When to Stop Crating a Dog at Night?

Crating a dog at night is one of the most common ways new dog owners help their puppies sleep through the night, stay safe, and learn house rules. But there comes a point when the crate is no longer needed-and keeping your dog in it too long can hurt their trust, independence, and even their sleep quality. So when do you actually stop crating a dog at night?

Most dogs can sleep out of a crate by 6 to 12 months

There’s no single age that fits every dog, but most dogs are ready to sleep outside the crate between six and twelve months old. This isn’t just about age-it’s about behavior. If your dog has been reliably house-trained for at least two months, doesn’t chew on furniture or shoes when unsupervised, and sleeps quietly through the night without whining or pacing, they’re likely ready to try sleeping without the crate.

Some small breeds like Chihuahuas or Shih Tzus may be ready earlier, around six months, because they mature faster. Larger breeds like Labradors or German Shepherds often need more time-up to a year-because they take longer to develop impulse control and bladder capacity. A 10-month-old Great Dane still needing to go out every four hours isn’t ready to be left loose in the house at night.

Look for these signs your dog is ready

Don’t just count months. Watch for real behavior changes:

• They sleep through the night without waking to go outside (no accidents for 8+ hours)
• They don’t chew on bedding, furniture, or electronics when left alone
• They stay calm when you leave the room-even if you’re just in another part of the house
• They don’t whine, bark, or pace when confined in a safe space
• They’ve had at least two months of zero accidents indoors

These signs mean your dog has learned self-control and trust. They’re not just holding it in-they’re choosing to behave. That’s the goal of crate training, not lifelong confinement.

Why keeping a dog crated too long is a problem

Some owners keep their dogs crated at night for years because it’s convenient. But that convenience comes at a cost.

Crates are tools, not forever homes. If your dog is mature, house-trained, and calm, keeping them crated can:

• Damage their trust in you-they start to feel like they’re always being watched
• Reduce their confidence-they never learn to relax in open spaces
• Cause anxiety or depression-especially in dogs with high energy or intelligence
• Lead to sleep issues-they may become restless, pacing or barking because they’re bored or frustrated

A 2023 study from the University of Pennsylvania’s Animal Behavior Lab found that adult dogs kept in crates overnight past 12 months showed higher cortisol levels (a stress hormone) than dogs allowed to sleep freely in a safe room. The difference was most noticeable in dogs who had been crate-trained early and never given the chance to transition out.

How to transition out of the crate safely

You don’t just open the crate door and walk away. That’s how you end up with a chewed-up couch and a muddy floor.

Start by letting your dog sleep in a gated section of your bedroom-maybe just a corner with a dog bed, water bowl, and a few toys. Keep the crate nearby but open. Let them choose where to sleep. Some nights they’ll go back in. That’s fine. Let them.

After a week or two, move the gated area to another room-like a quiet living room or home office. Make sure the space is puppy-proofed: no loose cords, no toxic plants, no shoes within reach. Leave a camera on if you’re nervous. Check in every few hours at first.

Once they’ve slept peacefully for a full week without accidents or damage, you can let them roam the whole house. But don’t leave them unsupervised yet. Keep doors closed to rooms with hazards. Use baby gates to block stairs or kitchens with open appliances.

What if your dog still has accidents?

Accidents don’t always mean they’re not ready. Sometimes it’s a medical issue. A 9-month-old dog suddenly peeing at night could have a urinary tract infection, diabetes, or a hormonal imbalance. Take them to the vet if:

• They’re peeing more than usual
• The urine smells strong or looks cloudy
• They’re drinking way more water
• They’re straining or whining when they go

Behavioral accidents happen too. If your dog was fine for months and suddenly starts peeing on the rug, it could be stress-maybe from a new pet, a move, or a change in your schedule. Try going back to the crate temporarily while you fix the root issue.

Some dogs never outgrow the need for a crate

Not every dog needs to be free at night. Some dogs-especially high-energy breeds like Border Collies or rescue dogs with trauma histories-feel safer in a crate. If your dog curls up in the crate every night and seems relaxed, there’s no reason to force them out.

The goal isn’t to eliminate the crate. The goal is to give your dog choice. If they want to sleep in the crate, let them. If they want to sleep on the bed or on their own bed in the corner, that’s fine too.

Think of the crate as a cozy den, not a prison. A well-trained dog should see it as a safe place they can visit when they want to rest-not a place they’re locked into against their will.

What to do if your dog panics when the crate is open

If your dog seems anxious when the crate door is open-pacing, panting, or hiding-they may have developed crate dependency. This is more common in rescue dogs or those who were crated for long hours during the day.

Start by making the area outside the crate more appealing. Put their favorite blanket inside the crate, then put another identical blanket on their bed outside. Play with them near the open crate. Feed meals just outside the door. Let them explore at their own pace.

Never force them out. Don’t yell, pull, or shut the door if they refuse. That teaches them the outside world is scary. Be patient. It can take weeks for a dog to feel safe outside the crate.

Final tip: Make nighttime a calm ritual

Whether your dog sleeps in a crate, on a bed, or in a gated room, consistency matters. Do the same thing every night:

1. Take them outside to potty right before bed
2. Give them a quiet chew toy or stuffed Kong
3. Turn off lights and keep noise low
4. Ignore whining-don’t rush in unless it’s been 20+ minutes and sounds like distress
5. Let them wake you only if they need to go out

This routine tells your dog: nighttime means rest. It’s not about confinement. It’s about safety, calm, and trust.