09/29/2026
🛠️ TOOL TALK TUESDAY: CRATES & KENNELS 🛠️
Crates sometimes get a bad reputation, but when they’re introduced and used correctly, they can become one of the most valuable tools we give our dogs.
A crate shouldn’t be a punishment or a place where a dog spends nearly their entire day. It should be a safe, comfortable space where they can rest, settle, and stay out of trouble when we can’t actively supervise them.
Crate training can be beneficial for:
🐾 Creating a consistent potty-training routine
🐾 Preventing destructive or unsafe behavior
🐾 Teaching puppies and busy dogs how to settle
🐾 Safely separating dogs, children, or household guests
🐾 Traveling and emergency evacuations
🐾 Boarding, grooming, and veterinary stays
🐾 Recovering from an injury or surgery
Even if you don’t plan to crate your dog every day, there may come a time when they need to be confined. An injury, surgery, emergency, boarding stay, or overnight visit to the veterinarian is already stressful. Being comfortable in a crate can make that experience much easier for your dog.
A crate should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For potty training, an oversized crate may give a puppy enough room to sleep on one side and potty on the other.
Start with short, positive sessions. Feed meals inside, offer an appropriate chew, and practice while you’re still home. Crate training shouldn’t begin by suddenly placing a dog inside for several hours and hoping they figure it out.
A few important safety reminders:
🐾 Remove collars and dangling tags to prevent them from becoming caught
🐾 Only leave bedding or toys with dogs who won’t destroy and swallow them
🐾 Provide appropriate potty breaks and time outside the crate
🐾 Never use the crate as a substitute for exercise, training, or interaction
🐾 Watch for true panic, not just brief whining or protesting
A crate can help manage behavior, but it doesn’t automatically fix separation anxiety or teach a dog how to be alone. Dogs who panic, drool excessively, injure themselves, or desperately try to escape may need a more individualized training plan.
The goal isn’t to lock a dog away. The goal is to teach them that resting safely and calmly on their own is a normal part of life.
Is your dog’s crate their favorite sleeping spot, or are you still working on helping them feel comfortable inside? 👇
