The crate is not a jail!

All too often I hear from clients:

“I don’t need to keep my dog in a cage 24-7! That’s just cruel!”
Yes, yes, living in a crate 24/7 would be cruel - and that’s not the goal.

“I put him in there when he just won’t listen to me, but he doesn’t like it!”
Using the crate as punishment makes it a scary place. No wonder your dog avoids it!

“My dog doesn’t NEED a crate.”
I get it. Crates can be big and bulky and not fit in with our home decor. And maybe you like your dog snuggling with you on the couch or share your bed. That’s totally fine (I do, too! or at least Luna shares it with me…) But even in the best of homes, crate training offers essential benefits far beyond just being a sleeping spot.

Let’s explore why learning to love the crate can be life-changing for both you and your dog.

The Main Argument for Crate Training:

But there are other valid reasons to crate train your dog.

Ease Anxiety: While some see crates as restrictive, they can actually reduce stress when introduced properly. Dogs thrive when they have a space free from decision-making where they can relax. Think of it like wrapping yourself in a blanket or retreating to a quiet room after a long day—comforting, not punishing. Your dog can learn to LOVE their crate as their own personal retreat spot.

Prevent Free-Roam Chaos - Unsupervised free-roaming can lead to impulse-driven mischief: shredded pillows, raided trash cans, or worse. Crate training keeps your dog safe and prevents expensive messes.

Prepare for Vet Visits and Boarding: If your dog ever needs to stay overnight at the vet or at a boarding facility, being comfortable in a crate reduces stress and makes transitions easier.

4. Emergency Readiness
Emergencies like fires, floods, or power outages can force families to evacuate. Calm, crate-trained dogs are more likely to be welcomed into temporary shelters and pet-friendly hotels.

5. Support Advanced Training
Many dog sports like agility, dock diving, or search and rescue require dogs to wait calmly in a crate between runs—a skill built through crate training.

6. Aid Behavior Training
Crate training can help prevent or manage separation anxiety, attention-seeking behavior, and impulse control issues. It teaches patience and provides a safe space for emotional regulation. It’s the place your dog can drain their emotional bucket!

Not a Tight Space: Your dog must be able to lie down, stand, and turn around comfortably, with water access if confined for longer periods.

How to Start Crate Traning

We’ll go into more detail on other crate training courses and posts but here are ways to get you started:

1. Make the Crate THE. BEST. PLACE! Dogs think in terms of “best value”. Start by making the crate the best place to be in your home. This means ONLY good things happen in the crate, and in the crate is where the good things happen! Feed in the crate, toss treats in the crate, give long lasting chew toys in the crate and ONLY in the crate.

2. Leave the door open. If you’re at the beginning of crate training, remove the door or tie it open so it doesn’t accidentally slam shut and scare your dog.

3. Train in Steps. If your dog is scared of the crate, start with the small parts. Remove the sliding plastic tray of a wire crate or the top of a hard sided crate and train “place” to the tray or bottom, away from the rest of the crate. Once your dog is used to the pieces, start moving it closer to the rest of the crate. Go slowly. For some dogs this will take a few days or a week, some may adapt in one session. Let your dog tell you if they are uncomfortable.

4. Play games in and out of the crate. The dog goes in and is IMMEDIATELY released. Keep it fun and easy, almost like they are not allowed in the crate for a long time. Keeping them OUT of the crate actually makes some dogs want to be IN the crate more.

5. Remember: Crate = Great. Out = Pout. Just an easy way to remember that all good things happen in the crate and when they are out of the crate, you can act boring and pouty and simply ignore your dog for a moment. Back in the crate, excited and toss in some treats. Out…BORING!

Try some of this today. Then keep your eyes out for more posts on crate and bed training tips, or join our newsletter below.

Casa Luna Canines is your partner in dog training, human learning. Join us to learn how to be your dog’s best friend using 100% pain and fear free methods. Imagine what it will feel like when your dog chooses to behave well around you, no matter where you are!