Dog Suddenly Hates Crate At Night

Is your dog suddenly refusing to spend time in his crate? There are several reasons why: He’s spending too much time in it, it’s uncomfortable, he associates it with punishment. Let’s explore these reasons for crate avoidance and see how to help your furry friend!

Your dog might suddenly hate its crate because it’s feeling pain or discomfort. Something in there might be uncomfortable or cause trouble for your pet. For example, your dog could take his food to his bed and then hate the smell the next day. He might also soil his bed, which will need a thorough cleaning.

#4: Reward appropriately

So your dog hates crate training. Who can blame them, right?

In that case, help your dog love their crate. Yep, it’s possible.

Just look at this pooch being in their crate, with the door open:

During crate-training, don’t forget rewarding your dog. Use high-value treats. Hotdogs, cheese, or slices of ham. I’d even suggest the smelly treats.

Once your dog gets a whiff of those, they’ll be more in attention.

Also, rewarding your dog helps them associate crating with something good.

And that’s what you want to achieve.

Warning: Don’t be over the top with rewards. Watch out how much your dog eats to avoid gaining weight.

#6: Make your dog comfortable

“My dog won’t sleep in his kennel!”, you say.

And I can think of a reason why:

The bed could be dirty or soaked with pee. It could be worn out with some thin spots. Or some debris is poking at your dog whenever they’re laying down.

One way to keep their bed comfortable is to clean your dog first.

Give them a bath. Or wipe them down if that’s enough in your case. Just make sure to get dirt and debris off their fur as much as possible.

Also, regularly check their bed. One of your other dogs, or your cat, could have peed on it. Or your dog themselves peed on the bed while sleeping.

Regularly wash their bedding, including their pillow and blanket. Doing so also helps reduce skin problems.

Meanwhile, inspect the crate for damages. Especially if your dog has separation anxiety and chews on the crate when trying to escape.

There may be sharp edges that cause wounds or discomfort to your dog.

With your dog loving being inside the crate, it will benefit everyone. How? It:

  • Curbs anxiety and loneliness (for your dog).
  • Keeps the house clean and orderly. With the right discipline, there will be less poop and pee to clean.
  • Provides both of you with personal space. Sometimes you and your dog need time away from each other. Crate training provides just that.
  • Gives you peace of mind. When you’re away, you’ll know your dog is safe in their crate. And you also feel at ease when you have visitors.
  • Dog won’t go in crate even with treats?

    Some dogs just aren’t motivated by treats. If your dog isn’t anxious and will at least put his head in the crate try feeding him his meals in the crate. Start by having his food bowl near the front and then move it deeper in each day!

    FAQ

    Why is my dog all of a sudden barking in his crate at night?

    A dog barking at night all of a sudden can be a real worry. Not just for your neighbors and your ear drums, but because new behaviors can be a sign of a problem. Illnesses, old age, sounding the alarm to intruders or other animals. Even fear, anxiety, loneliness and boredom can play a part.

    Why is my dog suddenly acting weird at night?

    Arthritic or structural ailments can make dogs uncomfortable and therefore make it harder for them to settle, causing stress. Also failing senses of sight or hearing can put your dog on edge at night. Noise phobia can also be heightened during the night when it is dark and visibility is restricted.

    Why is my puppy regressing in crate training?

    Many dogs will consider the crate their bedroom, using it to sleep and enjoy some alone time. You can usually stop closing your dog into your crate when they are around two years of age.