Dog Crate Benefits: Happy Pup and Wallet!

Have you ever wondered if there are dog crate benefits? Maybe you think it’s just another expense for pet parents.

Actually, a simple dog crate cannot only aid in your dog’s health, but also reduce your expenses. I know, when I bought a crate for my dog, Henry, I researched what he needed.

Not all crates are created equal. I’m glad Henry is happy with his crate. I know, I’m thrilled with the cost savings. With this in mind, today, let’s dig in and discover the various benefits of dog crates. 

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Budget tip:

Dog crates can be affordable. The best part about a dog crate is that it gives your pup a sense of security while reducing your overall expenses. It's been a game-changer for Henry. I don't have to worry about him hurting himself or destroying things with anxiety. That’s all a major win-win for you and your dog! 

What is a dog crate?

If you’re not familiar with a dog crate, the best way to describe it is a small, secure, temporary housing unit for your pup. Actually, I refer to Henry’s crate as his “condo”. That probably says it all. 

NOTE: If your dog, cat, or fur kid isn't well crate trained, they may not be rescued by first responders if a fire, or other disaster should occur. Teaching your pup and fur kids how to be crated is truly invaluble! 

What material is used in manufacturing a dog crate?

You may be surprised to learn that dog crates now come in a multitude of materials. Additionally, the material you select for your dog will depend on his/her needs.  For example, here are the most often used crate materials and their target dog need.

Metal wire crate

• Best for: A wire crate is best suited for dogs who are chewers. Although, can work for a wide range of dog personalities.
• Cost: Often very affordable
• Cleaning: Generally, wire crates are easy to clean with a slide-out tray.

NOTE: Henry’s condo is a wire crate. Although I cover his crate with a couple of towels for more security. However, you can purchase a fabric crate cover that fits your crate perfectly. The best trick for his anxiety is a cover crate, heartbeat toy, and calm mushroom treat. Truly magically!

Plastic crate

• Best for: A plastic crate is best suited for transporting dogs by car, plane, or train. Often, these crates are labeled as an impact dog crate.
• Cost: Often still very affordable, depending on the size.
• Cleaning: It can be more challenging to clean a plastic crate, especially if it doesn’t come apart easily. But cleaning is still very doable.

Wood crate

• Best suited for: A wood crate is best suited for a non-chewer and more relaxed dog. Additionally, wood crates generally double as an end table or coffee table with a higher-end look to them.
• Cost: Often, a wood crate is significantly more expensive than other options. 
• Cleaning: A wood crate is often more difficult to clean. Also, this furniture style crate generally comes needing assembly, and they can be very heavy. 

Soft-sided or fabric crate

• Best suited for: A soft-sided crate is best suited for a non-chewing small dog. Additionally, this fabric crate type is more designed for calm dogs. However, this type of crate can be great for traveling with a small dog. However, make sure there’s a way to attach it to a safety belt.
• Cost: The cost of a soft crate is generally fairly reasonable. Unless you select a high-end designer brand, which can be more pricey.
• Cleaning: Most of these fabric crates require hand washing. It’s a bit more effort, but still doable.

NOTE: Henry’s best puppy friend has a soft-sided crate that she loves. She was crate trained with it and truly can’t sleep at night without being safely curled up in it. However, she’s a small Yorkie mix, and it works with her size and personality. 

Are there airline guidelines for bringing a dog crate on a plane?

Yes! Specifically, you’ll want to make sure the crate follows the International Airline Transport Association (IATA) guidelines for a pet crate. Here’s a complete guide for an IATA approved dog crate according to American Airlines. However, it is fairly extensive. So, I’ll warn you to read it carefully, note the parts that are pertinent to your dog, and then go back and re-read it and take notes for your shopping list. 

Are there safety features to look for in a dog crate?

Yes! If you are traveling with your pup in a crate, make sure that it’s crash test safe from the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). However, CPS hasn’t done any testing since 2015. Thus, you may be interested in a crate that hasn’t been crash-tested. Additionally, note that even if a crate is certified crash test safe, it may not keep your dog safe from other injuries, such as getting caught on the crate. Thus, I always recommend reading other dog parents’ reviews on any crate you’re thinking about purchasing. 

When should I use a crate for my dog?

There could be many times when a dog crate is useful. These include:

• Transporting in a car, plane, or other vehicle
• Calming your dog when in an anxiety attack
• Potty training or house training
• Immobilizing after surgery or injury
• Safe place for your dog to retreat (great for helping a rescue dog adjust to a new home or even older dogs)
• Workplace safe space
• Sleeping at night

Are there crates made for dogs with anxiety?

Yes, but they can be more expensive. However, it can be well worth it if it brings your dog a sense of calm and you don’t have to worry about injury, destruction of the crate, or destroyed furniture.

Is crate training a good idea?

