Is Crate Training Right for Your Dog? Pros and Cons

Ever since I started owning and working with German Shepherds, I've crate trained my dogs. As you'll learn, do it right and it's an amazing strategy that's good for the dog and you. Do it wrong, and it becomes a nightmare for both you and your dog. I'm a firm believer behind crate training.

When we got Bella, as I've shared in other articles, we elected not to continue using a crate. That's because her previous owner left her in a crate for 9 hours a day while she worked which caused Bella to have a very negative feeling towards crates. 

Because she was being put in a crate at night for bed, we got a crate for her to make the transition to our home easier. We paid very close attention to her behavior around the crate, especially since I already had a lot of experience crate training dogs. Within a few days Laura and I decided we would end the use of a crate for Bella once we all bonded together.

Bella and Laura bonded very quickly. Within two weeks, Bella was sleeping with us in our room.

For the first time ever, I scrapped the idea of a crate with Bella. For Bella specifically, because this is an individualized decision, it was the right move.

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve likely heard the crate training debate: some swear by it, others shudder at the thought. I can argue both sides of the debate, but ultimately find it to be a personal decision based upon your dogs personality and characteristics.

Crates—those wire or plastic kennels—can be a game-changer for some dogs and owners, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. So, is crate training right for your dog?

To help you decide, we’re breaking down the pros and cons with a clear, no-nonsense look at what crate training offers—and where it might fall short. Let’s dig into the facts and find out if this tool could be your pup’s new best friend or a pass for your household!

What Is Crate Training?

Crate training is the process of teaching your dog to see a crate as a safe, comfortable space—think of it as their personal den.

It’s often used for:

• house training,
• managing behavior, or
• providing a secure spot when you’re away.

The idea taps into a dog’s natural instinct to seek out cozy, enclosed areas, but it takes time, patience, and positive reinforcement to get there.

Done right, it’s a tool; done wrong, it’s a cage. For Bella, it was a cage because of her experiences with the previous owner, who felt it was what she needed to do living in an apartment.

But this is also why the previous owner knew she needed to find a new home for Bella... she saw the heart and potential Bella had and believed Bella would flourish in the right home, a home she just wasn't able to offer Bella. She was right.

Let’s weigh the good and the not-so-good.

The Pros of Crate Training

Crate training has fans for a reason—here’s why it works for many dogs and owners:

Speed Up House Training With Crate Training

• How It Helps: Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. A crate keeps them in a confined space, encouraging them to “hold it” until you let them out for a potty break.
• Why It’s Great: Fewer accidents mean faster progress—perfect for puppies or rescues learning the ropes.

Crate Training Creates A Safe Haven

• How It Helps: A crate becomes a retreat where your dog can relax, especially during stressful events like thunderstorms or guests arriving.
• Why It’s Great: It’s a portable “home base” for travel or vet visits, reducing anxiety with a familiar spot.

Prevents Destructive Behavior

• How It Helps: When you’re not home, a crate keeps your dog from chewing furniture, shoes, or walls—common outlets for boredom or stress.
• Why It’s Great: Protects your stuff and your dog from swallowing something dangerous.

Aids in Separation Anxiety

• How It Helps: For dogs prone to panic when alone, a crate can feel like a secure cocoon, cutting down on pacing or escape attempts.
• Why It’s Great: Paired with gradual training, it’s a step toward calmer solo time (more on that in our next article!).

Crate Training Makes Travel Easier

• How It Helps: A crate-trained dog is comfy in confined spaces, making car trips, flights, or hotel stays smoother.
• Why It’s Great: Airlines often require crates, and a dog who loves theirs is less stressed on the go.

The Cons of Crate Training

It’s not all tail wags—crate training has downsides to consider:

Not Every Dog Loves It

• The Issue: Some dogs feel trapped or panicked in a crate, especially if they’re high-energy, anxious, or have past trauma (e.g., shelter dogs).
• Why It Matters: Forcing it can worsen fear or stress, turning a “den” into a prison.

Time and Effort Required

• The Issue: Crate training isn’t instant—you need to introduce it slowly with treats, toys, and patience. Rushing it can backfire.
• Why It Matters: Busy owners might struggle to invest the weeks or months it takes for success.

Risk of Overuse

• The Issue: Leaving a dog crated too long (over 4–6 hours for adults, less for pups) can lead to boredom, discomfort, or even health issues like stiff joints.
• Why It Matters: It’s a tool, not a babysitter—over-reliance can harm your dog’s wellbeing. Please, don’t overuse it!

Potty Setbacks

• The Issue: If the crate’s too big, a dog might soil one end and sleep in the other, undoing house training. Too small, and they’re miserable.
• Why It Matters: Sizing and supervision are key—get it wrong, and you’re cleaning messes anyway.

Emotional Pushback

• The Issue: Some owners feel guilty crating their dog, seeing it as confinement rather than comfort.
• Why It Matters: If you’re not sold on it, your unease can rub off on your pup, making training harder.

Is It Right for Your Dog?

So, how do you know if crate training fits your furry friend? Ask yourself:

• Your Dog’s Personality: Is your dog calm and den-loving (e.g., burrows under blankets), or restless and claustrophobic? Breeds like terriers might dig it; hounds might hate it.
• Your Lifestyle: Can you commit to short crate times and proper training? Do you travel often or need a solution for alone time?
• Their History: A rescue with crate trauma might need a gentler approach—like a gated room—over a kennel.
• Your Goals: Are you house training a puppy or managing a chewer? Crates shine here, but less so for general discipline.

Test It Out: Start small—toss a treat in an open crate and let them explore. If they nap inside willingly, you’re on the right track. If they balk or whine, rethink it.

Tips for Success

If you go for it, set your dog up to win:

• Make It Positive: Use treats, toys, or a cozy blanket—never force them in.
• Size It Right: They should stand, turn, and lie down comfortably—no bigger, no smaller.
• Keep It Short: Puppies under 6 months max out at 3–4 hours; adults at 6–8. Add breaks!
• Pair With Routine: Crate them after play or a walk—they’ll settle faster.
• Avoid Punishment: Never use the crate as a timeout—it’s their happy place, not a penalty box.
• Feed Dog In Crate: Give your dog 15-30 minutes, depending on age, to eat the food, then remove it. This helps them love the crate since this is where they're fed. It's creates their "happy place".

If you still have problems and you really want to crate train your dog, pick up a course that specializes in teaching crate training for dogs.