No matter what a pet shop owner or dog trainer might say, a dog crate is just a box with holes in it, and putting dogs in crates is just a way to ignore and warehouse them until you get around to taking care of them properly.
Crating is a popular "convenience practice" that is often used on adult dogs. It deprives dogs of the opportunity to fulfill some of their most basic needs, such as the freedom to walk around, the opportunity to relieve themselves, and the ability to stretch out and relax.
Crating began as a way for people who participate in "dog shows" to keep their dogs clean, but they did not take into account their dogs' social, physical, and psychological requirements. Dogs are highly social pack animals who abhor isolation and who crave and deserve companionship, praise, and exercise. Forcing dogs to spend extended periods of time confined and isolated simply to accommodate their guardians' schedules is unacceptable.
Crate training does not speed up the housebreaking process. Regardless of the training method, puppies do not develop full bladder control until they are about 6 months old. It is counterproductive to crate young puppies in the hope that they will "hold it." They are physically incapable of doing so and are eventually forced to urinate in their crates after experiencing great discomfort while trying not to soil their beds. Puppies who repeatedly soil their crates often lose the urge to keep them clean, which prolongs and complicates the housebreaking process.
Pet store and puppy mill puppies who are born and raised in crate-like structures may experience severe anxiety and develop fearful and/or destructive behaviors if they are confined to crates. They may even injure themselves while trying to bite or scratch their way out.
Studies have shown that long-term confinement is detrimental to the physical and psychological well-being of animals. Animals caged for extended periods can develop eating disorders and anti-social and/or aggressive behaviors. They can also become withdrawn, hyperactive, or severely depressed. When there are so many other alternatives, why should we subject our canine companions to a training method that is obviously not in their best interests?
PETA does not oppose keeping a dog in a small area if it is in the dog's best interests (e.g., when cage rest is ordered by a veterinarian or when confinement will keep the dog safe during travel). In such cases, guardians should always take steps to ensure that dogs are provided with bedding and the opportunity to relieve themselves and that they are given access to water, fresh air, food, and other basic necessities.
There are numerous humane alternatives to crating for people whose work schedules require that they leave their canine companions at home during the day. PETA supports humane, interactive obedience training, which promotes and teaches guardians effective ways to communicate with their animal companions. Committed caretakers who successfully complete training and continually practice obedience methods with their dogs have no reason to imprison their well-behaved companions while they are away.
For those who cannot make it home during the day, PETA recommends hiring a reputable pet service or soliciting a reliable person, perhaps a neighbor, to take one's dog out for a midday walk. A "doggie door" that provides access to a secure, fenced yard gives dogs a way to relieve themselves and to alleviate boredom and can also prevent neurosis. Having an animal friend also alleviates boredom and loneliness in dogs. And paper training can be another way to handle dogs' need to relieve themselves when they can't go outside.