Where to Put a Dog Crate: Best Spots Day and Night

The best daytime spot for a dog crate is a calm corner of a room where your family spends time, like the living room or a home office. At night, especially with a puppy, the crate usually works best in or right next to your bedroom. Ohio State University’s Indoor Pet Initiative gives the same basic advice: keep the crate in an area where the family spends a lot of time, and consider moving it into the bedroom at night so a young dog feels secure and you can hear if it gets restless.

The sections below cover what makes a spot work, how day and night placement differ, and which places to skip. If you are still choosing a crate, you can also browse our dog crates and playpens.

What Makes a Good Crate Spot

A good spot is social but calm. The American Kennel Club advises placing the crate in a relatively quiet area. That means near the people in your home, but away from the busiest foot traffic, loud speakers and slamming doors.

A few practical points also help:

Steady room temperature. Pick a spot that stays comfortable through the day. Avoid places where the temperature swings a lot.
No direct sun. A window that sends a hot patch of light across the crate can make the space uncomfortable as the day goes on.
Away from heat sources and drafts. Keep the crate a good distance from fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, vents and drafty doors.
A flat, stable floor. Set the crate on a level surface where it will not wobble or slide. A rug or mat under it can help on slick floors.
Out of reach of hazards. Keep electrical cords, blind cords and houseplants away from the crate so your dog cannot pull or chew something through the bars.

The AKC also notes that some dogs like a wire crate because they can see what is going on around them. If your dog seems more relaxed with a view, a wire crate in a quiet corner of the room may suit it. The AKC also says to take your dog’s collar off whenever the dog is in the crate, as a safety measure.

Daytime vs. Night Placement

During the day, the crate does best where you can be nearby. Many people choose a corner of the living room, a spot near the kitchen table or a section of a home office. Your dog can see and hear the household without being in the middle of everything.

At night, the same logic applies, but the priority shifts toward being close to you. A crate in the bedroom, on the floor near your side of the bed, lets a dog settle with your scent and sounds nearby. You can use the same crate in both places, or keep a second one in the bedroom if your home layout makes moving it a hassle.

If you move one crate each night, pick a lightweight or folding model and have a fixed spot for it in both rooms. A steady routine makes the move easier on your dog.

Puppies: Crate Near Your Bed at First

Puppies generally do best with the crate close to you at night. Humane World for Animals says it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom, so you can hear when the puppy needs to go outside. It also recommends placing the crate in a calm part of the home where your dog can relax, and says puppies under six months should not stay crated longer than about three to four hours at a time.

Those time limits are a reminder that a good location does not replace regular breaks. Plan your daytime schedule around outings, play and potty trips. The crate should never be used as punishment.

Once your puppy sleeps through the night and is comfortable in the crate, you can gradually move it farther from your bed if you wish. Do this in small steps rather than all at once. If your dog seems very distressed in the crate, cries nonstop or panics, talk to your veterinarian or a certified trainer rather than just waiting it out.

Small Apartments and Studios

In a small space, the goal is to give the crate a home that does not block walkways or your furniture. These ideas can help:

Use a corner or a wall. A corner of the living area keeps the crate out of the way while still letting your dog see you.
Stay out of the main path. Avoid placing the crate between the door and the kitchen or bathroom, where you will bump into it all day.
Think about noise. Thin walls mean hallway sounds and neighbors may carry. A spot on the wall farthest from the front door is often calmer.
Consider a folding crate. If you need floor space for yourself in the evening, a collapsible model can be folded and stored when it is not in use.
Keep it near the bed in a studio. In a one-room home, a corner near the bed can work both day and night, with the crate placed away from the entrance.

Do not stack items on top of a crate unless the manufacturer says the crate is designed for it. Even then, keep anything heavy or breakable off it.

Spots to Avoid

Some locations tend to cause problems, based on general practical reasoning.

Garages, basements and sheds. These areas can be hard to keep at a comfortable temperature, and they often hold tools, chemicals and clutter. They also leave your dog far from the family.
Isolated rooms. A spare room at the far end of the house can make crate time feel like exile. The crate is meant to be a calm den, not a place of separation.
Next to the front door. Doorbells, knocking, deliveries and people coming and going can keep a dog on edge.
Beside a TV or speaker. Constant loud sound makes it harder for a dog to rest.
Right by a heater, vent or sunny window. These can make the crate too warm or uncomfortable.

If your dog seems unable to settle anywhere in the house, or you are worried about how it reacts to being crated, ask your veterinarian or a qualified trainer for advice.

In the Car

If you carry a crate in a vehicle, secure it so it cannot slide or tip when you brake or turn. Check the crate maker’s instructions for guidance on car use and how to fasten it. Car travel has its own considerations, so do not assume a crate meant for home use suits the road.

Make the Spot Comfortable

Once you have picked a location, set up the inside. Humane World for Animals suggests that your dog always have a comfortable bed in the crate, and says bedding should be washable. Our guide on how to choose a dog bed explains materials, fit and support, and our dog bed cleaning guide covers keeping it fresh.

The AKC guidance cited above adds a caution: be careful about putting beds or blankets in the crate if your dog still has accidents in the crate. In that case, you may want to start with less bedding and add more as your dog matures.

Size matters too. The AKC says a crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down. Use our dog crate size guide to match the crate to your dog before you decide where it goes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a dog crate go during the day?

Put it in a calm part of a room where the family spends time, such as the living room. Your dog can then feel included without being in the busiest part of the house.

Where should I put a puppy crate at night?

Most guidance suggests placing it in or near your bedroom. Being close lets you hear when the puppy needs to go outside, and the puppy may feel more secure with you nearby.

Can I put a dog crate in a bedroom all the time?

Yes, if the room is calm and comfortable. Some people keep one crate in the bedroom for night and a second in the living area for the day, while others move a single crate between the two.

Is it okay to keep a crate in the garage?

It is generally best to avoid it. Garages can be difficult to keep at a comfortable temperature and leave your dog away from the family. Pick an indoor spot where you can hear and see your dog.

How do I place a crate in a small apartment?

Use a quiet corner or wall away from the front door and main walkways. A folding crate can help if you need to reclaim floor space during the day.

Sources

About the author

Best Pet Supplies Guide

Best Pet Supplies Guide publishes research-based buying guides, size guides and care how-tos for dog, cat and pet home supplies, using manufacturer specifications and guidance from reputable pet-care organizations.

Where to Put a Dog Crate in Your House