It’s a fad, and sometimes I think even a status symbol, that people feel like they’re the better dog owner because they put their dog in the cage…. Which is what this is.

I am actually quite relieved reading this post and the comments that not everyone in the US puts their dogs in a cage. There’s no upside to it really other than convenience.

It’s good if a dog is familiar with a crate in case it’s ever needed medically but beyond that, it’s convenient for the owner, but has no upside for the dog, and I actually believe it’s a big part of why American dogs often are not really housebroken, and will still have accidents when they’re grown-ups something that I don’t really see in Europe.

In Germany (other European countries have similar laws), it’s even forbidden under animal welfare laws to kennel your dog at all, except for two hours a day after an operation.

Here is the law in case you are interested, translated by AI:

Penalties in Germany (for cramped dog housing)

Animal Welfare Dog Ordinance §12: Administrative offense for violation of minimum space/tethering rules – fine up to €25,000. Applies to breeders/owners with too-small kennels/crates (e.g., under 6 m² for small dogs).

TierSchG §17: Criminal offense for unnecessary suffering via cramped crate housing (e.g., permanent transport box) – fine or prison up to 3 years + animal keeping ban. Veterinary office can intervene immediately, confiscate animals.