How to Stop Your Dog from Crying When Crated

Perhaps you want to keep your dog from wandering around the car during rides, or keep him safe while you are away at work. Maybe you want to use the crate for potty training or to teach your dog about bedtime. But he hates the crate. He struggles when you put him in it and then whines until you let him out. Most dogs can be taught to tolerate their crates, or even enjoy them. Crates are wonderful tools for dog owners, and if used correctly, many dogs begin to see their crates as a safe place, or even as a den where they can rest undisturbed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crate
• Blanket
• Toys
• Treats
• Time
• Patience

Introduce the dog to the crate

1. Choose the correct size crate. Your dog should have enough room to comfortably stand, sit, lie down and turn around. If you have a puppy, you’ll probably want a crate that will be big enough to fit your dog when he is full grown. If you can’t decide how big a crate you’ll need, consult a breed recommendation chart (see Resources). Remember that if you are crate training your dog, get a crate with a divider so you can adjust the space your puppy has access to has he grows.

2. Put the crate in the middle of a room where your dog is. Put a yummy treat just inside the crate door and leave the door open.

3. Watch your dog. Praise him when he goes to sniff the crate. Eventually your dog will poke his head in to eat the treat. Use a toy if your dog doesn’t seem interested in the treats.

4. Place another treat in the crate, but father back.

5. Repeat these steps a for a few minutes a few times a day until your dog will go all the way into the crate.

6. Put your dog’s food dish in the crate so he begins associating his food with his crate.

Getting comfortable with the crate

7. Ask your dog to go into the crate. He might need to be helped into the crate until he understands what you are asking for. Give him a treat when he’s in the crate.

8. Hold your hand in front of the crate to keep him from leaving it. Remove your hand after 10 seconds or so. Repeat this until your dog will stay calmly in the crate for about 30 seconds.

9. Repeat Step 1. Then close the door of the crate. Repeat this step many times, gradually increasing the amount of time the dog is in the crate.

10. Put your dog in the crate and leave the room. Gradually increase the amount of time he is in the crate.

11. Start putting your dog into the crate while you go on errands or for short periods of time. Once he is comfortable with this, you can try keeping him in the crate at night or while you are away at work.

12. Play with your dog or take him on a long walk before you put him in the crate. If he has too much energy, he will be more likely to cry in the crate.

13. Give your dog a toy or treat when you put him in his crate. You might try a Kong filled with a treat. This will reward your dog for going into the crate and also distract him during the first few minutes he is crated, which is often the most difficult time.

Tips & Warnings

• A soft blanket or bed might make the crate more appealing to your dog, especially if it is a blanket that he lies on outside of the crate.
• Remember that puppies need to go outside every few hours. If you suspect your dog is whining because he has to go to the bathroom, take him outside on a leash. This will prevent him from being able to play. Put him back in the crate when he is done.
• Do not let your dog out of the crate when he is whining. If he gets what he wants by crying, he will continue to cry.
• If your dog has separation anxiety, talk to a trainer.
• Don’t force your dog into the crate, as this will create more anxiety about the crate.
• Don’t leave your dog in a crate for too long. A dog that is confined for long periods of time will build up energy and frustration and is more likely to bark and be destructive.

Resources

• Crates Online