Dogs are social animals, so when they’re at home, it makes sense for most dogs to be with their people.
But what about when they need to be in their dog crate? Is there a specific place that it should be? If you find yourself wondering this question, you are not alone!
So let’s cover the 8 tips for where you should put your dog’s crate in your house or apartment.
By Allison Salonko.
Allison is a Veterinary Technician in the state of Indiana. She graduated from International Business College and Vet Tech Institute of Indianapolis with a degree in Animal Science and Technology in 2011.
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Where Should You Put A Dog Crate In Your Home?
Everyone’s home is different and so is your dog’s individual personality.
Both of these conditions will affect the decision you make as to where you will put your dog’s crate.
Let’s get into the first two tips!
Again, this is defined more by your dog’s unique personality.
If they are a social dog that enjoys, maybe even craves the attention of others, then finding an area of the home that allows some visibility would be best.
These happy doggos just want to see what’s going on and wag their tag when they see their best friends come through.
Areas of the home that are typically high-traffic areas are:
- The living room
- The dining room
- The kitchen
#2 Anxious Dogs Do Better In A Quiet Place
Most dogs that are nervous nellies will do best when their crate is somewhere quiet and out of the high-traffic areas.
Anxious dogs with crates in popular areas of the home will often grow more nervous and stressed when they can see and hear more of what is going on around them.
If your family is having an enthusiastic family fun night or even a friendly get together, having your anxious dog’s crate in the living or dining room may cause them distress and frustration as they feel they cannot rest in their normal spot.
Parts of the home that a nervous dog would prefer are:
- A quiet corner
- An office or bedroom
- Any area that isn’t high-traffic
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Should My Dog’s Crate Be In The Bedroom Or Living Room
Like mentioned above, your dog’s personality will help you narrow down your placement options for their crate.
#3 Puppies Want To Be Around People
Young puppies (and their owners) tend to benefit from having the crate in their bedroom while their dog is still being crate trained.
This is because puppies can have a difficult time acclimating to solitude, leading to crying and fussing at night.
Placing the kennel in the bedroom can help everyone get some much needed sleep.
A social dog that is older and used to their crate can be easily moved to a communal area of the home.
If you know that your dog is anxious and will prefer to stay in a bedroom, it may be better to keep their crate in a quiet location.
When Should You Move A Puppy’s Crate Out Of The Bedroom?
Once your puppy has reached an age where they are used to their crate, you can graduate them to the living room or whatever part of the home you think your dog will be comfortable in.
#4 Slow Transitions Can Help An Anxious Pup
If your young dog shows signs of anxiety and distress over their crate being relocated, this is somewhat normal and you should not be immediately concerned.
If your pup has a hard time with the transition from bedroom to living room, then consider moving the crate during certain parts of the day.
This would involve moving the crate around often, so if it’s easier to invest in a second crate then go right ahead.
You will want to have a crate in the living room during the day so that they become used to staying in those surroundings.
At night, you can put them back in your bedroom, but you will eventually want them to be comfortable with sleeping in both areas.
Should I Put My Dog’s Crate In The Kitchen Or Living Room?
#5 Placement Is Important For Dogs
This answer depends on your house’s layout and your dog’s personality.
If your dog is a social pup and wants to be around people and the living room is the best place to make that happen, then this would be an ideal location.
If the kitchen is secluded and quiet and your dog prefers solitude and peace, then using the kitchen would be great.
However, if your dog is anxious and the kitchen is a high-traffic area, then you should reconsider the location of their crate.
Bonus Tips For Choosing Your Dog’s Crate Location In Your Home
Your dog will likely stay in their crate for several hours a day if you work a job away from home. If that is the case, you may want to look into ways of entertaining them in crate to help them alleviate boredom.
This is another reason why you need to be picky about your dog’s crate location.
Here are the final few tips that I have for finding that perfect place for their kennel.
#6 Keep Away From A Heat Source
This is especially true if you have a blanket or some kind of cover over your dog’s crate.
If it is too close to a heat source like a radiator, furnace or portable heater then you run a risk of a fire hazard.
#7 No One Wants A Drafty Crate, Even Your Dog
If your dog’s crate is located in an area of the home that is cold and drafty, this could eventually affect their health adversely.
This is especially true of dogs that are geriatric, as the cold air can cause joint pain and soreness.
#8 Keep Them Out Of Direct Sunlight
When your dog’s crate is located somewhere with direct sunlight, this can be ok, but only for a short time.
If they are in a position where they are receiving continuous sunlight, they can grow too hot and cause discomfort and other potential problems as the weather gets warmer.
Dogs that have a short face (brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and Shih Tzus) are more susceptible to overheating.
It would be wise to be particularly mindful if you have one of these breeds.
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