Deciding where to put the crate for young puppies and adult dogs alike can be a real head-scratcher.

Many dog owners think the bedroom is the top spot, especially during the house training process.

But is that the best choice for every furry friend and their human?

Let’s dive in and find out!

4 Advantages of Keeping Your Dog’s Crate in Your Bedroom

Having the crate in the bedroom is a win-win for both you and your dog. It simplifies the crate training process, strengthens your bond, and offers numerous practical benefits!

First, having the crate in the bedroom makes the crate training process smoother and less stressful for your furry pup.

The knowledge of your constant presence will soothe any separation anxiety, especially if you’re crate-training a puppy. Your company acts as a safety blanket for your dog, especially at night.

Another tremendous advantage of bedroom crate training is bonding.

Dogs are pack animals, sleeping close to their family members in the wild. Having the crate in the bedroom welcomes your pup into your pack. It’s a heartwarming way to build unwavering trust and a lifelong connection.

Furthermore, keeping the crate in the bedroom is practical.

If your dog needs anything at night, say a quick trip outside or comfort during a thunderstorm, you’re right there to help. No more running down the hall or across the house!

Finally, dogs have acute senses.

Your canine companion can alert you quicker if they hear or smell something unusual at night. It’s like having a furry security system!

Where Should I Place the Dog Crate in My Bedroom?

Finding the right crate training spot will make a difference for your pup. Take a little time to figure out the best location in your room, and before you know it, your dog will be snoozing away happily!

Dog owners generally prefer to place the crate near their own bed. This way, your dog enjoys the comfort of your visual presence.

Plus, you’ll easily keep an eye on your furry friend throughout the night. If they get restless or need a late-night potty break, you’re right there to help.

Another practical spot is close to the bedroom door. It gives your dog a clear view of anyone coming or going. Some dogs like to be in the know about what’s happening in the house, and being near the door lets them feel more involved.

Whichever spot you choose, make sure no heaters are nearby. Keep the crate in an area where the temperature stays consistent.

Remember to consider lighting. If there’s a bright streetlight outside your window, position the crate so that light won’t bother your dog.

Lastly, think about foot traffic. If you’re often up and moving around the room, place the crate somewhere you won’t trip over it in the dark or bump into it while getting ready in the morning.

Should I Cover My Dog’s Crate at Night?

Whether you choose to cover the crate or not depends on your dog’s personality and preference.

Crate covers resemble a den-like environment for your pup. Dogs naturally like cozy spaces, and a covered crate feels more secure and private. If your bedroom is showered with light and noise, a crate cover will block some of it, adding to a peaceful night’s sleep.

On the other hand, leaving the crate uncovered gives your dog a clear view of the room. Some dogs like to keep an eye on things, mainly if they’re still getting used to their new surroundings.

If you decide to use crate covers, you don’t need to cover the crate completely. You can leave one side open for your pup to peek out.

Make sure your dog doesn’t get too hot under the cover. Always use a breathable fabric and watch how your pup is feeling.

Should I Leave Food and Water in My Dog’s Crate at Night?

Leaving a food dish in the crate at night is generally not the best idea.

If your dog munches on food throughout the night, they might need a potty break before morning. This can be tough, especially if everyone in the house is sleeping and doesn’t hear your pup’s signals.

And if they can’t get out in time, you might wake up to a potty accident in the crate. That’s no fun for either you or your dog!

Water is a bit trickier.

Some dogs get thirsty at night, especially if the room is warm or they’ve had a busy day. A small amount of water might be okay, but just like with food, they may need a potty break.

If you decide to leave water, ensure it’s not too much. You don’t want your pup gulping down and then having to hold it in until daybreak.

Here’s a tip: serve your dog’s dinner and a thirst-quenching drink of water a couple of hours before bedtime. They’ll have time aplenty to digest and go potty before heading to the crate.

