Skip to main content

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

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.

Related Videos

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.

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

Have your heart set on a breed? Here’s why it’s important to consider different types of dogs
Think you need a small dog? Here's why you should research different types of dogs first
A woman kissing a dog

Perhaps you love your friend’s Yorkie. Maybe you grew up with a beagle and always dreamt of having one of your own. Getting fixated on a specific breed is normal and natural, and there’s no shame in it. Just like gender disappointment is a "thing" in parenting, so is dreaming about welcoming a specific dog with a distinct look and characteristics into your family.

Still, you want to consider different types of dogs while searching for a new furry family member. It may be difficult to wrap your head around, but researching other breeds and considering all of your options is an essential step in the process of choosing a dog breed. That doesn’t mean you must consider all dog breeds — that’s overwhelming — but you want to look into several. Here’s why and how to jumpstart your search for your next four-legged best friend.

Read more
6 affectionate and cute dog breeds for owners who love to cuddle
Different dog breeds that are cute and that any owner would love
Cavalier King Charles spaniel lies on a pillow and looks into the camera with big eyes

Sometimes, a dog simply falls into your life with no notice. Other times, however, you have the opportunity to plan for welcoming your new furry friend. You might even want to research different dog breeds to decide the kind of pet you're looking for. Do you want an athletic canine bestie? Or would you prefer a buddy who wants to hang out on the couch?
Affection is one other quality that many look for in a pet. After all, nothing beats a good cuddle with your pup after a long day. Luckily, all the cute dog breeds on this list are known for their affectionate natures, so they'll be just as happy for a snuggle session as you will. Take a look!

Great Dane
Although a lot of people think of small dogs as the cuddliest, that's not always the case. The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that this breed "need[s] lots of affection and socialization with people and other animals, making them great family pets." They are called "Gentle Giants" after all.

Read more
Why you shouldn’t feed your dogs trail mix
3 reasons why dogs can't eat trail mix or their common ingredients
A Yorkshire terrier licks their lips and looks into the camera

At first glance, trail mix might look like a healthy snack for everyone in your home. It has a little sugar, some healthy fats, and a small number of carbohydrates to keep you going throughout the day. Sounds great, right?
Although people can eat as much trail mix as they please, the same isn't true for our canine friends. There are many ingredients in this popular combo that aren't safe for dogs to eat. Let's go over a few of the reasons why as we answer some of the most common questions:

Can dogs eat raisins?
Why can't dogs eat trail mix?
Which nuts are safe for dogs to eat?

Read more