In most cases, yes. It can give your dog a sense of security. In fact, Henry seeks out his crate or “condo” whenever he’s extremely stressed. However, if your dog has a health issue that could be made worse by a crate, avoid it. For example, if you have an Epi-Dog, containment in a crate could be a bad idea. You definitely don’t want your pup to have a seizure while contained in a crate, as it could cause injuries. If you have any doubt, simply ask your vet. 

How do I crate train my dog?

I admit, Henry was super easy. But he was an adult dog when I adopted him. Additionally, his foster mom kept him in a crate at night or as needed. Thus, he was very accustomed to the security of a crate. 

However, if you and your dog are new to crate training, it’s a good idea to make it a positive experience for your pup. You will want a positive association with the crate for your dog.

This means place favorite toys, treats, water, and food in the crate. Thus, it won’t be a scary place, but a comforting place for your furry friend. Additionally, keep the crate door open and allow your dog to go in and out as he/she desires when you’re home. Placing cookies or food in the crate to encourage entering at free will is a wonderful idea.  

Also, make sure the crate is comfy with a crate pad, bed, or other padding.

NOTE: Never force your dog into a crate or leave him/her in a crate for hours without supervision. You can quickly turn a good experience into a bad one in a quick hurry. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide for crate training your dog or puppy by The Battersea Way

How do I crate train my dog with separation anxiety?

Honestly, it’s not as difficult as you may think to crate train a dog. The key is patience and consistency. 

While this video by Rebound Hounds is focused on foster dogs, it also helps dogs with anxiety get used to a dog crate and being left alone. It’s a simple step-by-step process.  

What size is the right crate for my dog?

Of course, you’ll need to make sure your dog is comfortable in his/her crate. You may even need to take into account the space you have for a crate. Admittedly, Henry’s crate is a little small, but when I purchased his crate, it was the largest crate I could fit into my home. He LOVES the size and snuggles down in it. 

However, to properly fit your dog for a crate, you’ll need to measure your pup while standing:

• From top of head to paws
• Also, from nose to tip of tail
• Then add 3-4 inches for the height and width you’ll need from a crate

What to avoid with a dog crate?

There are a few things to consider when using a dog crate. 

• Never use crate time as a form of punishment or force your dog into his/her crate
• Not having it properly sized so your dog is comfortable
• Crating your dog for hours without potty breaks (Remember, puppies and senior dogs will need more breaks)
• Avoiding attending to your dog in distress contained in a crate
• Leaving collars or leashes on that could get snagged in the crate
• Not cleaning the crate (this could become a health issue if not cleaned regularly)

What if I need to leave my dog in a crate for hours?

Of course, this can happen. There is an easy solution. Have someone give your dog a break. Remember, no one can hold potty breaks forever. Additionally, if your dog knows he/she will be contained in a crate for hours without a break, it could quickly become a horrible experience. That means your dog will develop anxiety, try to get out of the crate, or simply not be willing to go into the crate. 

Therefore, you can ask the following people to help you out:

• Pet sitter
• Dog walker
• Friend 
• Neighbor

The idea is to give your dog breaks so that there’s a good balance between exercise, play, roaming free through the house, and crate time. 

However, if you don’t want to turn to one of these options, then consider leaving your dog at daycare on long days. 

What are the cost savings of using a dog crate for my pup?

You may not think you could possibly save money when crating your dog. But consider the following for a moment.

Possible Issue	Estimated Costs
Destruction of furniture/household items	$5-40,000 (depends on the item destroyed)
Injury from a vehicle or home accident	$100-5,000+ (depends on location and situation)
More anxiety	$250 – 300
Bad behaviors	$150 – 4,000
Lost dog from vehicle accident	HEARTBREAKING!!!

Related articles:

• Effectively Calm a Dog
• Creating Dog Safe Spaces: Easy and Cheap
• 20 Steps For Dog Overnight Visits 
• Cuddly Cute! A Dog Heartbeat Stuffed Animal
• Is There a Cheap Easy Way to Train Your Dog?
• Why Teaching Dog Boundaries Saves Money?
• 17 Things to Look for in a Good Dog Walker
• Secret World Of A Dog Parent Community
• 10 Benefits of Daycare for Dogs

Tails Wag For Dog Crate Benefits

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I know you have a lot of dog expenses. So, when it comes to purchasing more equipment, you may evaluate if you or your dog really needs it. Honestly, I get it. I thought twice about Henry’s dog crate. But it was really a no-brainer when I discovered how much it would help him. Crate training benefits are enormous!

Also, I now realize that Henry’s crate is saving me money by keeping him safe and keeping him from doing damage to himself or our home. More importantly, his crate, along with his heartbeat toy and calming treat, has solved his anxiety issues. How awesome is that? He really does love snuggling in smaller spaces. Perhaps it’s his size, breed, or background. I suppose that’s a topic for another day.