When I first started offering Board and Train Programs, I used to accept dogs who weren’t crate trained. I had heard from clients, “Shouldn’t crate training be part of the training anyways?” And honestly, I used to think that made sense. But through more experience, I began to understand why so many Professional Dog Trainers require crate training—and why this policy is actually in the best interest of your dog.
Over time, I saw firsthand how stressful it was for dogs who had never been crated before. I also realized that having uncrate-trained dogs in my home—where I also have my own dogs—created unnecessary stress for everyone in the house.
Here’s why your dog should and for me must be crate trained before arriving for a board and train:
1. Safety & Security
Your dog is coming into a new environment with new people, new dogs, and new routines. For many dogs, that’s overwhelming at first! A crate provides a safe, quiet space where they can decompress and not feel pressured to interact constantly.
I also have my own dogs in my home, and even though they are well-behaved, it’s safest to separate dogs when unsupervised. A crate prevents accidents, fights, and unnecessary stress for both your dog and mine.
2. Peaceful Overnights & Rest Time
Sometimes I might work with multiple dogs at once, and proper rest is essential for all of them. At night or during breaks, every dog needs a designated space where they can sleep peacefully without distractions.
A dog that isn’t used to a crate will likely whine, bark, pace, or depending on the dog they could even go into a severe panic, this is not only not good for your dog but it disrupts the entire household which becomes sleepless nights for myself and for my fiance. It also becomes stressful for my own dogs who are used to a routine. It essentially throws the entire house out of balance and is not only not fair to anyone, its certainly not a great environment to be learning. A crate-trained dog settles in faster, sleeps better, and wakes up ready for training.
3. Faster Learning & Adaptation
Dogs thrive on structure and consistency, and crate training is a big part of that. Dogs who are already comfortable in a crate settle in faster, which means we can start training sooner—rather than spending a week or even longer trying to get them comfortable with confinement.
A well-rested dog is a better student. If your dog can relax in their crate, they’ll be more focused and engaged during training sessions.
4. House Manners & Potty Training
Crate training plays a crucial role in potty training by teaching dogs to hold their bladder until they are let outside. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping space, so when used properly, a crate helps establish a consistent bathroom routine. If a dog has never been crated before, they may struggle with this concept, leading to unnecessary accidents indoors.
Beyond potty training, a crate is essential for safety and structure in my home. I am working with multiple dogs at once, this may just mean my own dogs, yes, I still work my own dogs, so I need clear boundaries to keep everyone safe, comfortable, and stress-free.
Also, some dogs have a tendency to chew, get into things, or mark territory, I cannot correct what I cannot see happen so I need to make sure none of these things are happening which can only happen if they can go into a crate when needed.
When I’m sleeping, running errands, or even just momentarily stepping away, I can’t have a dog roaming freely without supervision—it’s simply not safe.
A crate provides a secure, designated space where your dog can relax and unwind when I’m unable to watch them 100% of the time. This ensures that every dog in my care has a positive, structured environment, which ultimately helps them feel more confident and secure, which leads to faster learning and understanding when it comes to the work I am doing with them.
5. Too Much Stress Can Make Your Dog Sick
Stress isn’t just emotionally difficult for dogs—it can also take a physical toll on their health. When a dog experiences too much stress, it can weaken their immune system, cause digestive issues, and even lead to illness.
Starting a board and train program is already a big adjustment for a dog. They are suddenly in a new environment, following a new routine, with new people, new dogs, and new expectations. This transition can be stressful at first as they settle in.
Now, imagine adding crate stress on top of that. If a dog is not used to being crated, they may panic, whine, refuse to rest, or even make themselves sick from overexertion and anxiety. Dogs can develop diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and extreme exhaustion simply from being too stressed. This is not fair to the dog.
By crate training before they arrive, you help eliminate one major stressor. Instead of struggling with crate anxiety, your dog can focus on adjusting to their new routine and getting the most out of training without unnecessary emotional or physical strain.
The goal is to set your dog up for success—not overwhelm them. Making sure they are comfortable in a crate before training begins is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth, positive experience for both of us.
I love to help dogs feel good about thier crate and have had lots of success with it but this needs to start at home.
If you live in Toronto, or in the Chatham-Kent region, and you need help teaching your dog to like the crate, let's set up an in-person session in your home!
Nicola
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