A dog crate, dog cage, or kennel is a metal, wire, plastic, or fabric enclosure with a door in which a dog may be kept for security or transportation. Dog crates are designed to replicate a dog's natural den and as such can provide them with a place of refuge at home or when traveling to new surroundings. Other common reasons for using a dog crate are for toilet training a new puppy, transporting a dog, limiting access while the dog learns rules, ensuring the dog's safety, confining a dog in locations where dogs cannot safely or legally roam freely, or giving a dog a place to go when visitors come to the house.[1][2]
Crate training accustoms the dog to the crate so that they can rest in it without stress. [1][2]
Using a crate for a dog is similar to having a playpen for a toddler or a crib for a baby, and allows the owner to take their eyes off their pet.[3] However, misuse (such as prolonged locking) can cause the dog psychological harm.[4] Along with dog’s crate it is also important that there is proper bed/bedding so that the dogs are comfortable and don’t feel the urge to get out of the crate.[5]