The Purpose of Crating Dogs
Crates can serve several important purposes for dogs. Two of the main benefits are providing a safe space and assisting with housetraining (AKC, Humane Society).
For many dogs, a crate gives them a place to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. The enclosed space helps create a sense of security and comfort for the dog. Dogs naturally seek out dens in the wild, and a crate can mimic this safe space in a home environment.
Crates are also very useful for house training puppies and dogs. Dogs are naturally inclined to keep their dens clean, so they will try to avoid soiling inside their crate. Using a crate during the housetraining process helps teach dogs to control their bladders and learn proper elimination habits.
When to Use the Crate for Timeout
The crate can be an effective tool for giving your dog a timeout when they are exhibiting unwanted behaviors. Short durations in the crate can help your dog calm down and reset when they are over-excited or out of control. Reasons you may want to use the crate for a quick timeout include:
- Excessive barking or whining
- Jumping up on people
- Nipping or mouthing
- Destructive chewing of household items
- Aggression towards other pets
The key is to only keep your dog crated for short periods of time – just long enough for them to settle down and relax. As a general rule, adult dogs should not be crated for longer than 4 hours and puppies for no more than 2 hours (excluding overnight crating).
Crating for short timeouts can be especially helpful with puppies and untrained adult dogs to immediately stop unwanted behaviors. However, the crate should not be used punitively or for excessively long periods. It’s important that the crate remains a safe, positive space for your dog.
Methods for Using the Crate for Timeout
There are a few effective methods for placing your dog in their crate for a timeout:
First, you can command the dog to the crate. Train a “go to your crate” command using positive reinforcement. When you need to give your dog a timeout, simply give the command. Reward with treats when they enter the crate calmly. According to Denise Mazzola, use a clear verbal command like “Quiet!” to signal the timeout.
You can also lure the dog into the crate by tossing treats inside and encouraging them to enter. Continue tossing treats to keep them occupied and reward calm behavior in the crate. As recommended by Animal Friends, withdrawing attention can be an effective component of timeout training.
Finally, gently place the dog in the crate without forcing them inside. Keep the action low-stress by speaking in a soothing tone and providing treats or a food puzzle toy once they are settled inside. The goal is to make the crate a calming space during timeouts.
Making the Crate a Positive Space
The crate should be associated with positive experiences and comfort for your dog. Here are some tips for making the crate a place your dog enjoys:
Provide toys and treats: Give your dog their favorite toys or chews inside the crate. You can also give treats or meals in the crate so they associate it with good things. According to the Humane Society, “Encourage your dog to enter the crate by dropping some small food treats nearby, then just inside the door, and finally, all the way inside the crate.”
Never use crate solely for punishment: Don’t use the crate only when you’re angry with your dog. This creates a negative association. Use it positively for confinement when you can’t supervise.
Praise calm behavior: Reward and praise your dog when they are calm and relaxed in the crate. This reinforces the behavior you want to see.
Potential Risks of Overusing the Crate
Overusing the crate can have negative consequences for your dog. When dogs spend too much time confined, it can cause increased anxiety, stress, and frustration.1 Dogs are highly social animals that crave interaction, so excessive isolation in a crate can be detrimental to their mental health. Signs of an over-crated dog may include barking, whining, pacing, destructive chewing, or other repetitive behaviors.
Additionally, overusing the crate risks creating a negative association with it for your dog.2 If your dog starts to view the crate as a punishment instead of a safe place, they may resist going inside or show signs of stress when crated. It’s important to use the crate in positive ways and avoid forcing your dog to spend long periods confined against their preference.
While crates can be useful training tools when used properly, excessive crating should be avoided. Make sure your dog gets sufficient mental stimulation, exercise, and socialization outside of the crate each day. If overusing the crate causes negative behaviors in your dog, it’s time to reevaluate your approach.
Using Timeout Effectively
When using the crate for timeout, it’s important to remain calm when placing your dog inside. Getting angry or yelling will only increase your dog’s stress and make the situation worse. Gently guide your dog into the crate without any negative energy.
Only release your dog from timeout once he has relaxed and settled down. Letting him out while he’s still barking or scratching will reinforce that unwanted behavior. Wait for at least a few seconds of calm before opening the crate door. Over time, he will learn that being relaxed earns his freedom.
