Dog Crate Vs. Bed – Should A Dog Sleep In A Crate or Bed?
A dog can either sleep in a crate or bed. If your dog has issues with toilet training, chewing things around the house or just roaming around at night, a dog crate is a good idea as it contains your dog a safe enclosed space. Generally, dog crates are used for puppies, smaller dog breeds or dogs who have grown up sleeping in one. On the other hand, if your dog is well trained and prefers a warm, highly cushioned and snuggly spot to sleep, they should sleep in a dog bed. Dog beds come in a wider range of designs and can be used by all breeds of dogs.
Continue reading for full explanations of the advantages and disadvantages of dog crates and dog beds so you can make an informed decision about where your dog should sleep.
Table of Contents
Pros & Cons Of Dog Crates
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| A crate provides your dog with a familiar and safe space as well as a sense of security | If a dog is not introduced to a dog crate from a young age, they can be unhappy about having to sleep in one. |
| If your dog is a puppy, a dog crate can make the toilet training process easier | Some dogs view a dog crate as punishment however this can be avoided with proper training |
| A dog crate can help curb separation anxiety | A dog crate can be dangerous if it is not assembled or ventilated properly |
| Making your dog sleep in a crate will reduce the risk of toilet accidents around the house as a dog is very unlikely to soil his own environment | A dog can grow out of it’s dog crate. You need to keep on upgrading the crate size as your puppy grows or buy a large crate with an adjustable divider. |
| A dog crate will keep your dog safe from potential dangers around your house e.g. knocking over precious objects or chewing electrical wires etc. | A dog crate can be cold, especially metal ones. However this can be avoided by using a dog crate cover set that composes of a cushion and blanket that fits over the crate. |
| Dog crates are generally easier to clean than dog beds. They can usually just be wiped down with a damp cloth. | There is a limited range of dog crate styles. The main two are plastic dog crates and metal dog crates. There are also material soft sided crates but those are usually for travelling. |
| A dog crate is multipurpose. It can be used for trips to the vet and travelling as well as a bed |
Our Top Picks: Must Have Dog Products!
What Dogs Should Sleep In A Crate…
In summary, a dog crate for sleeping is most suited to dogs that are properly crate trained from a young age. If you currently have a puppy and would like them to sleep in a crate you should start training them as soon as possible. In this way they will be very happy to sleep in a crate opposed to an older dog who would find the environment very constricting and potentially think of it as a form of punishment.
Dog crates are also more generally suited to dogs on the smaller side e.g. miniature/toy breeds, small dogs and medium dogs. However dog crates can come in larger sizes as well to accomodate for big dog breeds.
Read Also: How To Make A Dog Crate More Comfortable
Looking For A Dog Crate?
The Diggs Revol Dog Crate Is Inspired By Baby Industry Quality Standards, Making It One Of The Safest Options On The Market…
Find Out The Current Price On Diggs
Pros & Cons Of Dog Beds
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| There are many different dog bed styles e.g. elevated beds, orthopaedic dog beds, bagel beds, nest beds, traditional rectangular beds, lounge beds etc. as well as different materials, patterns and fabric designs. | Dog beds are more of a hassle to wash than dog crates. They generally take longer to dry because of the soft absorbent fabrics in comparison to wiping down a plastic surface of a crate. |
| If your dog sleeps in a bed they will have much more freedom to roam around the house in comparison to a dog crate | Your dog can roam around your house. He/she could potentially chew household items or if not properly toilet trained, could have an accident around the house |
| Dog beds are generally more cozy and warm than dog crates with the exception of elevated dog beds. This dog bed is super fluffy and cozy! | Young dogs sometimes like to chew dog beds and rip them apart. Many dog owners have to therefore regularly replace them. |
| A dog bed is better for dogs to sleep in than a crate if they suffer from claustrophobia. | Some dog beds can be very hot in summertime because of the padding/stuffing which acts as insulation. This can be overcome by using an elevated dog bed in summer. |
| Sleeping in a dog bed generally allows for better ventilation in comparison to a dog crate. | |
| Dog beds are easier to move around your house as they are less bulky than a crate. For example, you can move a dog bed more easily next to your bed than a crate. |
What Dogs Should Sleep In A Dog Bed…
In summary, a dog bed generally suited to all dogs types no matter the size, age or breed. This is because there is such a wide range of dog bed types that can accommodate the specialised needs of each individual dog.
Younger dogs or dogs who are prone to destructive chewing might not be suited to sleeping in an ordinary dog bed. These dogs may do better in a dog crate or can be trained to treat their dog bed better.
Read Also: The Best Dog Beds (According To Dog Experts)
Looking For A Dog Bed?
Here Is A List Of The Best Dog Beds By Type…
- Orthopaedic Dog Bed
- Bagel Dog Bed
- Rectangular Dog Bed
- Dog Travel Bed/Dog Sleeping Bag
- Elevated Dog Bed
Further Reading
What's Your Reaction?
