To crate or not to crate?
If you’re in the middle of a great crate debate, trying to decide if the crate is the right option for your pet, we’re here to help! We’ve listed all the situations when a crate works wonderfully and several when it’s best avoided.
Which of these match your pet’s needs best?
When to crate
- Special space for your pet. Everyone likes to have a spot of their very own, especially in a busy household where quiet, restful spaces are at a premium.
- Potty training aid (dog). Dogs are innately clean creatures who will not soil their sleeping space, making the crate a huge help in preventing accidents when you’re not around to monitor your dog.
- Safe space for self-soothing. A beloved crate can be a safe haven for anxious pets, who can retreat to it during storms, fireworks or other scary events.
- Pet-proof solution. If torn pillows or other destructive behavior is a norm in your home, a crate is a helpful temporary solution to keep your pet safe and your home intact while you work on fixing the behavior (but see the separation anxiety caveat below).
- Transportation. Crating is the best way to keep your pet safe and secure in transit, which is why crates are typically required for airline travel.
- Disaster preparedness. Fire, flood, hurricane—whatever the disaster may be, a crate may be essential for quickly corralling your pet to get them away from the danger.
- Medical crate rest. When surgeries or treatments require your pet to take some bed rest, the crate can help ensure your energetic pet follows recommendations.
When NOT to crate
- Time out or punishment spot. The crate should be a positive, safe space only. Using it as a consequence for bad behavior will quickly teach your pet to fear the crate and resist entering it.
- Prolonged daytime confinement. Sleeping in the crate at night is fine, but add in too much daytime confinement as well and you’re asking for misbehavior from pent-up energy and lack of mental stimulation.
- Separation anxiety aid. If your pet’s destructive behavior is caused by separation anxiety, the crate is not the best solution, as these pets may harm themselves trying to escape.
- Permanent pet proofing or housebreaking solution. The crate should not replace training to correct unwanted behaviors; the goal of crate training should always be your pet’s eventual free rein of the house.
Ready to start training? Use these tips for dogs and cats to teach your pet to love their crate!
