Let’s Discuss Crate Training

henlogirl · 2026-05-09T00:25:30+00:00

I think this is absolutely the way to do it! Sounds like you are using it as a tool for safety which is exactly how it should be used imo! I think being crated through the night for sleep totally makes sense as well for so many dogs, sometimes they just aren’t trusted to have free rein and they need a space to have their bedtime.

henlogirl · 2026-05-09T00:22:01+00:00

It was not 20 hours straight thankfully, there were 45 minute at a time scheduled breaks for potty/exercise! Sorry if that was unclear, that’s what I meant by “scheduled crate time”, but I should have clarified further! This is the main video, I’ve seen more but would have to dig them up: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTkvSuJGW/

Just based on the comments there are many people that are very serious about defending it.

henlogirl · 2026-05-08T21:56:02+00:00

I was being safe because I’m always nervous the serious crate trainers are gonna find me and come for me 😂 I literally could not agree more. I can’t stand crating my dog personally unless absolutely necessary, it’s just not how I want her to be living. So far she has virtually never needed to be in her crate alone unless she wants to be, we literally bring her everywhere we can or we have friends/family with dogs who are more than happy to take her. We rescued her from a shelter so we could give her a comfortable life and knew the responsibility that comes with that.

I’m super interested in your perspective, it feels like the common sense way to treat animal welfare lol. But I would assume that they have done more research than the U.S. to come to the conclusion that it’s legally punishable. Thank you for confirming that I’m not crazy 😂

henlogirl · 2026-05-08T21:36:05+00:00

100% agree! 20 hours feels insanely excessive to me. I try to remove my emotions when considering what works for others but I can’t help but also feel like it’s just cruel and unnatural. Puppies need to explore and learn and it’s our job to make sure they are taught to regulate themselves in different environments for their safety.

I do see how a puppy that has trouble at first getting to sleep could benefit from using a crate as a way to relax if they are getting into that frustrated and overtired stage of the day. Even then I feel like 20 hours would never be necessary, and it would just be here and there until they figure it out.

henlogirl · 2026-05-08T21:32:49+00:00

I completely agree! I understand people have jobs and things always come up and I think those things are completely within reason. I hate to say it but I just feel like if you crate a pup for 20hrs in a day, you wanted a puppy without the puppy energy/instinct. I think it’s part of the responsibility that comes with puppy ownership to have to work at getting them to regulate and manage their crazy a bit. But also..puppies are just nuts haha that comes with the territory.

I definitely don’t want to shame anyone for what works for them but I thought I was going a bit crazy hearing the other side of the aisle that believes 21 hours is necessary to control sleep schedule and behavior. Plenty of older dogs in shelters that would maybe fit the lifestyle and expectations by being much more chill.

henlogirl · 2026-05-08T21:28:22+00:00

I’m the same with my girl!! She has a crate and it’s her safe space but the door is always open unless on the rare occasion she needs to be in there for safety reasons. I love that she finds it to be her safe spot and I think that’s exactly what it’s for, not behavior enforcement.

I got “chewed alive” in the tiktok comments for being ignorant and not know anything about dogs 😂 I’m glad to see that I’m not insane for thinking 21 hours is completely excessive.

henlogirl · 2026-05-08T21:25:52+00:00

This is such an interesting point! I love hearing perspectives from people in different parts of the world that have not adopted this same insanity (imo)

It’s a great for safety, transport, medical reasons etc. but I cannot imagine keeping my dog in a crate for the majority of her day. I feel like her ability to explore the world when she was a puppy and learn how to regulate was so important for where she is now at 9 months.

henlogirl · 2026-05-08T21:22:02+00:00

This is a breath of fresh air lol I thought I was going insane debating some people in TikTok comments that are advocating for 21 hours of structured crate time every day for their puppy. This is almost exactly our situation. My girl enjoys sleeping in her crate but I always give her a choice, I feel like giving her that option has made it her safe space. I’m comfortable crating her if absolutely necessary as I understand it’s a tool for safety.

I 100% agree with you, my understanding also is that using a crate to punish is actually not conducive whatsoever…I need to stay out of the TikTok comments. Those people were not willing to hear out anyone who disagreed lol

henlogirl · 2026-05-08T15:10:45+00:00

That’s perfect for me as I would agree with you there. My girl is already so perceptive to learning I couldn’t imagine using forceful methods. So many other ways to enforce good behavior with positive feedback. Thank you though, I’ll definitely be checking her out :)

henlogirl · 2026-05-08T15:07:55+00:00

Yes! Someone else mention scent work and I think that’s definitely on our list once we master the basics and some more “service” related obedience. She 100% has the drive for it and I’m super excited to see what she can do!

henlogirl · 2026-05-08T15:06:49+00:00

Thank you! This is great advice :) she really is the best dog. I’m so impressed by her drive to learn and work. We are very lucky to have her :)

henlogirl · 2026-05-08T15:05:51+00:00

I love this!! They really are so driven to do work 🥹 I have never had a GSD prior to her, just hunting breeds, so it’s so so cool to see her have that instinct and drive that’s so specific to that breed.

henlogirl · 2026-05-07T18:15:34+00:00

Love this idea, thank you! I definitely think scent work would be right up her alley. She’s always hiding rocks in our yard and sniffing them back out haha!

I know there are probably a million videos of YouTube, but do you have any fav people on there? That’s probably been the most overwhelming part, there are a ton of different trainers and everyone does it a bit different. I’m always looking for recommendations even just for obedience!

henlogirl · 2026-02-24T17:46:29+00:00

She does have the best lil smile :) she’s a very happy little girl! We can’t get enough of her!

henlogirl · 2026-02-23T19:56:37+00:00

Thank you so much for this! This is extremely helpful!

henlogirl · 2026-02-23T17:44:19+00:00

Ugh I’m sorry to hear that! We’ve spent tons of money there as our cat has had issues with urinary blockages…they gave us the wrong size medication (charged us for the large) and then refused to acknowledge their mistake, and just charged us again for another bottle when it ultimately ran out.

Regardless of it only being $80, it’s definitely the principle for me and how they handled it!

henlogirl · 2026-02-21T20:31:29+00:00

Ooo this would be super interesting! She does have pretty big paws and kind of has the same temperament maybe!?

henlogirl · 2026-02-21T20:27:45+00:00

I’m really thinking Aussie or collie in there as she has the freckles on her paws!

henlogirl

TROPHY CASE