Crate Training Done Right

Crate training might be one of the most controversial topics in the dog world. Some people swear by it, while others see it as cruel.

When I tell people that Freya is crate trained, I usually get the “ick” look and honestly, I get why. None of the dogs I grew up with were crate trained, and back then, they didn’t really need to be.

But Freya was different from day one. She’s a German Shepherd–Belgian Malinois mix, basically a ball of endless energy wrapped in fur. With that kind of drive comes a lot of responsibility, and I quickly realized she needed more guidance than any dog I’d ever had.

So, why is crate training such a hot-button issue? On one hand, it’s tough. Most puppies cry when they first meet their crate, and it can be heartbreaking for both them and us as pet parents. After all, they’ve just been separated from their mom and littermates, and suddenly they’re expected to sleep alone. It can feel like punishment.

On the other hand, when done the right way, a crate becomes the safest and most comforting place for a dog. At just 20 weeks old, Freya already has free choice in our home, she can curl up on the couch, stretch out on the bed, or tuck herself into her crate. More often than not, she chooses her crate willingly. Even when she climbs into bed with me, she sometimes hops down to settle in her crate, like it’s her own little safe haven.

The American Kennel Club sums it up well: “Basically, you’re giving your dog a room of his own… a space to feel safe and protected.” (AKC Crate Training Guide PDF)

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of crate training, the science behind why it works (and when it doesn’t), and how to do it in a way that’s positive and stress-free for your dog.

Why Crate Training Matters

In the beginning, as any puppy parent knows, those first few weeks were rough: constant potty breaks, chewing on anything within reach, and absolutely zero ability to put herself down for a nap. 

With my other dogs, those habits eventually faded without much intervention. Freya, though, needed more structure. She’s the type of dog who has to be supervised all the time, and without help, she’d run herself ragged. The crate quickly became the best tool for both of us: a safe place where she could recharge and a way for me to get work done without worrying if she was chewing through a chair leg or wedging herself behind the couch (again).

And here’s the important part: research shows that when introduced positively, crates aren’t about punishment, they’re about safety and comfort. Puppies naturally avoid soiling the area where they sleep, which makes crates one of the most effective tools for housetraining (AKC: A Beginner’s Guide to Crate Training). 

What started as a way to manage Freya’s puppy chaos quickly became something more: her crate turned into her personal sanctuary, a place she chooses on her own whenever she needs to relax.

The Science of Safe Spaces

One of the biggest myths about crate training is that it’s “unnatural.” People imagine dogs locked away in tiny boxes and assume it must feel like punishment. But when you look closer at canine behavior, the picture changes.

Dogs are naturally den-dwelling animals. From an early age, puppies instinctively seek out dark, cozy spaces because they feel safe and secure there. UC Davis Veterinary Medicine explains that “since dogs seek out dens on their own, a crate is both natural and comforting to a puppy.” It’s the same reason you’ll often find puppies curled up under tables, behind couches, or squeezed into any little nook they can find, the instinct to den is hard-wired.

When introduced properly, a crate taps into this comfort-seeking behavior. Think of it like a bedroom: a personal retreat that’s quiet and belongs only to the dog. The American Kennel Club explains that crates “provide a personal space for your dog to relax, sleep, and feel safe” (AKC Crate Training Guide PDF).

With Freya, this became obvious early on. Even though she has full run of the house when I’m home, she often puts herself to bed in her crate. It’s not because she’s “locked up”, it’s because she feels safe. And for a high-energy dog who can run herself into the ground, having a place where she can truly relax has been a game changer.

How to Do Crate Training the Right Way

The golden rule: a crate should never feel like punishment. It should feel like your dog’s own space, a safe retreat, not a “time-out.”

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), crate training should always be introduced gradually, positively, and with patience (AKC – How to Crate Train Your Dog). Here’s how I set Freya up for success:

1. Start Slow and Positive. Begin by making the crate inviting with treats, toys, or meals inside. Let your dog explore at their own pace and never force them in.
2. Keep Sessions Short at First. Start with just a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the duration. Puppies especially shouldn’t be left in the crate for more than a few hours.
3. Never Use It as Punishment. The crate should always be a positive place. If it becomes a “time-out zone,” your dog will resist it and will start to associate the crate with “bad times”.
4. Choose the Right Size Crate. Big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so large that they can potty in one corner and sleep in another.
5. Make it Routine. Use the crate consistently for naps, bedtime, and safe management when you’re away. Over time, your dog will start seeking it out on their own.
6. Make it Comfortable. Add a bed, blanket, or even a t-shirt that smells like you to make the crate cozy. I like to drape a towel over part of the crate to create a “den-like feel”, but also being mindful to keep some airflow.

With Freya, the moment she started walking into her crate without being asked was the signal she saw it as hers, not mine. What began as a management tool had become a true comfort zone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, crate training can go sideways. The American Kennel Club (AKC) warns that most problems come from misusing the crate rather than the crate itself (AKC – Crate Training Guide). Here are the big pitfalls to avoid:

1. Using the Crate as Punishment. The crate should never be “doggy jail.” If it becomes a consequence zone, your dog will resist it instead of seeing it as safe.
2. Leaving Them In Too Long. Crates aren’t babysitters. Overuse can lead to frustration, anxiety, and behavioral issues. With Freya, I started small and gradually increased her time as she got older, always making sure she had plenty of exercise and connection outside the crate.
3. Choosing the Wrong Size. A crate that’s too small is uncomfortable. Too big, and your dog may potty in one corner and sleep in another. Pick a size where they can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
4. Skipping a Gentle Introduction. Forcing your dog inside can create fear and resistance. Instead, build trust with crate games, meals, and short positive sessions.

I’ll be honest, at first I leaned on the crate a little too heavily with Freya’s energy level. What I learned fast is that balance is key: crate time, yes, but also plenty of bonding, training, and fun activities outside of it.

Our Experience with Freya (and Tucker)

Every dog is different, and Freya and Tucker are the perfect contrast.

Tucker, our English Mastiff, was never crate trained. He’s the calm, steady type, never destructive or anxious, so a crate would’ve been unnecessary.

Freya, on the other hand, is a very different breed of energy. She needed boundaries, structure, and a space to recharge (I know I did). The crate gave her exactly that, it’s not for control, but for support.

That contrast taught me something important: crate training isn’t a “must” for every dog. It’s a tool. For some, like Tucker, it’s unnecessary. For others, like Freya, it can be life-changing. The key is recognizing your dog’s individuality and tailoring care to what helps them thrive.

At Ancient Paws, that’s the philosophy we stand by: every dog is unique, and they deserve solutions made for them.

Conclusion: Crate Training Done Right

Crate training doesn’t have to be controversial or cruel. When done with patience, positivity, and care, it can become one of the most valuable tools in your training toolkit.

For some pups, like Tucker, the crate may not be necessary. For others, like Freya, it’s the difference between chaos and calm, stress and security. What matters most is listening to your dog’s needs and doing what helps them flourish.

If you're unsure, I would recommend giving crate training a try the right way. Introduce it slowly, make it warm and inviting, and set your dog and yourself up for success down the road. You might find it becomes more than a training aid and it becomes a place they call home.

At the end of the day, crate training isn’t about confinement, it’s about crafting a corner of comfort, safety, and structure for the dogs we love, helping them grow into happy, well-adjusted companions.