Buzz
Anyone who lives with dogs or other pets knows they’re a central part of the family. In fact, I often find myself attributing human qualities to my pets — desiring the best for them from a human perspective. (I even joke that my cat is one of my favorite people. She truly is!)
While dogs are just as important as humans in a family, it’s vital to recognize their specific needs, influenced by their instincts. These needs may differ from what humans typically expect or understand.
One of the most misinterpreted items in this area is the dog crate.
We might think that dogs would prefer open, spacious beds, but in reality, they are instinctively drawn to enclosed, cave-like spaces. As Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City, explains, crates mimic dens, offering dogs the comfort and security they naturally seek.
Crates provide a comforting space for dogs, especially when they are alone — whether their family is away at work, dining out, or during the night. 'Crating your dog gives them a sense of security when they’re by themselves and prevents them from getting into trouble when unsupervised,' said Fox.
Moreover, it's a valuable investment for your dog's long-term well-being. 'If your dog ever faces a health issue, crating could become necessary. A dog already comfortable with a crate will have an easier time recovering from injury or surgery, as they associate the crate with comfort and safety,' Fox explained.
Another advantage? 'Crates are the most effective method for housebreaking your dog, whether they are a puppy or an adult that hasn’t been trained,' noted Fox. This is because dogs tend to view their crates as their personal space: 'Dogs typically avoid urinating or defecating where they sleep.' Crate training, even though it aligns with their natural instincts, is a process of helping them adjust to their designated area.
Like any training, there are recommended guidelines, but following them ensures that crate use benefits both you and your dog. 'When used correctly, there are very few downsides to crate training,' Fox shared with us.
It's crucial, however, 'You should never use the crate as a form of punishment,' Fox cautioned. 'It must always be seen as a positive space by your dog, not as a place for isolation.' If misused, it can lead to destructive behaviors and anxiety in your pet.
Fox emphasized that achieving success with any form of training requires consistency for your dog. It's essential to maintain a steady approach.
To foster a positive experience with the crate, make it an inviting place and integrate it into your dog's daily routine.
Fox suggested, 'Create a space that your dog enjoys by ensuring the crate is cozy and tidy.' She mentioned, 'I place treats and toys in the crate to encourage my dog to enter willingly. I also keep the crate door open throughout the day, allowing him to come and go freely.'
It's important to avoid letting your dog spend too much time in the crate. Your pet should also be receiving enough physical activity, mental stimulation, and interaction with you.
Fox concluded, 'The ultimate goal with crate training is to do what’s best for your dog.' She advised, 'Don’t let your personal emotions interfere with the process. Ultimately, the choice of what's right for your pet is yours to make.'
Learn more about crate training and discover recommended crates, including the one that Fox personally selected for her dog.
1. The Diggs Evolv crate, which is the one used by our expert source
"I recently adopted an untrained dog from a shelter," Fox shared. "After conducting thorough research, I decided on the Diggs Evolv crate for my dog."
"This company [Diggs] has really considered every detail," she continued. "The setup is so simple, and I love the accessibility (two different doors!), the add-on accessories, and the overall design. For puppies or smaller dogs, you can remove the top to use it as a playpen."
The crate comes in four different sizes.
Available for purchase from Diggs starting at $185+.
2. A portable Diggs crate packed with innovative features
3. A top-rated wire crate with 16,000 glowing 5-star reviews
4. A crate featuring an adjustable divider to accommodate growing dogs
5. A well-loved wire crate available in a variety of colors
6. A crate cover designed to enhance the den-like experience
To enhance the crate's cozy, haven-like atmosphere, consider adding a crate cover. As Fox suggests, 'A crate cover that fits over the outside of the crate [will] further enhance that 'den-like' feel.'
We followed Fox's advice and selected this two-door crate from Midwest Homes for Pets, which comes complete with a matching cover. The size shown here is 48 inches. It also includes a plush faux fur bed to line the crate, making it a great value. (And both the bed and cover are machine-washable.)
If you're only looking for a crate cover on its own, this top-rated option from the same brand is a solid choice. With 28,000 five-star reviews, it stands out for thoughtful features, such as five adjustable flaps, three door openings, and hook-and-loop tabs to secure everything in place. Machine-washable and dryer-safe, it’s available in seven different sizes.
Get them on Amazon: the crate with cover and bed for $49.31+ and the cover alone for $11.99+.
7. A travel-friendly crate with opaque sides
8. Some soft crate bedding that's also machine washable
9. A bed shaped like a cave to complement your crate
