Crate training is a hot topic in the dog world—people tend to be either completely for it or strongly against it. Personally, I don’t take a hard stance either way. My belief is simple: what works best for your dog is what truly matters.
That being said, I’ve always used a crate for my dogs, except for one—back then, crate training wasn’t really a thing! Your dog was either placed in a laundry room or bathroom or left to roam the house.
Fortunately, I’ve never had a dog that struggled with crating, but I do know of a few that fight going into a crate.
Crate training has been shown to have several benefits for puppies. It can aid in house training, provide a secure environment, and help prevent anxiety or destructive behaviors.
On the other hand, some feel that it deprives dogs of freedom. Others suggest alternatives, like placing dogs in a bathroom or laundry room instead of a crate, which is what I did with my dog before crates.
As many of you know, I do Rover as a side gig (which I love), and I’ve recently had an experience with one of my regulars, Charlotte. She’s an energetic puppy whose owners introduced crate training at around 12 weeks.
Her setup is ideal—her crate is the right size, she has plenty of stimulating toys, and there’s even background noise to keep her company.
I visit her daily for a 30-minute lunchtime walk, and I’ve done this since she was a tiny pup. Now, at 8 months old, she’s made it clear that she and her crate are at war.
Charlotte has figured out how to break free from her crate—and she’s proud of it! The first time, her owners repaired the crate, only for her to find another escape route. They purchased a new, more secure crate, and she hasn’t broken out… yet.
The dilemma? Charlotte can’t be left uncrated because she’s still too young and prone to destructive behavior. So, for now, the crate remains her safest option. Her owners are looking into daycare a few times weekly to release some of her energy.
Again, I’ve never personally experienced a dog that didn't like their crate and haven't been faced with finding an alternative.
Every dog is different. Some take crate training quickly, while others resist it no matter what. Ultimately, the best approach is the one that keeps both your dog and your home safe and happy.
What are your thoughts on crate training? Have you had a dog that refused to be crated?
I’d love to hear your experiences!