At Crestie Charm Cottage, everything we do is built on intention, structure, and love. One of the topics we’re often asked about—or that sometimes stirs debate online—is crate training. We believe it’s time to clear the air and share why crate training, when done right, is one of the most thoughtful tools in responsible dog care and breeding.


---

💤 A Calm Place to Rest

Crates provide puppies and adult dogs with a space to relax and recharge. In our home, crates are soft, cozy, and welcoming—never used for punishment or isolation. Think of it like a den: a familiar, peaceful place where a dog can feel safe and secure. Especially for new puppies, this can be essential in building confidence and promoting healthy sleep habits.


---

🕒 Positive Routines, Healthy Boundaries

Dogs thrive on structure. Our crate training routine creates gentle, predictable boundaries that help puppies adjust to life in the home. They learn when it’s time to eat, rest, play, and potty—which not only supports housetraining but also makes the transition to their new homes smoother.


---

🛡️ Safety, Supervision & Daily Enrichment

Let’s be real: even the best puppy-proofed homes have their challenges. Crates keep our dogs safe during meal prep, housework, and while we’re away running errands or at work. Yes—we work full-time jobs just like many other loving dog families. Being a responsible dog owner or breeder doesn’t require you to be home 24/7. It requires structure, planning, and a deep commitment to your animals’ well-being.

Over the course of a week, dogs may spend up to 40 hours in their crate—yet they spend over 128 hours uncrated each week engaging in play, enrichment, cuddles, walks, and rest alongside us. Crate time is a small part of a much larger picture of care. Puppy parents should never feel guilty for having a job. What matters most is how we plan, prioritize, and love our dogs every day.


---

🌱 Daily Enrichment at Crestie Charm Cottage

We believe that a well-rounded routine includes mental and physical stimulation. Here are just a few of the enrichment activities our dogs enjoy throughout the week:

🧩 Interactive puzzle toys to keep their minds sharp

🐶 Short training sessions for fun commands and tricks

🦴 Snuffle mats and lick mats for calm, focused foraging

🌞 Daily supervised yard time for running, zoomies, and sunbathing

🎾 Rotating toys and textures to keep their environment interesting

🥰 Cuddles, brushing, and one-on-one attention to build strong bonds


These moments of interaction, stimulation, and rest are carefully balanced to create a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle—whether we’re home for the day or working outside the house.


---

💕 Crating in Ethical Breeding Programs

Crating also plays a vital role in responsible breeding. When we’re planning a litter, it’s crucial to separate intact males and females unless a pairing is intentional. Crates give us a humane and peaceful way to manage interactions and prevent unplanned litters. For a breeder who puts ethics first, this is non-negotiable.

It also helps calm highly stimulated males during a female’s heat cycle. For those who may not be familiar, intact males can become overwhelmed—they may scream, whine, pace, refuse to eat, lose coat condition, and even experience elevated body temperature due to hormonal stress. They are quite literally little raging bulls during this time. Crating gives them a quiet, secure space that soothes and regulates their emotions and keeps harmony in the home.

This isn’t just about breeding control—it’s about emotional regulation and well-being for everyone.


---

💬 Not Everyone Crates—And That’s Okay

We understand that every dog owner has their own beliefs. Some may choose not to crate at all, and others may have had negative experiences. But here at Crestie Charm Cottage, crate training is part of our thoughtful care philosophy. It’s never about restriction—it’s about safety, predictability, and setting each puppy up for success.


---

🐾 A Final Word

We raise our puppies with the same compassion and structure we’d want for our own pets. Crates are just one tool among many—but when used right, they represent a whole philosophy: one rooted in trust, calm, and intentional care.

Want to see how we incorporate crate training into daily life? Check out our blog photos and social posts for a peek behind the scenes of happy pups resting in their cozy dens.