit or have diarrhea, but you are locked into that bed! Imagine.”
For many, the idea of crating a dog for long hours is fundamentally cruel. Alison Auchmoody Ngo said, “We have had many dogs and never ever crated one. They learned boundaries and are perfectly fine to free roam while we are working.”
Critics argue that destructive behaviors—often cited as a reason to crate—stem from a lack of exercise, stimulation, and proper training. Jenny Burls Sprackett echoed this sentiment:
“Breaks my heart when I hear dogs get crated for 7/8 hours a day because they’re destructive. They’re destructive because they’re bored and need exercise and brain stimulation.”
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) takes a hard stance against crating, stating, “Crating deprives dogs of their basic needs: social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical exercise. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems.”
Some believe that leaving a dog in a crate all day is akin to keeping them in a cage. Lurlie Mahaffey shared her opinion, “A crate is just a cage when you make your dog stay in it all day. How would you like to spend the day cramped in a hall closet?”
Concerns and Criticisms
Despite the advantages, critics of crating raise several concerns regarding its impact on canine well-being.
1. Potential for Overuse and Abuse
One of the primary criticisms is that crates can be misused, leading to excessive confinement. Dogs are social animals that require interaction, exercise, and mental stimulation. Extended periods in a crate can result in physical health issues and psychological distress. The AKC cautions, “Even a well-trained dog who’s acclimated to his crate shouldn’t be left in there for too long. Dogs need opportunities to stretch, exercise, play, and be with their humans.”
2. Risk of Anxiety and Behavioral Issues
Improper use of crates, such as using them for punishment, can create negative associations and lead to increased anxiety or fearfulness in dogs. The AKC advises, “Try to avoid forcing your dog into the crate, since that can create a negative association.”
3. Questioning the ‘Den’ Analogy
While many proponents suggest that crates mimic natural dens, some experts argue that this comparison is flawed. In the wild, dens are used temporarily, primarily by mothers with pups, and are not permanent residences. The AKC notes, “Even in the wild, dogs only use dens in a limited capacity—mainly to nurse their young and convalesce during illness.”
4. Cultural Differences in Crating Practices
Crate training is predominantly practiced in North America, with many European countries viewing the practice as unnecessary or even cruel. This cultural disparity raises questions about the necessity and humanity of crating as a standard practice. The AKC acknowledges, “In the US crate training is normal and not considered abusive. There are many reasons folks here crate train.”
Finding a Middle Ground: Responsible Crating vs. Confinement
While some believe crating is essential and others see it as restrictive, the key lies in responsible use. Many experts agree that crating can be beneficial if done correctly but harmful when misused.
Dr. Karen Becker, a wellness veterinarian, states, “Putting a puppy in her crate for a nap or some quiet time helps her learn not to expect constant attention. However, a crate should never be used as a babysitter for long hours.” (Animal Health Foundation).
Balanced Crate Use Guidelines:
- Crates should never replace exercise and interaction. Dogs need adequate time outside the crate for socialization and physical activity.
- Proper crate sizing is crucial. Dogs should be able to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably.
- Crates should be introduced as positive spaces. Never use them as punishment.
- Maximum recommended crate time: Adult dogs should not be crated for more than 4-6 hours at a time, while puppies need more frequent breaks.
- Alternatives for long workdays: Doggy daycare, pet sitters, or dog-proofed areas can provide a better solution than extended crating.
What’s Best for Your Dog?
The crating debate ultimately boils down to balance, individual dog needs, and owner responsibility. A well-trained dog may never need a crate, while others—especially puppies or rescues—may benefit from structured crating.
It’s not about whether crates are good or bad; it’s about how they are used. Crates can be an essential tool or an unnecessary restriction, depending on the dog, the owner, and the circumstances.
Dog owners should ask themselves:
Am I crating my dog for their benefit or my convenience? The answer to that question determines whether crating is helpful or harmful.
What’s your stance? Let us know in the comments.
