Why I Recommend Crate Training

When it comes to raising a happy, well-adjusted dog, crate training is one of the most valuable tools an owner can use. Far from being a “prison” or punishment, a properly introduced crate provides comfort, safety, and structure — echoing the natural instincts that dogs have inherited from their wild ancestors.

A Modern Den for a Domestic Dog

In the wild, foxes, wolves, and other canines seek out dens — small, enclosed spaces where they can rest, raise their young, and feel protected from the elements and predators. These dens offer a sense of security and calm, allowing the animals to relax fully because they know they’re safe.

A crate serves the same purpose for our dogs. When introduced positively, it becomes their den — a personal sanctuary where they can retreat when they’re tired, stressed, or just want some peace and quiet. Many dogs will naturally choose to lie in their crates even when the door is open, because it feels like their space.

Safety First: Protection From Hazards

One of the biggest advantages of crate training, especially for puppies, is safety. Puppies are naturally curious and love to explore the world with their mouths — often by chewing or swallowing things they shouldn’t. Wires, socks, small toys, and household chemicals can all pose serious dangers. A crate provides a secure place where a puppy can rest safely when you can’t supervise them directly.

Crates are also invaluable for keeping dogs out of harm’s way in specific situations. For example, they can stay safely contained when the front door is open for deliveries, during cleaning, or when children are eating foods that are toxic to dogs — like chocolate or grapes.

Reducing Stress and Preventing Aggression

Dogs, just like humans, sometimes feel overwhelmed. Loud noises, visitors, or busy environments can be stressful, and dogs without a safe retreat may respond by barking, growling, or showing signs of aggression. A crate gives them a designated place to escape and decompress, helping them regulate their emotions and reducing the likelihood of unwanted behaviour.

When a dog knows it always has a secure space to go to — one where no one will disturb it — it becomes calmer and more confident overall.

Promoting Rest and Healthy Development

Rest is crucial, especially for puppies who need up to 18 hours of sleep a day to support their growth and development. Without a quiet, dedicated space, puppies can easily become overtired, leading to hyperactivity and poor focus during training. Lack of rest is the number one reason for puppies misbehaving- if everyone’s puppy got 2 hours of sleep for every 1 hour of being awake I’d have half as many puppy training clients!

A covered crate in a peaceful room, ideally with a radio or TV playing softly to mask outside noises, can create the perfect environment for restful sleep. It helps your puppy wind down, recharge, and build healthy sleep habits from an early age.

Setting Your Dog Up for Success

Crate training, when done correctly and kindly, sets your dog up for a lifetime of safety, confidence, and calm. It gives them a familiar refuge wherever they go — at home, in the car, or when traveling — and helps prevent countless behavioural and safety issues before they start.

By thinking of the crate not as a cage, but as your dog’s modern-day den, you’re honouring their natural instincts and providing one of the greatest gifts a dog owner can offer: a safe, peaceful place to simply be.