Every dedicated paw parent wants their pooch to be happy. Ensuring our canine friends' safety and comfort is our top priority. But there come times when it’s necessary to confine your dog for its safety. This is the moment when many dog owners dread the thought of putting their beloved furry ball in a cage because it seems cruel to do that. But it’s quite the opposite actually.

So, is it ok to keep dogs in a cage? Yes. The cage serves to protect the dog when unsupervised or ensure its safety when on the road. It’s a practical solution for temporary confinement. You can buy a dog cage depending on your dog’s size to ensure optimal comfort. If used correctly, a crate can also help you train your god for behavioural management.

Are Dog Crates and Dog Kennels The Same Thing?

While both serve as enclosures for dogs, they have some differences. Dog crates are typically smaller in size and are intended for indoor temporary confinement and transportation. They are typically made from metal or wire, although you can find plastic ones as well. Dog kennels, on the other hand, are larger enclosures, used in outdoor settings, made from sturdy materials and can house multiple dogs.

Another important thing to clarify. Many people also seem to confuse the terms dog cage, crate and dog kennel and think that cage and crate are two different things. Dog cage and a crate are the same things - both terms are used to signify a temporary enclosure.

When it comes to crates, you can buy a dog cage that is purely intended for travelling. These crates are usually made from waterproof and washable lining with an aluminium frame that is easy to fold when not in use. They have mesh doors to ensure ventilation and visibility, so your pooch can travel comfortably and well protected.

Benefits of Dog Crates

Keeps Dog Safe While You’re Gone

Many dog owners’ biggest concern is to leave their pooch alone at home. With work schedules and private obligations, we are forced to leave our dogs home alone, unsupervised. This is one case scenario when a cage for dogs can be of immense help. The carte provides a secure space for the dog while you’re away from home.

Enclosing the dog in the cage protects them from getting into potentially dangerous situations like chewing on electrical cords or injuring themselves by accident. This is particularly important for hyperactive and overactive dogs that tend to indulge in potentially harmful behaviours. Also, if you have a small puppy that loves to chew on everything around, providing your fur baby with a crate will save you the headache of destroyed furniture.

Creates a Sense of Security and Safety

Although many people believe that crates are cruel, it’s quite the contrary. Crates for dogs can be used to offer a safe space for the dog where it can go to relax, unwind and decompress. It should be the dog’s happy place where it feels safe and protected. That’s why is important to introduce crate property into your dog’s life.

A crate for a dog can help your pooch reduce stress and anxiety, especially during loud and stressful events like fireworks or thunderstorms.

Convenient for Traveling

Whenever you decide to go on a road trip or travel by plane, dog crates serve to provide a familiar and secure environment for your pooch. Also, many airlines require the dogs to be crated during transport, which makes crates a must-have for pet owners. It’s important to reduce your dog's stress during travelling, especially in unfamiliar settings. This is one of the few important reasons to consider introducing crates to your pet’s life.

Great for House Training and Behaviour Management

If you have a puppy or a dog whose behaviour is hard to put under control, cages for dogs can be a great tool to train your pet. You can use the cage to teach your puppy basic hygiene such as bladder control until it's taken outside to do the job. Dogs have an instinct to keep their sleeping area clean. So by keeping your pooch inside the cage when unsupervised, you’re teaching it to hold it until you’re back and let it outside.

If used positively, you can teach your dog some important skills such as calmness, control and relaxation by gradually increasing the time spent in the crate and rewarding the calm behaviour.

Drawbacks of Dog Crates

Limited Movement

One of the drawbacks of crates for dogs is the limited movement. And this brings us to the next question - How many hours should a dog be in a cage? There is one “one size fits all” answer. Use the cage as a part of a structured routine that involves daily exercise, walking, mental stimulation and rest. Use the crate when you’re not home when it’s bedtime or for training. Also depending on the dog’s age, adult dogs can go longer without emptying their bladder, which is approximately 6 to 8 hours, whereas puppies can hold their bladder for 3 to 4 hours the most.

Can Cause Distress If the Crate is Used for Punishment

Never use a dog crate as a form of punishment. It can cause huge distress in your dog and create a negative association with something that should be their safe space. This is why dog crates get their negative connotation because unfortunately, some dog owners use crates to punish their dog’s behaviour.

Potential for Escape if Not Securely Closed

The most important thing is to always check if the latch is properly closed. If not, dogs can escape the crate and expose themselves to dangerous situations, whether for their safety or the owner’s belongings.