I was chatting with Tash, one of our trainers, the other day about a question that comes up constantly: should you crate train your puppy? It's interesting because crate training seems to be a really modern thing. Growing up, none of us had crates, just a plastic dog bed in the corner. My grandparents never had them either. So where did all this pressure come from?
The Crate Reality Check
There's massive pressure around crate training these days. It's presented as the answer to everything but it's not right for every family - and it's definitely not right for every dog.
Tash's experience sums it up perfectly. With her dog Murph, the first couple of nights went brilliantly. Then about a week in he suddenly refused to go in. It became such a battle that she had to step back and accept it wasn't right for them. With her newest dog Barney, she tried again - and he literally pooed himself from stress.
Now, before you think we're anti-crate, let me be clear: they absolutely have their place. Tash's dog Coco loves her crate and it was a godsend when she had an injury. Having that safe space meant they could limit her movement while she recovered. Crates are brilliant for vet stays or events where dogs need a familiar spot to switch off.
The problem is that crate training done properly takes months, not days. You need to build confidence, happiness, then work on closing the door, then duration. But most people need it to work on the first night with your dog. They pop the puppy in, shut the door, leave them downstairs. Often the first few days go well because the puppy's exhausted. Then two months later, the puppy's had enough.
The other issue is that crates can remove is independent thinking and choice. We've seen loads of cases where dogs are beautifully crate trained but find it hard to settle anywhere else. They haven't learned to switch off in a free environment with distractions.
Why I Love Playpens
Personally, I'm a massive fan of playpens. I still use them with my adult dogs. Whenever I go on holiday, both pens come with me. They're brilliant for dividing space - sectioning off part of the garden so dogs can go outside but not wreck flower beds or blocking rooms after muddy walks.
The beauty of a pen is that it gives puppies space to move and make choices. They can have a bed, water bowl and room to play without feeling trapped. You can even put a crate inside if you want. They're versatile.
You still need to teach your puppy to be comfortable in one though. And don't assume they can't escape. Rem learned to climb out from day one. I'll never forget coming back after 30 seconds to find Rem balanced on top with all four paws. But pens are typically used for shorter periods - just whilst you pop to the loo - rather than hours at a time.
Free Roaming: My Personal Choice
Out of the three, free roaming is my preference. Yes, it has cons - more risk when you first leave puppies alone, serious puppy proofing needed, constant tidying. But the positives massively outweigh the negatives for me.
My puppies learn to exist in the house without any management tool. And here's something fascinating: dogs move constantly when they're resting. They don't sleep in one position all night. They'll shift from sofa to floor, soft surface to hard surface, repositioning to stay comfortable.
When it's hot, Dave sleeps in the bathroom. Rem positions himself under the open window for the breeze. They've got choice and that choice means better sleep and more settled dogs.
Why Choice Matters
This became crystal clear with Rem's separation anxiety. Taking away his choice would have caused massive distress. Some people say, "If your dog is stressed being alone, crate them." Complete opposite for Rem. He feels safest with choice.
I'd watch him on the camera. The second I left, he'd trot upstairs and curl up on my pillow, the thing that smelled most like me. That's what he needed. If he'd been in a crate, he couldn't have done that. Free roaming let him self-soothe his own way.
Dave, on the other hand couldn't care less. He happily slept in the kitchen from night one. He's independent, loves a cuddle but doesn't need constant attention. A crate probably would've been fine for him.
Finding Your Fit
There's never a one-size-fits-all answer. It's about what fits your lifestyle, household, preferences and most importantly, your dog's comfort.
I couldn't fit three big dog crates in my house even if I wanted to. So it's not something I do because I don't need to. But if you've got space and it works, brilliant.
Whatever you choose - crate, pen or free roaming - make sure you're doing it because it's right for you and your dog, not because you feel pressured. If crate training isn't working, you're not failing. Trust your instincts.
The most important thing is that your dog is comfortable, safe and learning to settle in a way that works for your family. There are always options and knowing those options exist takes so much pressure off.
Got questions about what might work for your situation? Join the
Potter Paws Facebook Group. You can chat with other dog owners who've navigated these exact decisions and our training team are always around to offer guidance. We're a friendly bunch and we'd love to help!
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