For instance, they may refuse to walk into the crate in the first place or go nuts once inside it. <\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Black](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/alternate-crate-training-700x525.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nOr maybe they’re an extra large breed<\/a> who’d need an outrageously expensive custom crate designed for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe you just can’t get on board with the idea of keeping your pup in a small, confined space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or maybe you need a quick kennel alternative until your pup gets used to their crate setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever your specific reason, the good news is that there are several dog crate alternatives that we’ll lay out in this blog post, right along with their respective pros & cons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We’ll also look at the best way to potty train a puppy without a crate and talk about general confinement anxiety in dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready? Let’s go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n QUICK RECOMMENDATION<\/strong>: Just in case you were wondering, as guide dog puppy raisers we are required to crate train our puppies, and for the past 17 years we’ve used our trusty MidWest Life Stages Crate<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n While crate training can be beneficial, you can also go about training a puppy without a crate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s up to your personal preference, so below, we’re pointing out crate training pros and cons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the main downsides of not crate training your dog is that they’re more likely to get into trouble, especially if they’re younger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That’s why some dog owners make the crate a non-negotiable means of confinement while their dogs are young, and then switch to an optional crate routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Personally, that’s what I did with my puppies Missy & Buzz. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I adopted them when they were 8 weeks old<\/a> and immediately crate-trained them. Whenever they were home alone, they stayed in their respective crates.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once they were about 2 years old, they had gained my trust around the house and I implemented an open-door crate policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So when the pups were home alone, they had the choice between their beds, the couch, and their open crates.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanks to my alarm system that had cameras, it was super interesting to see that they rotated between all 3 options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They would walk into their open crates and snooze in there for 30 minutes, then walk back out, take a sip of water, and hop onto the couch or their beds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes they would also hang out in one crate together!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silly pups.<\/p>\n\n\n Then at nighttime, they would get crated with the crate door shut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I use the same open-crate policy for my current pup Wally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n During the day, his crate stays open and then he spends the night in his crate with the door closed and a blanket covering the kennel. <\/p>\n\n\n Most alternatives to crate training are specific setups at your home, but there’s also an option that involves spending the day out for your pup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember that your dog will still need to be exercised prior to setting them up in the dog crate alternative at your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, they may also need a mentally engaging (chew) toy to keep them busy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, a filled KONG<\/a> or Nylabone dog toy<\/a>. You can freeze both for an extra long-lasting activity.<\/p>\n\n\n Last but not least, they’ll need just as many potty breaks as they would if they were crated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping that in mind, let’s start with the easiest alternative and end with the one that requires the most logistical efforts on your part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It doesn’t get any easier than simply keeping your pup behind closed doors. All you have to do is decide on a room your dog can spend time alone in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally, you’ll want to choose a non-carpeted space. That will make it easier to clean up potential accidents. If your dog room has carpets, you may want to put down doggie pee pads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that it shouldn’t be a huge room as this may entice your dog to lounge in one area of the room and take care of their doggie business in the far end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This could be a laundry room, a small office space, or a bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro<\/strong>: Free, simple solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Con<\/strong>: Can cause scratched-up doors and door frames if your dog is bored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The next best option is to set up a doggie playpen<\/a> somewhere in your home.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n They come in different sizes, materials, and heights. That’s convenient as it gives you the option to choose a suitable crate for your respective pup.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n For example, a toy dog breed or small dog will do just fine with a foldable playpen made of mesh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your (small) pup chews or is teething, go for metal or hard plastic instead and provide them with an appropriate chew toy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro<\/strong>: Inexpensive and easy setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Con<\/strong>: Some dogs may jump them or knock them over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colby used the Carlson Portable Pet Pen<\/a> when he was raising Golden Retriever puppies<\/a>. It worked well as a crate alternative for containing a litter of pups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look at this video of the using the Carlson Portable Pet Pen:<\/p>\n\n\n\nCrate Training vs Not<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What Happens If You Don’t Crate Train Your Dog?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Boxer](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/missy-buzz-crate-700x664.jpg\")
![\"Wally](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/wally-crate-700x814.jpg\")
Alternatives To Crate Training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Wally](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/wally-stuffed-toy-700x836.jpg\")
Crate Alternative #1: Designated Doggie Room<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Crate Alternative #2: Playpens<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Former](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/madison-dog-food-700x863.jpg\")