Dog Crates

Yes, for most adult dogs, sleeping in a crate overnight is perfectly fine, provided the crate has been introduced properly and the dog has been crate trained to see it as a comfortable, safe space rather than a place of confinement. Dogs are naturally den animals and many genuinely settle better in an enclosed space overnight. The key is that the crate should be comfortable and welcoming: a well-fitted crate mat or bed and a dog blanket will help make it feel cosy. For puppies, overnight crating requires more care, as very young puppies may need a toilet break during the night and shouldn't be expected to hold on for extended periods. The crate should always be the right size: large enough for your dog to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Browse our dog crates to find the right fit.

Crates are widely supported by vets and behaviourists when used appropriately as part of a positive training approach. Our dog crates give your pup a safe, den-like space they can call their own, great for training, travel and reducing anxiety. The important caveat is that a crate should never be used as punishment and dogs should always be crate trained gradually so they associate it with rest and security. A crate that is the right size, positioned somewhere calm and made comfortable with a proper crate mat and blanket can be particularly valuable for puppies during toilet training, especially when used alongside puppy pee pads and training treats to reward calm behaviour. If your dog shows signs of significant anxiety around the crate, it's worth consulting your vet or a qualified behaviourist.

There is no fixed rule that applies to every dog, as it depends on age, breed, temperament and how well crate-trained the dog is. As a general principle, crating should never take the place of adequate exercise, social interaction and mental stimulation. Puppies especially should not be crated for long stretches, as their bladders are small and they need frequent breaks and stimulation. For adult dogs, the crate is ideally used for rest, overnight sleeping or short periods when unsupervised, rather than as a place to spend the majority of the day. Making sure your dog has had sufficient physical activity and enrichment before crate time helps enormously - enrichment toys, puzzle toys and chew toys can also be offered inside the crate to keep them content. If you're relying on a crate for longer daytime periods, consider whether your dog is getting enough time outside the crate for exercise and interaction.

The right crate size is one that allows your dog to stand up fully without hunching, turn around comfortably and lie down stretched out. Too small is obviously restrictive, but too large can also be counterproductive, particularly during toilet training, as a puppy with too much space may use one end as a toilet area. The KindTail Pawd® Collapsible Crates come in two sizes: the small is suited to dogs around 5–12 lbs and the medium for dogs around 10–25 lbs. For dogs that are still growing, it's worth planning ahead, buying for their expected adult size while using a divider during the puppy phase is a practical approach. If your dog falls into a larger breed category, check the dimensions of any crate carefully before buying to ensure there's adequate room for comfort.

The most important thing is making the crate genuinely comfortable so your dog chooses to be there. A well-fitted crate mat is the essential starting point, as it provides warmth and cushioning underfoot. Add a dog blanket for extra cosiness, especially overnight or in cooler months. A safe chew or enrichment toy can help a dog settle when first introduced to the crate. KONG-style toys stuffed with a little peanut butter or a lick mat are particularly good for this. Access to water is important if your dog will be in the crate for any significant time. Avoid placing loose items in the crate that could become chewing hazards and keep the space feeling uncluttered. The crate should feel like a den, not a storage unit.