Crate Training

The Crate Conundrum: A Deeper Look at Dog Training's Blanket Solution

As a dog behaviour consultant, I’ve navigated the waters of training and behaviour, and one topic that consistently sparks debate and often confusion is crate training. For many, the crate is touted as a universal solution, the key to house-training, security, and establishing "structure." But my professional experience, and that of many others, tells a more nuanced story: the crate is not a one-size-fits-all tool, and treating it as such can be detrimental.

The Myth of Universal Acceptance

The most important thing I've learned is this: not all dogs will respond positively to crate training, no matter how hard you try.

We hear glowing accounts of dogs who happily trot into their crates and settle down. That’s wonderful, but for every dog who adopts the crate as a comforting space, there are others for whom it remains a source of anxiety. You can use all the positive reinforcement, the soft blankets, and the high-value treats in the world, yet some dogs will simply never view the crate as a safe retreat.

We must respect their individual temperament. Pushing a fearful or claustrophobic dog into a crate because "it's what you're supposed to do" only damages the relationship and intensifies their stress.

An x-pen can be a great alternative to using a crate

The "Structure" Trap and Behaviour Band-Aid

One of my biggest concerns is how crate training is often suggested as a blanket approach for establishing "structure" and, worse, as a shortcut or immediate fix for a wide range of behaviour issues. This is a definite no-no.

Got a dog with separation anxiety? Crate it! Chewing the furniture? Crate it! Nipping too much? Crate it!

A crate can only prevent a dog from practising an unwanted behaviour while confined; it doesn't address the underlying cause. True structure comes from consistent routines, clear communication, proper management, and reward-based training. Behaviour issues require an investigation into the why, not just a convenient way to lock the dog away until the problem disappears (which it won't). The crate should never be used as punishment.

When the Crate Can Be Positive

In my view, the only truly positive use of a crate comes when the dog chooses their crate as a resting or safe place, with the door open.

This means the dog associates the crate with comfort and security on their own terms. When they voluntarily enter it to nap, chew a toy, or retreat from a busy household, the crate has successfully become their safe space. This is the ideal scenario, and it's a bond that can't be forced. If the dog doesn't have this positive, door-open association, any subsequent confinement will feel less like a safe space and more like isolation.

Safety vs. Confinement: Alternatives for Pups

I agree that crates can be helpful to keep puppies safe and prevent destructive chewing when you can't actively supervise them. However, we have an excellent alternative that provides safety without the restrictive confinement: the X-pen (exercise pen).

An X-pen creates a puppy-proof safe zone that allows for more movement, access to a water bowl, and a designated potty area (if using pads). It provides the necessary management to keep a puppy out of trouble while still being a more open environment.

The Emergency Argument: Stress Over Confinement

The final common argument for mandatory crate training is the "emergency" scenario that all dogs should be comfortable in a crate in case they need to be transported or housed temporarily at a vet, groomer, or evacuation centre.

While I understand the thought, in a genuine emergency, the dog will be facing significant distress due to their entire environment being upended. They will be more stressed about the unfamiliar surroundings, the strange smells, the noise, and the presence of strangers than they will be about the confinement of the crate itself. A dog who has a solid foundation of trust and socialization will likely cope better than a dog who has a forced, negative relationship with their crate.

In the end, my belief is that we, as dog guardians, should shift our focus from mandatory crate-training to proactive management, positive reinforcement, and treating our dogs as individuals. If they love the crate, fantastic. If they don't, there are always better, more humane ways to manage their behaviour and ensure their safety.