How to Determine Which Area of the House is Unsafe for Crate Training

Choosing where to crate train your dog in your home is like picking the perfect spot for a cozy reading nook—it needs to be just right.

The best place to crate train your dog is a spot where they feel safe, comfortable, and happy.

First, think about your dog’s personality.

Is your furry friend the center of attention? If so, choose the living room, where your family spends more time.

On the other hand, if your dog prefers a quiet corner to relax, go for a more secluded space.

Next, consider your daily routine and your dog’s needs.

There will be lots of potty breaks during puppy crate training. Pick a spot near the door to make those trips outside quicker.

Your puppy’s safety is paramount.

Settle on a place without cords your dog might chew on or places where they might get stuck.

Also, think about temperature.

Don’t crate train your dog in places with discomforting temperature fluctuations.

Space matters, too.

Make sure your room of choice has enough space for the crate and that your dog can easily move in and out.

Finally, think about nighttime.

Do you want your dog close by when you sleep, or would you prefer they have their own space?

Some dog owners like to move the crate to their bedroom at night, while others prefer setting up a permanent spot.

5 Places Where to Place Your Puppy’s Crate

Basement

Pros of Crate Training in the Basement

1. Cool and Calm: Basements stay cooler than the rest of the house—a comforting feeling for dogs, especially during those hot summer days.
2. Space Galore: You won’t feel like the crate is taking over the whole room.
3. Quiet Environment: Basements are away from the home’s hustle and bustle.
4. Fewer Distractions: With not much going on in the basement, your dog will find it easier to settle down and relax.

Cons of Crate Training in the Basement

1. Out of Sight, Out of Mind: You may forget to spend as much time with your pup compared to if they were in the living room.
2. Potential Dampness: Basements sometimes get damp or even flood.
3. Limited Natural Light: Unlike the living room, not all basements have windows, limiting your dog’s access to direct sunlight.
4. Safety Concerns: Ensure the basement is free from hazardous chemicals or tools your dog might get curious about.

Bathroom

Pros of Crate Training in the Bathroom

1. Easy Cleanup: Most bathrooms have tile or vinyl flooring. That means if your pup has an accident, cleaning it up is a breeze.
2. Cool Environment: Bathrooms often stay cool, which can be a comfy spot for your pup during the Dog days of summer.
3. Quiet Spot: Unlike bustling areas like the living room, the bathroom offers a peaceful alternative.
4. Limited Distractions: There are fewer distractions for your dog in the bathroom.

Cons of Crate Training in the Bathroom

1. Limited Space: Bathrooms are tight, especially in smaller homes or apartments.
2. Humidity: The bathroom humidity rises after baths or steamy showers—not the most comfortable environment for a dog.
3. Less Interaction: If your dog is crated in the bathroom, they might struggle with isolation, especially when comparing it to more social spaces like the living room.
4. Safety Concerns: Ensure there aren’t any accessible cleaning supplies or toiletries that your dog might get curious about.

Kitchen

Pros of Crate Training in the Kitchen

1. Easy to Clean: The kitchen, with its typically tiled or laminated floors, is simple to clean after any dog-related messes.
2. Central Hub: The kitchen is the heart of the home. This means your dog can still feel like a part of things even while in their crate.
3. Food & Water Close By: Having your dog’s food and water nearby is super convenient. Meal times are easier when everything’s right there.
4. Temperature Control: Kitchens are often cooler, making it comfier for your dog, especially during warmer months.

Cons of Crate Training in the Kitchen

1. Noise Factor: Kitchens get loud, whether it’s the clatter of pots and pans, the sizzle of something cooking, or just family members chatting.
2. Foot Traffic: With people going in and out, someone might bump into the crate or disturb your pup while trying to rest.
3. Temptations Everywhere: The kitchen is food central. Your dog might get too interested in what’s on the counter, even inside the crate.
4. Space Concerns: If you have a smaller kitchen or a larger dog, things will start feeling cramped.

