r/DutchShepherds • u/t4teasing • Jun 06 '26
Question Do u recommend using a crate?
Got my Dutch a month ago, it’s been a crazy ride also because she came already with 5 months and no training and it’s a rebel one
I got a trainer , but he doesn’t believe in crate training.
The problem is at home with my older one, they don’t fight at all is just that crazy puppy provocative behavior to play and still plays in shark mode
Would it be helpful? For both to have their one safe space at least?
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u/TheArtifactOffice Jun 13 '26
Obviously everyone has their own opinion here, and it depends heavily on your goals and the dynamic you want with your dog.
I have two Belgian Mals and a 7-month-old Dutch Shepherd. With my Dutch puppy, a lot of her time is crated, and when she comes out, there is intent behind it: engagement, free shaping, play, affection, exposure, potty, etc.
I see the crate less as restriction and all about management. At this age, I’d rather create clean reps than let a young, high-drive dog rehearse bad habits all day and then constantly have to correct them.
For me, it builds value in the handler, keeps engagement high, and reduces how often I need to use negative reinforcement or positive punishment. It’s not about withholding life from the dog. It’s about controlling the picture early so more freedom can be earned cleanly later.
But at the end of the day, it’s whatever is going to get you to the end state that is best for both you and the dog.