Beyond House Training: The Unexpected Benefits of Crating Your Dog

Crates get a bad rap, often from people who have never used one!

Many people believe they’re only good for house training puppies, or worse, that crating is flat-out cruel. The truth is, when used the right way, a crate can be one of the best tools you have as a pet parent. It can provide your dog, or in some instances even other pets, with a sense of security, make travel easier, and even keep them safe in an emergency. That’s why I put together this post, along with a related podcast episode: Is Crating Cruel? 5 Surprising Benefits for Your Dog.

Crates: Cruel or Kind?

First of all, a crate is simply a source of confining an animal. It's no more cruel than keeping them in your house, or in a certain room of your home and not allowing them access elsewhere. The crate itself isn’t the problem. The trouble comes from how it’s used. If you shove your dog inside as punishment or leave them there for hours on end, of course they’ll hate it and when misused, yes, it can be cruel. But when you take the time to introduce it properly, use the right size, and only confine your pet in it for a limited timeframe, it becomes your dog’s personal safe spot. Think of the difference between confinement and sanctuary: confinement is about restriction, while sanctuary is about safety and comfort.

Dogs who have been properly acclimated to crates will often go in them without being asked. I often find one or all of my dogs in their crates (or sometimes they trade spaces) at various times during the day or night with the doors wide open. Dogs are natural den animals. In the wild, they look for spaces that feel protected and calm. A properly introduced crate fulfills that instinct, offering a space to rest, regroup, and feel secure. The key is to make sure your dog sees the crate as a cozy retreat, not a punishment.

Creating Security and Calm

Life in our homes is rarely quiet. Between doorbells, visitors, kids running around, or stressful events like thunderstorms and fireworks, it’s easy for dogs to feel overwhelmed. A crate can be the one place where they know they can go to find calm and safety. When you make it inviting with soft bedding, a favorite toy, and the occasional treat, most dogs will start choosing to go there on their own when they need a break.

This safe space becomes even more valuable for anxious or fearful dogs. Instead of pacing, barking, or hiding, they can retreat to their crate, relax, and reset. Over time, the crate becomes a predictable, reliable haven they trust in stressful moments.

Travel and Emergency Situations

Crates also shine when life throws us curveballs. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip, booking a flight, or dealing with a sudden evacuation like we often do during hurricane season on the Texas Gulf Coast, a crate can make the difference between chaos and calm and to be honest, it could mean the difference between life and death. On the road, a secured crate keeps your dog safe and prevents distractions while you drive as well as preventing escapes when you stop to refuel or go to the restroom. For air travel, most airlines require crates that meet specific standards, so getting that under-seat carrier well in advance of a trip and having your pet already used to getting in it and being comfortable makes flying much less stressful.

Everyday Life Made Easier

Beyond the big events, crates can help with the daily challenges of life with pets. They can reduce separation anxiety in SOME dogs, prevent destructive chewing, and give you peace of mind when you can’t supervise. They can also help set a routine for meals, naps, and bedtime, especially with puppies who thrive on structure.

Even simple things like cleaning the house or cooking dinner become easier when your dog is safely crated instead of underfoot. The crate gives them their own “job” which is to chill out, while you focus on what you've got to get done. For those who work from home, having a pet that's used to a crate can greatly improve their productivity and their professional image. Although I love seeing someones pet on a Zoom call, in some instances, such as a new client call, a cat butt on camera doesn't exactly scream, "This person really has their stuff together. I think I should give them my million-dollar contract."

The Right Way to Use a Crate

For all these benefits, the success of crating depends entirely on how you approach it. The golden rule is simple: never use the crate as punishment. Make it positive from the start. Introduce it gradually, reward your dog for choosing to go inside, and make sure it’s the right size and well-ventilated.

If you’re in the market for a sturdy option, I recommend Impact Dog Crates. They’re durable, secure, and especially helpful for fearful dogs or escape artists. They also give back a small percentage of sales to support this show, when you buy from this link (purchases keeps the show ad free!) The one I have folds up and can be stored under a bed and I also have the optional wheeled base so it's easy to move - even with a big dog in it!

TLDR

When done right, crating isn’t cruel, it’s kind. It taps into your dog’s natural instincts, gives them a safe haven, and makes your life easier too. If you’d like a deeper dive into the benefits, check out the related episode of The Pet Parent Hotline: Is Crating Cruel? 5 Surprising Benefits for Your Dog for more insights!