5 Benefits of Crate Training Your Puppy

If you’re getting ready to welcome a new puppy into your home, you may be considering crate training them. When done correctly, crate training can help you keep your pup safe, provide a cozy place to rest, and assist with house training. However, effective training takes time - you should never just force your pup into a crate and leave them to “get used to it.”

That being said, with positive training and patience, most puppies will learn to see their crate as a space where they can relax and feel safe. Read on to find out more about the benefits of crate training your puppy. 

1. Provides a Den-Like Space to Relax

Puppies are full of energy. In fact, they often find it difficult to switch off, even when they get tired. This can be a problem for puppy parents, as over tiredness can make unwanted behaviors more likely.

Some puppies may flop down and sleep on the floor, but others find it difficult to switch off unless they have a dedicated “den” to chill out in.

A crate can provide a cozy, den-like space where your pup can go to relax and rest. This special “safe place” is just for them, so they should feel comforted just by being inside.

Some puppies may even go into their crate of their own accord, when they feel they need some downtime to recharge. 

2. Great for Toilet Training

One of the main benefits of crate training your puppy is that it makes toilet training much easier.

Your pup instinctively wants to stay clean and will try their best not to soil their crate, as this is where they relax. Therefore, crate training is a useful tool to teach your puppy bowel and bladder control.

For this method to be effective, your pup shouldn't have too much space in their crate, otherwise, they may toilet in the corner. You should let your puppy out of the crate regularly, and immediately take them outside to relieve themselves. This way, your pup will quickly associate outdoors with toilet time. 

3. Your Dog Will Feel More Comfortable Whenever They Have Access to the Crate

Once your pup enjoys being in their crate, it will be much easier for you to travel with them.

Whether you’re visiting friends or on vacation, the new surroundings are less likely to overwhelm your pup, because they have a personal space (that smells like home) to retreat to. Most wire crates can be quickly folded down, making it easy to take them with you.

Having a safe and secure crate also makes it much easier for your puppy to adjust to any changes, such as moving to a new house.

Tip: Be aware that the vast majority of crates are not crash-tested, so shouldn’t be used to hold your dog while driving. Look for harnesses or crates that have been independently crash-tested.

4. Keeps your Pup Secure When you Have Visitors

Another great reason to crate train your puppy is that you can keep them secure when you have visitors to your home.

This could be young children, tradespeople working on your property, or simply friends and family who are allergic to dogs. Having a cozy place that your pup will happily retreat to in the meantime is very convenient.

A crate also makes it easier to avoid your dog getting into unwanted habits, such as overexcited greetings. If you know a visitor is arriving soon, you can place your dog in the crate with a special toy or puppy-safe chew, then only let her out when the initial excitement of seeing the person has calmed.

5. Ensures Safety When You Cannot Supervise Them

Crate training your puppy will allow you to keep them safe when you’re unable to supervise them.

If you don’t use a crate, you’ll need to have eyes in the back of your head, constantly keeping an eye on your fluff ball to make sure they don’t get themselves into trouble. Even if you have puppy-proofed your home, your furry pal still needs to be supervised, especially if they’re not yet housetrained or if they’re teething.

There will inevitably be times when you can’t give your pup your full attention. Perhaps when you need to cook a meal, have a shower, or get some work done.

It’s times like these where having a crate trained puppy is super handy. Simply put them in their crate “den” while you’re preoccupied, and get on with your tasks without worry. A puppy pen can also provide similar benefits.  

Can All Dogs Be Crate Trained?

Crate training has many benefits, but there are some circumstances where it may not be suitable. 

If your pup is a rescue dog who has bad experiences in crates, they may find crates an extremely scary place. Some dogs are more anxious than others, and any dog that suffers from extreme anxiety, separation anxiety or fear of crates should not be forcibly crated.  

These types of dogs may not grow accustomed to crates, and will simply become more and more stressed the longer they are inside. You should never force your pup to spend time inside a crate if they are obviously distressed. They may hurt themselves trying to escape, and it will damage their trust in you.

Crate training your puppy has several benefits. Not only is it a useful tool for house training, but it also provides a safe, secure space for your pup to relax when you’re away or otherwise unable to supervise them.

Crate training is a gradual process, so be sure to start slowly so as not to overwhelm your pup. Also keep in mind that crate training isn’t suitable for all dogs, and their crate should never be used as a punishment.