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What is a Puppy Crate?

Kate Monteith
Kate Monteith

A puppy crate is a self-contained environment used to confine a young dog. Puppy crates are often used as a house training tool or to contain a dog during travel. Provided the crate is not used as a punishment, most puppies and dogs will learn to enjoy spending quiet time in their “little room.”

Sometimes called a puppy kennel, dog crates are manufactured in various sizes to suit all breeds of puppies and dogs. The smallest puppy crates are for toy breeds and puppies weighing less than ten pounds (about 4.5 kg). The size of the crate is especially important when house training a pup. A crate that is too large may invite the dog to establish an area for sleeping and an area for elimination. It is best to follow manufacturer’s guidelines when purchasing a puppy crate.

A puppy in a wire crate.
A puppy in a wire crate.

Puppy crates generally range in price from $30 to $150 United States Dollars (USD) or more. The structure of a puppy crate is generally a box shape, with breathing holes along the sides and a latched gate across the entry opening. Most come with a detachable dish for water or food. A handle at the top of the crate provides a means of transporting the animal for short distances.

A puppy crate.
A puppy crate.

The stark interior of a puppy crate can be warmed up with the addition of a cozy kennel pad or bedding made of towels or blankets. A favorite toy that is impervious to chewing gives the puppy something to work on while confined. Fresh water should be made available at all times.

Puppy crate training, also called housebreaking, must be performed in stages and with much patience. Although crate training is based on dogs’ natural instinct to avoid soiling sleeping areas, puppies under four months have very little control over bladder and bowel functions. It is advisable to wait until a pup is at least nine weeks old before beginning crate training.

Teething puppies should have access to chew toys.
Teething puppies should have access to chew toys.

Start with short confinements of less than an hour at a time for the first two weeks. Between the ages of eleven and fourteen weeks, the puppy may remain in the crate for up to three hours at a time. Over the next few weeks, the length of crate confinement may be lengthened by an hour at a time, up to five hours. Except for overnight crating, a dog should never be confined to a kennel for longer than five to six hours.

Always allow the puppy to eliminate outdoors before confining. Puppies can be enticed to enter the crate by placing a treat inside and calling the pup. Never push or shove the pup into the crate.

If the puppy eliminates in the crate while confined, simply clean the area thoroughly with an odor neutralizer and replace the bedding without punishing the pup. Alternately, when the puppy eliminates in an appropriate outdoor area, lavish the dog with praise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a puppy crate?

A puppy crate serves as a personal, den-like space for your dog, providing a sense of security and comfort. It's also an invaluable tool for house training, as dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. Additionally, crates ensure the safety of both the puppy and household items when unsupervised.

How do I choose the right size crate for my puppy?

Select a crate that allows your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. However, it shouldn't be too spacious, as excess room may lead the puppy to use one end as a bathroom. For growing puppies, consider a crate with adjustable dividers to accommodate their changing size.

Is it cruel to crate a puppy?

When used correctly, crating is not cruel and can actually create a positive experience for your puppy. It's important to introduce the crate gradually and ensure it's associated with positive activities, like feeding and rest. Crates should never be used as punishment or for excessive periods of time.

How long can a puppy stay in a crate?

The duration a puppy can stay in a crate depends on their age and training. Generally, a rule of thumb is one hour for each month of age, up to a maximum of 8 hours for a fully grown dog. Puppies need regular breaks for exercise and bathroom needs.

Can a puppy sleep in the crate at night?

Yes, puppies can sleep in their crates at night. This helps establish a routine and provides a safe environment. Ensure the crate is comfortable with appropriate bedding and that the puppy has had a chance to relieve itself and exercise before bedtime to aid in a restful night's sleep.

Should I put food and water in my puppy's crate?

While it's important to keep your puppy hydrated and fed, water and food are not typically recommended inside the crate, especially for extended periods, as they can lead to accidents. Instead, schedule regular meal and water breaks throughout the day outside of the crate.

Discussion Comments

bear78

@anamur- I don't agree with you at all. A crate can certainly be used to train a puppy. Furthermore, it's a safe space that the puppy can use when he or she feels vulnerable or sleepy. I think all house pets, including cats and dogs, need a space like that.

A puppy will see a crate as punishment only if you make him or her feel that. I used a crate with my puppy. The crate was always in the same spot, in the corner of my bedroom and the door was always open. If he felt scared or wanted alone time, he would go and sleep in it.

This was also great when I needed to make sure that he didn't damage my belongings when he was teething. If I had go out, I would put him in his crate and he would just sleep there until I came back home. Otherwise, he would have destroyed every shoe of mine.

I have never made him feel that it's a punishment to go in the crate. He knew that this was his little personal space in the house and that no one would bother him when he's there.

Even when he got bigger, he wanted to keep going into his crate so I got him a bigger one. Whenever I give him a bone, he carries it to his crate and eats it there. I understand it's not for everyone but crate training your puppy can be a great thing.

serenesurface

@SarahGen-- Yea, you can. My cat's kennel is also originally made for dogs but it's the same thing, it doesn't matter.

I only put my cat in the kennel when we're traveling. I also had a dog and I did the same with him. I don't like the idea of putting a dog in a crate inside the house. I don't understand how a crate will train a puppy. I think my dog would definitely feel that he's being punished if I did that.

I think crates/kennels are meant for traveling only.

SarahGen

Can I use a puppy crate for a cat?

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    • A puppy in a wire crate.
      By: Albert Lozano-Nieto
      A puppy in a wire crate.
    • A puppy crate.
      By: Sergey Lavrentev
      A puppy crate.
    • Teething puppies should have access to chew toys.
      By: Willee Cole
      Teething puppies should have access to chew toys.