FAQ- We get a lot of questions about the format of Dog School, how and why we use crates, and what the benefits are of what we do. So we rolled all those FAQ into one answer as a blog post! Enjoy!

 🐾 The Importance of Crates at Dog School

**Why Rest, Routine, and Structure Are All Part of the Plan**

If you’ve ever wondered why your dog spends part of their day in a crate during Dog School, you’re not alone—and we’re so glad you asked.

At Sit n Stay, nothing is random. Crate time is *intentional*, *important*, and *incredibly beneficial* to your dog’s success—not just at school, but at home too.

 🧠 Dogs Learn Best with Breaks

Training your dog isn’t about drilling skills nonstop. It’s about creating the *right balance* of learning, playing, and resting. Just like human students, dogs need breaks to avoid information overload.

Especially for puppies, downtime is critical. Young dogs need up to **18–20 hours of sleep per day** to properly grow, develop, and absorb new information.

Without rest, dogs can become:

* Overstimulated
* Frustrated
* Less able to focus or follow cues

Crate time gives their brain a chance to *soak in* what they just practiced—making their training stick long-term.

 💤 Crate Time = A Skill, Not Just a Break

Here’s something important: crate time *isn’t just a break*—it’s also a **training opportunity**.

Learning to rest calmly in a crate:

* Teaches **impulse control** and **self-soothing**
* Helps dogs **settle themselves** in busy environments
* Encourages **independence and confidence**

And the benefits don’t end at Dog School…

🏡 Crate Training Makes Life at Home Easier

A dog who’s comfortable in a crate at school is more likely to be calm and confident in a crate at home too.

That means:

* You can **keep your dog safe** when you can’t supervise
* Crates become a **go-to tool for managing behavior**
* Dogs learn to rest instead of getting into mischief
* Vet visits, grooming, and travel are **less stressful**

Crate training isn’t just about what happens during the day—it sets your dog up for success in the real world.

 🐶 A Thoughtful Rotation of Learning, Enrichment & Rest

At Dog School, every dog rotates through a well-planned day that includes:

* **Training sessions** to build skills like sit, recall, leash walking, and more
* **Enrichment activities** to engage the brain and burn energy in healthy ways
* **Crate time and rest** to recharge and make sure those new skills stick

It’s all part of our structured, supportive environment that encourages real learning—not just temporary results.

👥 Why Your Dog Works with Multiple Trainers

Dogs don’t naturally generalize their training. That means your dog might “stay” perfectly for *you* at home, but not for someone else or in a new place.

To help make your dog’s training reliable, we rotate trainers throughout the day so your dog can:

* Follow cues from different people
* Stay focused in different situations
* Learn how to adapt and succeed in the real world

This variety helps their training become flexible, functional, and dependable.

📚 Learning Takes More Than Practice

At Dog School, crate time isn’t a “time-out”—it’s a key part of your dog’s education. They’re not missing out… they’re recharging, processing, and preparing for their next success.

We promise: there’s a *lot* happening behind the scenes, even when it looks like your dog is just taking a nap. And it’s all designed with one goal in mind—helping your dog become a calm, confident, well-mannered companion at home and beyond.

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