How to Stop a Dog Whinning in a Crate

Whining in the crate can be annoying, but is easily remedied.

Crate training is a useful way to housebreak your dog and provide a safe place for your dog at night or when you are out of the house. A crate can protect your furniture from destructive chewing, and can protect your dog from ingesting something harmful. The crate training process can be easy or difficult, depending on the dog. If your dog is whining constantly in the crate, there is a solution provided you are patient and willing to work on the problem.

Things You'll Need

• Crate
• Leash
• Treats
• Toys

Instructions

1. Think about the last time your dog went out to eliminate. If it's been a while, put your dog on the leash and take him outside to do his thing. Praise him when he eliminates outside, and return him to his crate.

2. Ignore the whining if it continues once your dog has eliminated and returned to her crate. Responding to the whining only makes things worse, because in the dog's mind, you are rewarding her for whining.

3. Consider moving the crate into your bedroom, especially if you have a very young puppy. A new puppy is alone for the first time ever and is lonely without the company of his mother and litter mates. Being in the same room as you might comfort him and stop the whining.

4. Take a step back in the crate training process. Make sure your dog only has positive experiences in and around the crate by giving her treats and feeding her in the crate. Don't expect her to stay in her crate happily the first time for hours. Gradually increase the time she is in her crate until she is used to being alone and confined.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a new, exciting toy that your dog only gets in his crate. Look for toys you can stuff with food to make a fun, crate-only treat for your dog. Give the toy to your dog every time he is in his crate and he might even look forward to crate time.

• Do not punish your dog for whining in the crate. This will only cause her to fear you and the crate, and will make the problem worse.

• Do not crate a dog with separation anxiety. Consult a licensed animal behaviorist for help overcoming this serious problem. Ask your veterinarian for a referral or recommendation.

• Do not crate a young puppy for more than three or four hours. Their bladders are small and they are unable to hold their waste for long.

References

• Humane Society of the United States: Crate Training
• Dog Obedience Advice: How to Stop Your Dog from Whining