Crate training, when used correctly, provides dogs with a safe retreat, aids house training and reduces separation anxiety, but misuse causes significant welfare harm through inappropriate confinement.
Dogs incorrectly crated for excessive periods, used to punish, or crated without prior gradual introduction experience confinement stress that may worsen anxiety disorders. Puppies crated overnight before adequate bladder control develop anxiety from forced urine retention. Correctly introduced crates provide genuine welfare benefit through predictable safe space provision. The welfare outcome of crate training depends entirely on implementation quality.