Where to Put Dog Crate at Night

I previously wrote about the ideal locations to put a dog bed but this guide is specific to dog crates and where to put them at night. Unlike dog beds, dog crates come in all shapes and sizes. And while there are many factors to consider when deciding on the perfect location for your dog’s crate, the most important consideration is your dog’s safety.

The age of your dog is crucial, as the Humane Society has noted that puppies often need to urinate during the night. You’ll want to be able to hear your puppy whimper when they need to be let outside.

Where to put dog crate at night:

Puppies require more care than mature dogs, and having the crate in the bedroom or on the way to your bed may help them feel more secure, but use a fan or sound machine to drown out any noises that might disturb their sleep. For mature dogs, the crate can be placed in any room of the house, but should always be in a location where they can see you and feel included in family activities.

The best locations for a crate are in the corner of the family room or in the kitchen. But no matter where you decide to put it, make sure it’s not:

• In a drafty area
• Close to any heat source like a radiator or fireplace
• In direct sunlight
• It should be comfortable and there shouldn’t be much chance of sudden temperature changes.

Some dogs are more anxious than others and may benefit from having the crate in a room with lots of activity, while others may prefer a quiet space. If your dog seems stressed by movement and noise, try placing the crate in a corner of the room or covering it with a blanket to reduce stimulation.

What to consider when deciding where to put a dog crate:

Personality and energy levels:

Consider your dog’s personality and energy level when choosing where to put their crate. A high-energy dog may do well with the crate in the living room so they can see what’s going on and be close to family members, while a more laid-back dog may prefer a quiet space like a bedroom.

Size of the crate:

The size of the crate will also play a role in deciding its location. A small crate can easily be moved from room to room, while a larger crate may be difficult to move and is better suited for one location.

Safety:

The most important consideration when deciding where to put a dog crate is safety. The crate should be in a safe location where your dog cannot escape or hurt themselves.

The crate should also be placed in a location where you can easily keep an eye on your dog. If the crate is in the living room, make sure it’s not near a door or window where your dog could escape.

Convenience:

The location of the crate should also be convenient for you. It should be in a location where you can easily let your dog in and out, and where you can easily clean the crate.

If you have multiple dogs, you may want to consider having two crates – one for each dog. This will allow you to keep the crates in different locations, depending on the needs of each dog.

Age:

As the Humane Society notes, puppies often need to urinate during the night. You’ll want to be able to hear your puppy whimper when they need to be let outside. For this reason, it’s best to keep the crate in the bedroom or on the way to your bed.

Dog breed and size:

The size and breed of your dog will also play a role in deciding the perfect location for their crate. A small dog can easily be moved from room to room, while a larger dog may need a more permanent location. For large breeds such as GSD, it’s important to make sure the crate is in a location where they cannot escape or hurt themselves. Check out our picks and reviews of best dog crates for GSDs

The type of dog you have may also dictate the perfect location for their crate. For example, herding dogs such as border Collies are bred to work all day and may prefer a more active location, while a Hound dog may be content with a quiet spot in the house.

Crate training:

If you’re crate training your dog, it’s important to choose a location for the crate that is convenient for you and your dog. The crate should be in a location where you can easily let your dog in and out, and where you can easily clean the crate.

Possible locations to put dog crate at night:

Bedroom:

The crate can be placed in the corner of the room or next to your bed. If you have a puppy, they may need to urinate during the night, so you’ll want to be able to hear them whimper.

Living room:

The crate can be placed in the corner of the living room or next to the couch. This is a good option for high-energy dogs who need to be close to family members and activity.

Kitchen:

The crate can be placed in the corner of the kitchen or next to the table. This is a good option for dogs who need to be close to their food and water.

Bathroom:

The crate can be placed in the bathroom, next to the toilet. This is a good option for dogs who need to be close to their owner at night.

Other considerations:

If you have multiple dogs, you may want to consider having two crates – one for each dog. This will allow you to keep the crates in different locations, depending on the needs of each dog.

If you have a small apartment, you may want to consider placing the crate in the living room so your dog can be close to you at night.

If you have a large house, you may want to consider placing the crate in the bedroom so your dog can be close to you at night.

If you have a baby or young child, you may want to consider placing the crate in the living room so your dog can be close to the family during the night.

What experts say about best dog crate location:

Chewy Editorial advises that the ideal location for dog crates at night is in the bedroom of the owner, so that the dog has a sense of security while sleeping. If your dog becomes restless during the night and needs to go to the bathroom, you’ll be able to hear her if she’s in her crate in your bedroom.

How about during the day?

During the day, dogs need space to move around and exercise and it is recommended that you only use the crate when necessary. It’s best to keep the crate in a room where you spend most of your time during the day. Also, have access to water and an approved potty area available for your dog at all times.

A crate can be used to confine your dog for up to two to three hours if you must leave her alone during the day. A folding exercise dog pen is preferable to a crate for periods of confinement over the course of the day. The “ex-pen,” which simply confines a little space, allows the pet to move about and stretch. If your dog has an urge to go, she may use a dog potty pad as an aid in doing so.

FAQs

Should you put a cover on a dog crate?

Never cover your dog’s crate entirely since it might obstruct ventilation. Keep blankets away from heat sources and make sure the cloth is breathable, because knitted blankets may snag or unravel.

What should you put in a dog crate at night?

You may want to consider putting a bed or blanket in the crate to make it more comfortable for your dog. You should also make sure the crate is big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Is it cruel to have a dog in a crate at night?

No, it is not cruel to have a dog in a crate at night. In fact, many experts recommend keeping the crate in the bedroom so the dog has a sense of security. However, you should only use the crate when necessary and make sure the dog has access to water and an approved potty area.