Yes, it’s okay not to crate a puppy, but it depends on your lifestyle, your puppy’s needs, and your training goals. Crates can be a helpful tool, but they’re not mandatory for raising a well-behaved puppy.

Here’s my experience: When I got my pup, I didn’t crate him full-time because I wanted him to feel free to explore his environment. Instead, I set up a puppy-proofed area with baby gates. This way, he had space to play and rest without getting into trouble (or chewing on something dangerous).

The key is supervision and creating a safe environment. If you’re home and can watch your puppy closely, you can teach good habits like where to potty and what to chew without using a crate. But if you need to leave them unsupervised, a crate or confined area helps prevent accidents or destructive behavior.