Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Is it cruel to crate your dog and how long should you do it?

Debbie Clason
By

Now that you’ve adopted a dog into your family, you’ll want to make them feel right at home. In addition to buying all of the essentials — food, toys, and grooming supplies — you may also want to consider buying a crate. There are several schools of thought. Some believe that crating a dog is cruel. Others believe that, when done correctly, a crate becomes a safe, secure place for your dog and peace of mind for you.

Pit bull puppy on a blanket in a crate
J.A.Dunbar / Shutterstock

Pros and cons of crating your dog

Choosing to crate train your new family member is a matter of personal preference. Many professional trainers and veterinarians approve of this method, while some animal-rights activists say it’s inhumane.

Pros

  • When you’re not home, you won’t have to worry that your dog will chew on furniture or have an accident in the house.
  • It’s an effective way to house train. Dogs don’t like to sleep in the same place they potty. Using a crate helps them learn how to control their eliminations when they are inside.
  • Crates provide a secure place to keep your dog inside, instead of outside where they might develop bad habits, such as barking or digging, or be subjected to extreme temperatures and other weather-related conditions.
  • A crate can act like a den, which many experts believe is part of a dog’s natural instinct, and serve as a safe place for your dog to retreat when he/she is tired or doesn’t feel well.

Cons

  • Your dog may cry and whine during crate training.
  • Crates that are too small or poorly ventilated can be uncomfortable, creating an undesirable environment for your pet.
  • Dogs are social animals and don’t do well when left alone in a crate for long periods of time every day. Long-term confinement can lead to physical and psychological issues such as aggression, depression, muscle atrophy, obsessive licking, and eating disorders.
  • Crating isn’t suitable for dogs with medical conditions, especially those that affect bladder control.
Recommended Videos

How to choose the right crate

It’s important to choose the right crate for your dog if you decide to include this training into their daily routine. Fortunately, you have a variety of options:

  • Folding metal dog crates are especially suitable for larger breeds. The wire construction allows for good air flow, and the material is easy to clean.
  • Plastic crates are made of durable materials. Many meet requirements for airline travel.
  • Foldable fabric crates have mesh ventilation and are especially good for smaller dogs when traveling by car.
  • Wooden crates are stylish options that fit into the decorating scheme and often double as functional furniture.

Here are some things to consider:

  • Size. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in their crate. Any bigger and your dog might use a corner as the bathroom, which defeats one of the major reasons for crate training.
  • Ventilation. Whichever style of dog crate you choose, make sure it has adequate ventilation. Larger dogs and those with longer hair may need more ventilation than a smaller pet.
  • Duration. Don’t leave an adult dog in the crate any longer than eight hours at a time, four hours for a puppy. Consider finding a doggy day care or hiring a dog walker if you’ll be away for longer periods of time.
  • Attitude. Never use the crate as a “time out.” Instead, create a safe retreat for your dog.
  • Safety. Make sure you remove your dog’s leash and collar so it doesn’t accidentally become tangled in the crating material.

tan and white chihuahua in a playpen

Other options

If you aren’t interested in crate training your dog but still need a way to monitor their activity on occasion, consider investing in an exercise pen, also known as a playpen. These useful pieces of equipment give your active pup much more room to move around and play, while keeping them close by. For example:

  • When you’re outside: A playpen can keep your furry family member close to all of the fun without worry they will wander off or get into trouble.
  • When you’re inside: Whether you’re having guests or just need to get a few things done around the house without having Fido underfoot, a playpen can provide ample space for your dog to move around, eat, and drink, and feel like part of the family.
  • When you’re traveling: Exercise pens can be the perfect solution for your dog to safely enjoy family time at the campsite or on the beach.

Like crates, playpens come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, most of which can be folded and stored when not in use. Most have interlocking panels of varying heights. You can choose from those with floors and covers to those without. The type of playpen you buy is directly related to the size and activity level of your dog.

Whether you choose to crate train or are looking for an occasional way to safely provide boundaries for your dog, the best solution is one that allows all members of your family — including the four-legged ones — a happy, healthy space in which to live and play.

If you want the best products, you can check out our guide on water dispensers for your dog.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Debbie Clason
Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
What to do if your dog keeps throwing up with no sign of stopping
Here's what to try first and when to call the vet
A dog sleeping in a bed with a water bottle on his head and a thermometer in his mouth.

If you're like most pet parents, the sight of your beloved dog throwing up sends shivers of fear down your spine. Just like us, dogs occasionally eat something that disagrees with them and causes them to vomit. In most cases, your dog's vomiting will resolve on its own, but if your pup keeps throwing up, it could be cause for concern.

We'll give you the rundown on everything you need to know about why your dog keeps throwing up, from potential reasons why your pet might be vomiting to when you should take your pooch to the vet. 

Read more
Can dogs eat celery? The do’s and don’ts you should know
Your pup will probably love a veggie snack now and then
Woman chops up veggies including celery for her dog

Your dog's favorite snacks might include dog biscuits, fancy chews, or even that bacon you dropped on the floor one time, but can dogs eat celery? The truth is lots of dogs like veggies, even bland ones such as celery. While you wouldn't want this green and healthy nibble to become a staple in their diet, you can absolutely give your pup a celery snack now and then — and they might grow to love it.

Can dogs have raw celery?
As omnivores, our pet dogs need a balanced diet of both meat and plants. That's likely because their domestic history made them into scavengers thousands of years ago when our ancestors were still in the hunter-gatherer phase. In modern times, this diet preference has huge benefits because you can throw in some healthful treats that will give your pup a nutrition boost and keep them full.

Read more
Seizures in dogs can be scary – this is what you need to do
How to help your dog if they have a seizure
Australian shepherd by brick wall

Witnessing a seizure can be jarring, especially if you never have before. You may feel scared and helpless if the person is a stranger at a restaurant or a friend or family member. What if that friend or family member is of the furry variety? The experience can take on new layers — you're supposed to care for and help a dog, but you have no idea what to do.

Your best bet is to call the vet if your dog has never had a seizure. Should the veterinarian's office be closed, an emergency hospital is equipped to handle seizures in dogs. If your dog is prone to seizures, your vet likely gave you instructions on what to do — follow them. However, perhaps you're in the lobby waiting for answers, trying to make sense of what happened. Alternatively, maybe you're a pet parent-to-be who wants to be prepared for anything and everything. This guide to seizures in dogs can help.

Read more