No more entertaining a picture have I received than when a friend texted me an of her female dog standing proudly outside the den she had dug. The mystery of why the dog had been covered in dirt for days had been solved. Although some would say dogs are den animals, they are not strictly by definition. So why do dogs feel safe in a kennel?
Have you ever watched your furry friend curl up in their crate and wondered if they’re actually happy in there? Maybe you’ve felt that twinge of guilt when closing the door behind them, I totally get it – I used to feel like I was putting my dog in “jail” whenever I had to crate him!
But here’s the surprising truth most dogs actually do feel safe in their crates when they’re properly introduced to them. Let’s dig into why crates can be a cozy haven for your pup rather than a prison cell
Dogs Are Natural Den Animals – It’s In Their DNA!
According to behavior experts at Best Friends Animal Society, dogs are hardwired by their genetic history to be den animals. A den represents a small, safe, well-defined space where dogs instinctively feel protected.
This natural instinct is why many dogs will:
- Seek out small, enclosed spaces during storms
- Hide under tables or desks when scared
- Curl up in corners when they want to rest
“When crate training is done properly, most dogs enjoy spending time in their crates and actually view the crate as their own special place,” explains Kelly Armour, a certified trainer and behavior analysis specialist.
Signs Your Dog Feels Safe in Their Crate
How can you tell if your dog actually enjoys their crate? Watch for these behaviors
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They enter voluntarily – This is the biggest sign! Dogs who feel safe will often go into their crates on their own to nap or relax.
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They seem relaxed – A dog who feels secure will have relaxed body language – no panting, pacing, or whining.
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They bring toys inside – If your pup drags their favorite toys into the crate, they’re making it their own space.
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They sleep soundly – Dogs who feel safe will sleep deeply in their crates without restlessness.
Stacy Miller, a dog owner quoted in one article, says about her boxer Max: “The crate was Max’s special place. Now that he’s grown, Max often chooses the comfort of his ‘den’ where he snuggles into soft blankets surrounded by favorite toys rather than laying on the couch.”
How to Make Your Dog’s Crate Feel Like Home Sweet Home
If you want your pup to actually LOVE their crate (not just tolerate it), here’s how to transform it from a cage to a cozy retreat:
1. Choose the Right Size Crate
The crate should be:
- Large enough for your dog to stand up
- Big enough to turn around comfortably
- Spacious enough to lie down and stretch out
For adult or adolescent dogs who are already house-trained, the crate should have “enough room for the dog to comfortably sleep and move around, with enough room for some special enrichment toys and treats,” according to Armour.
2. Make It Super Comfy
Your dog’s crate should feel like the equivalent of your comfy bed! Consider adding:
- Cozy bedding – Unless your dog is a bedding-destroyer, add soft blankets or a plush dog bed
- Familiar scents – A t-shirt with your scent can be comforting
- Appropriate toys – Kong toys or other long-lasting chews work great
Animal behaviorist Alice Moon-Fanelli notes, “Some dogs chew and ingest their bedding; others snuggle up. Know your dog to avoid injury and unnecessary veterinary visits.”
3. Create Positive Associations
This is HUGE! Your dog should see their crate as a magical place where good things happen.
Try these approaches:
- Toss treats into the back of the crate and let your dog discover them
- Feed meals in the crate with the door open
- Give special crate-only treats when your dog goes in
- Never use the crate as punishment (biggest mistake ever!)
Anna Cilento, a certified dog trainer, warns: “The biggest mistake people make when training their dogs is using the crate as punishment. When the dog does something wrong, they yell and put him straight into the crate. That’s the worst thing you can do because the dog will then have a negative association with the crate.”
4. Consider Location & Comfort
Where you place the crate matters too:
- Avoid direct sunlight or areas that get too hot
- Don’t place near heating vents where your dog can’t escape the heat
- Consider a crate cover for dogs who prefer more privacy (but ensure proper ventilation)
- Provide fresh water if your dog will be crated for more than short periods
Benefits Beyond Safety: Why Crates Are Actually Good For Dogs
Crates aren’t just about keeping your dog out of trouble. They provide several benefits:
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A personal retreat – Everyone needs alone time sometimes, including dogs!
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Reduced anxiety – A familiar space can help anxious dogs feel secure during stressful situations like thunderstorms or visitors.
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Travel safety – Dogs accustomed to crates travel more safely and with less stress.
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Easier recovery – If your dog ever needs restricted movement after surgery, a crate-trained dog will handle confinement much better.
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Housetraining tool – Since dogs naturally avoid soiling their dens, crates are invaluable for potty training.
When Crating Might NOT Be Right For Your Dog
I’ll be real with ya – crating isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some dogs just don’t do well in crates, particularly:
- Dogs with separation anxiety who may panic and injure themselves trying to escape
- Dogs who’ve had traumatic experiences with confinement
- Elderly dogs who need more frequent bathroom breaks
As trainers caution, “crating is not a good training tool for every dog. For example, dogs who suffer from separation anxiety don’t do well confined. Many will do almost anything to break out of the crate and can injure themselves.”