Always pair timeout with positive reinforcement. Reward your dog with praise and treats when he exits the crate calmly. Also set aside time for fun, training, and bonding outside of the crate. This prevents your dog from associating the crate only with punishment and establishes it as a safe space [1].
[1] “Time-Out.” Oregon Humane Society, www.oregonhumane.org/training/time-out/.
Crating Duration Guidelines
It’s important not to over-crate a dog as this can lead to boredom, frustration, and loss of house training. However, limited crate time is an important training tool. Here are some general duration guidelines by age:
Puppies: Puppies under 6 months should spend no more than 30-60 minutes in the crate at a time. They have small bladders and need frequent potty breaks. Puppies can generally hold their bladder about one hour for every month of age (e.g. 2 months = 2 hours).
Citing: https://www.impactdogcrates.com/blogs/puppy-news/how-long-can-a-dog-stay-in-a-crate
Adult Dogs: Adult dogs over 6 months can typically stay in a crate for 2-3 hours during the day. They should get bathroom breaks and time out of the crate at least every 3-4 hours. Over 8 hours is not recommended.
Citing: https://www.reddit.com/r/Dogtraining/comments/5ya1c6/how_many_hours_per_day_do_you_crate_your_dog/
Providing Mental Stimulation
When crating a dog for extended periods of time, such as during timeout or crate rest, it’s important to provide mental stimulation to prevent boredom and frustration. There are several excellent ways to keep your dog’s mind engaged while in the crate.
Food puzzle toys are a great option to keep your dog occupied and entertained. You can put your dog’s regular kibble or treats inside puzzle toys like Kongs or food dispensing balls. The dog has to manipulate the toy to get the food out, providing physical and mental exercise. Freeze the toys with wet food or broth inside to prolong the activity (1).
Chew toys also give dogs an appropriate outlet for chewing and can relieve anxiety or frustration. Try safe, durable chews like Nylabones, antlers, or bully sticks (2). Rotate different chews to keep it interesting.
Snuffle mats or boxes are another excellent crate toy where dogs have to forage through material to find hidden treats. This mimics natural scavenging behavior. You can buy snuffle mats or make homemade versions (3).
Alternatives to Crating for Timeout
While crating can be an effective timeout method, there are some alternatives that don’t require confining your dog to a crate:
Tethering – Attach your dog’s leash to a sturdy object to restrict his access to you or areas of the home. This allows him some freedom while removing opportunities for undesirable behaviors. Make sure he has access to water and is unable to reach prohibited items [1].
Place Command – Train a “place” or “mat” command, where your dog goes to a designated spot like a bed, then reward calm behavior there. Using a release cue lets him know when timeout is over [2].
Removing Reinforcement – Withdraw your attention when misbehavior occurs, then resume interacting when it stops. Timeout doesn’t require physical isolation – simply ignoring can be an effective deterrent [3].
The Crate as One Training Tool
The crate can be an effective tool as part of a broader dog training program, but it should not be the only method relied upon. While crating for short periods can help reinforce potty training or provide brief timeouts for overexcited behavior, the goal should be to phase out the crate as the dog matures and gains better behavioral control.
Crates should be viewed as one component within a larger training regimen that employs positive reinforcement techniques. As a dog learns proper manners and obedience through other training methods, their natural behaviors will improve to where confinement is no longer needed.[1][2] Reputable dog trainers advise that crates should not be used to resolve behavioral issues indefinitely. The aim is to gradually increase freedom as the dog earns more privileges through good conduct.
Additionally, leaving any dog confined for extended periods can lead to lethargy, boredom, and frustration. While crates can promote positive experiences if used appropriately, the end goal should be to not rely on them if possible. Working with a professional trainer can help establish protocols for reducing a dog’s confinement while ensuring consistency with other training.[3]
With time, patience and the right training techniques, the crate may no longer be required and can be removed. The crate serves an intermediary purpose, but well-trained adult dogs will transition to having free, supervised access to the home.
[1] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-crate-train-your-dog-in-9-easy-steps/
[2] https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crate-training-101
[3] https://www.cuyamacaanimalhospital.com/post/puppy-crate-training