Should my dog sleep in a crate? Crate, playpen or bed

Short answer

Not necessarily: Dogs Trust says "Playpens can be more appropriate than crates for use at night as they offer more space for movement"¹, and the PDSA says crates should never be used "for longer than three hours at a time"². Another option is a crate with its door secured open, as the PDSA advises when you're not actively training², so it's a den your dog can choose.

What UK organisations say

This article answers one question from our step-by-step guide to crate training.

Dogs Trust says: "Playpens can be more appropriate than crates for use at night as they offer more space for movement."¹

The PDSA says: "Dog crates should never be used as punishment or for longer than three hours at a time (less if your dog isn't used to it)."²

Your options at night

A playpen. Dogs Trust says playpens can be more appropriate than crates at night, as they offer more space for movement¹.
A crate with the door open. The PDSA says to secure the crate door open when you're not actively training², so your dog can use it as a den and come and go.
A bed near you. For puppies, Dogs Trust suggests starting with the bed in your bedroom and moving it further away every few nights³.

Setting up a sleeping area

The PDSA says: "Place the crate in a quiet, draught-free spot, out of direct sunlight."²
The RSPCA says: "Make sure they have access to water."⁴
The Royal Kennel Club says: "Always remove the puppy's collar when in the crate in case it gets caught up on it."⁵
The PDSA says: "A blanket over the top and sides (leave the front open) can make the crate cosier by helping to block out noise and draughts."²

Puppies at night

Dogs Trust says: "It will take some time before your puppy can make it through the night without needing a toilet break, so be prepared to let them out regularly."³

Read your puppy's first nights: crate or bed?

If your dog is unsettled at night

The PDSA says: "If your dog shows any signs of distress, like whining or scratching, go back to the previous stage."²

Changes to sleeping arrangements can take time. If your dog stays distressed at night, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.

Size for sleeping

Whatever your dog sleeps in, it should be able to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch out. See what size crate does my dog need? and is my dog's crate too big or too small?

Breed crate guides

Every breed needs a slightly different crate. These guides cover UK size guidance for the breed, sizes in each brand in inches and cm, and how to measure.

Find your dog's crate size All breeds

Questions

Is it OK for my dog to sleep in a crate?

Dogs Trust says playpens can be more appropriate than crates at night because they offer more space¹, and the PDSA says crates should never be used for longer than three hours at a time². A crate with the door secured open can be a den your dog chooses².

Should I shut the crate door at night?

The PDSA says crates should never be used for longer than three hours at a time². The alternatives are a crate with the door secured open² or a playpen, which Dogs Trust says can be more appropriate at night¹.

Where should my dog's crate go at night?

The PDSA says a quiet, draught-free spot, out of direct sunlight².

Should I cover the crate at night?

You can cover the top and sides and leave the front open, which the PDSA says helps block out noise and draughts². See should you cover a dog crate?