Avoiding Crate Guilt: How Long Is Too Long?
One of the biggest concerns for pet parents is crate duration. Here are some general guidelines:
- Puppies under 6 months: No more than 3-4 hours at a time (they can’t control their bladders longer)
- Adult dogs: Maximum 8 hours, but ideally less
- Elderly dogs: Similar to puppies, they may need more frequent breaks
The Humane Society advises that “a dog that’s crated all day and night doesn’t get enough exercise or human interaction and can become depressed or anxious.”
If you work long hours, consider:
- Hiring a dog walker for a midday break
- Enrolling in doggy daycare
- Creating a larger space with an exercise pen attached to the crate
Real Talk: Letting Go of Crate Guilt
Still feeling guilty? Remember these important points:
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It’s temporary – Most dogs don’t need to be crated forever. Once they’re housetrained and past the destructive puppy stage, many dogs can graduate to more freedom.
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It’s actually safer – An unsupervised dog can get into serious trouble – from chewing electrical cords to ingesting toxic substances.
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Balance is key – Crating should be balanced with plenty of exercise, play, and human interaction.
As one article points out, “When not used correctly, a crate can make a dog feel trapped and frustrated.” The key is using the crate appropriately as part of a balanced approach to dog care.
My Experience With Crate Training
When I first got my Lab mix, Duke, I was super hesitant about crating him. It just seemed so… confining? But after he destroyed my favorite shoes and then had a dangerous encounter with an extension cord, I realized it was about safety.
We started slow – treats in the crate, feeding him in there, special toys. Within a couple weeks, he’d actually go in there on his own when he wanted some quiet time! Now, even though he has free run of the house most of the time, he still chooses his crate for naps.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Dog’s Behavior
The best way to know if your dog feels safe in their crate? Watch their behavior! If they voluntarily enter, settle down easily, and seem relaxed, then yes – they likely feel secure and comfortable.
Remember that dogs are individuals. Some will love their crates from day one, while others might take time to adjust. With patience, positive associations, and proper setup, most dogs can learn to see their crate as their own special sanctuary.
Do you crate your dog? How did they adapt to it? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
A Kennel as a Safe Space
We cannot really make the blanket statement that “dogs feel safe in a kennel” because it is more training-based than anything else. This is why kenneling a dog should never be used as a form of punishment. The primary goal of crate training is to actually get a dog to love his or her kennel. People will often do things like leave a bowl of food or some kibbles inside to get a puppy started in low-pressure situations while the door is kept open. Maybe a favorite toy gets put in there regularly or a favorite blanket. Point being, the primary goal is to get a dog to associate positive things with the inside of a crate.
Here are some pointers on associating a kennel with a safe place
- Make it comfortable
- Put it in a place with easy access with the door open
- Play with the dog around the kennel (and in the kennel)
- Use food or treats in an open-door kennel
- Keep a positive and excited tone with the kennel
The Structure of the Kennel Matters
Now I mentioned above that dogs are technically not den animals. Although that is true, they do have some basic instincts of what a den should feel like in order to be safe. First and foremost is that it is protected on all sides except one. Cage-style wire crates actually make a dog feel vulnerable because they feel exposed to the environment while also being confined and unable to escape if needed. That’s why you should look for a sturdy, walled crate with only ventilation holes. Furthermore, the back of a crate shouldn’t even have ventilation holes because the back of a dog is where they will always feel most vulnerable.
Some people will go as far as covering the front door with something when a dog is in a crate to further their feeling of protection. But one must always make sure that proper ventilation is accounted for, too.
The size of the kennel is less critical to the dog feeling safe, but there is such a thing as too large. First, a dog should feel the sides against them to feel protected. More importantly, a crate that is too large sets up for poor crate training experiences. The primary example is a puppy having enough room to also use their crate as a bathroom. (Our Dakota 283 Forever Insert Kennel Dividers help with this!) A too-large crate will set both you and your dog up for failure and create a negative association with the crate.
Fearful/ anxious dog crate training trick that really works!
FAQ
Do dogs enjoy being in their crate?
Does a crate make a dog feel safe?
A crate, when used correctly, replicates this sense of security. It becomes a retreat where your dog can regulate their emotions, decompress, and feel protected from the chaos of the world. It’s not a jail cell; it’s their personal room.
Do dogs feel trapped in a crate?
Crate breakout behavior is often rooted in anxiety. Dogs can feel trapped, both physically and mentally, in crates–especially if they associate it with isolation or punishment. Dogs are social animals, and if they feel like they’re being “banished” from their human pack, they might start plotting their grand escape.
How long is too long for a dog to be crated?