Laundry Room

Pros of Crate Training in the Laundry Room

1. Tucked Away: Unlike the living room, which is a central hub of activity, the laundry room is out of the way. This can mean a quieter environment for your dog.
2. Easy Clean-Up: If there’s any mess (like a potty accident), the laundry room, with its hard flooring, is easier to clean than carpets.
3. Consistent Temperature: Many laundry rooms are located in parts of the house with little to no temperature fluctuations.
4. Space Management: If you’re tight on space in the living room, the laundry room provides a solid alternative.

Cons of Crate Training in the Laundry Room

1. Noise Factor: Loud washing machines and dryers might disturb or scare your dog.
2. Less Supervision: Because it’s not a room everyone hangs out in, you might not keep as close an eye on your dog as you would in other parts of the house.
3. Possible Hazards: Laundry rooms often contain detergents, bleach, and other chemicals. Ensure they’re out of your dog’s reach.
4. Limited Interaction: Your dog might feel isolated if they spend lots of time in the laundry room, away from family activities.

Living Room

Pros of Crate Training in the Living Room

1. Social Spot: The living room is the epicenter of family action. By crate training here, your dog will feel connected and involved.
2. Easy Supervision: Since many of us spend a good chunk of our time in the living room, it’s convenient for keeping an eye on your pup. You’ll quickly see if they’re getting restless or need something.
3. Distraction & Entertainment: Your dog can watch the family, hear conversations, or even enjoy some TV time. It’s like their personal movie theater!
4. Comfort for You: While lounging on the couch or sipping some tea, you can chat with your furry friend, even if they’re in their crate. It’s bonding time without them being overly hyper.

Cons of Crate Training in the Living Room

1. Too Much Activity: For some dogs, the hustle and bustle of the living room is overwhelming. If there’s too much going on, they could become anxious or overly excited.
2. Potential Distractions: While some distractions are healthy, others hinder the crate training process. TV sounds and foot traffic might make settling down hard for your dog.
3. Space Issues: The living room might already be full of furniture and decor. Adding a crate, especially for larger breeds, will cramp up the space.
4. Consistency is Key: Because the living room is a communal space, everyone has to be on the same page when it’s quiet time for the dog and when it’s okay to interact.

No Luck With Crate Training? Time for K9 Basics!

Call us at (866) 592-2742 or, if you’re from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New York, visit us at 131 Kenilworth Road, Marlton, New Jersey 08053, to learn more about the crate training process.

Also, browse our blog and social media for various topics about dogs and their lives with us!

References

1. Butler, Tracey. “Where to Put a Dog Crate in the House.” Hiddin, Hiddin, 22 Mar. 2023, shophiddin.com/blogs/news/where-to-put-a-dog-crate-in-the-house. Accessed 9 Oct. 2023.
2. Crothers, Sarah. “Which Is Better for a Dog’s Crate: Living Room or Bedroom?” Not A Bully, 7 Sept. 2023, notabully.org/should-i-keep-my-dogs-crate-in-the-living-room-or-the-bedroom/. Accessed 9 Oct. 2023.
3. “How to Crate Train Your Dog or Puppy.” The Humane Society of the United States, www.humanesociety.org/resources/crate-training-101. Accessed 9 Oct. 2023.
4. “The Best Place for a Dog’s Crate.” BeChewy, Chewy, 21 Jan. 2021, be.chewy.com/the-best-place-for-a-dogs-crate/. Accessed 9 Oct. 2023.
5. “What to Put in a Dog Crate, Where to Put It, How to Get It Prepared.” LabradorTrainingHQ, 22 June 2023, www.labradortraininghq.com/labrador-training/what-to-put-in-a-dog-crate-and-where-to-put-it/. Accessed 9 Oct. 2023
6. “Where Should I Put My Dog’s Crate at Night?” SpiritDog Training, 1 Sept. 2021, spiritdogtraining.com/behavior/dogs-crate-night/. Accessed 9 Oct. 2023.