To Crate or Not to Crate? Why Smart Dog Owners Say “Yes!”

You’re staring at that crate, wondering… “Is this really necessary?”

Here’s the honest truth from someone who’s trained thousands of dogs: Yes. Crating is one of the smartest tools you can use. Especially for puppies, emotionally immature dogs, or dogs prone to destructive behavior.

At Aly’s Puppy Boot Camp, we crate every single dog that comes through our program—and for good reason. Crating is so much more than potty training. It’s about structure, safety, and state of mind.

Let’s break it down.

Why Crating Is More Than Just Convenient

A crate isn’t a punishment, it's a den. And dogs? They’re natural denners.

Unlike us humans, dogs like small, enclosed spaces. Think about it: puppies are born in tight little piles. Adult dogs love curling under tables, squeezing between couch cushions, or burrowing under the bed.

When used correctly, a crate becomes your dog’s safe place a spot where rest, calm, and clarity begin.

Crate Training for Puppies: Start Early, Train Smart

Let’s not sugarcoat it—puppies need structure. Left to their own devices, they’ll chew shoes, pee on rugs, and run their battery till it crashes… all before lunch.

Here’s what crating helps with:

• Mandatory rest (puppies need 16–17 hours of sleep per day!)

• Potty training

• Preventing chaos when you can’t supervise

• Building patience and impulse control

And if your pup protests at first? That’s okay! Most of them do. But with time, consistency, and the right strategies (like crate games, feeding in the crate, and giving high-value chew toys inside), they adjust beautifully.

Want to up the comfort level? Try a snuggle buddy or even Marc Goldberg’s trick—fill the crate halfway with shredded paper or straw to let your puppy burrow in. It works wonders!

What About Adult Dogs?

Great question. Crating isn’t just for babies. In fact, every dog should be safely confined when you’re not home—until they’ve earned the freedom.

I tell clients this all the time:

“He could, so he did.”

Even a dog who’s been free-roaming for years can surprise you. A chewed couch, raided trash, or surprise scuffle with another dog can happen the one day you weren’t paying attention.

That’s why I recommend crating—or at the very least, using safe confinement zones (more on that in a minute)—until your dog behaves reliably 95% of the time without your input.

Multi-Dog Homes? Listen Up.

If you’ve got a pack at home, crating or separating dogs when you’re away isn’t just smart—it’s non-negotiable.

Even dogs that have lived together for years can have a surprise squabble over:

• A favorite bed

• A new chew toy

• A change in energy (age, illness, shifting dominance)

And if you’re not there to intervene? That disagreement can turn dangerous fast.

But My Dog Doesn’t Like the Crate…

That’s okay. Most dogs aren’t instantly crate fans.

But with the right approach, almost any dog can learn to feel safe and secure in a crate. Whether they’re a puppy or a senior, the method is the same:

• Start slow

• Use food and praise

• Play crate games

• Toss in chews and let them relax with the door open

• Gradually build duration
  
  

For older or resistant dogs, you can also try alternatives like:

• Ex-pens

• Baby gates to block off a room

• Larger kennel setups for more space while still creating a boundary

The key isn’t the crate itself—it’s creating a calm, safe, confined space where your dog can rest without the risk of getting into trouble.

Crating = Real-World Prep

Here’s something a lot of people forget:
Your dog will be crated at some point.

Vet visits, grooming appointments, boarding, travel—they all involve a crate. If your pup has never seen one before, those moments can be downright traumatic.

But if your dog already knows the crate as a safe, peaceful space? No problem.

You’ve set them up for confidence, not chaos.

Final Thoughts: Crating Is a Gift, Not a Jail Sentence

If you love your dog—and I know you do—then give them the structure they need to succeed. Crating isn’t about locking your dog away. It’s about creating peace in your pack—while protecting your pup from harm, over-arousal, and destructive habits.

And the truth? Crate training is one of the kindest things you can do. It teaches rest, builds respect, and prepares your dog for the real world.

Want more support on crate training done the Aly way?

👉 Head to Aly’s Academy for video tutorials, how-tos, and crate game ideas.
👉 Or join Aly’s Insider Community where you can ask questions, get feedback, and connect with other dog owners doing it right.
👉 Need help getting through those wild puppy stages? The Good Walker Leash is perfect for moving your crate-trained pup into calm, confident walks.

Whether you’re just starting with a crate or coming back to it after a few couch casualties, remember this: structure builds calm—and calm builds confidence.

And that’s how you raise a GREAT dog.