Dog Won't Go in Crate Even with Treats: A Comprehensive Guide

It's not uncommon for dogs to resist going into their crate, even when treats are involved.

Dogs may view their crate as a prison or a place of confinement, leading to anxiety and stress.

Some dogs are more sensitive to their environment and may feel uneasy about being enclosed in a small space.

It's essential to approach crate training with patience and understanding, as it can take time for your dog to adjust to the new environment.

According to experts, crate training should be done gradually, starting with short periods and increasing the duration over time.

Choosing the right crate is crucial for a successful crate training experience. A crate that's too small can be uncomfortable for your puppy, while one that's too large can encourage bad habits like going to the bathroom in the kennel.

Puppies need a crate that's large enough for them to stand up straight, turn around easily, and lay down comfortably. Avoid getting a crate that's too large, as this can lead to vigorous play and accidents.

Consider your puppy's growth rate and choose a crate with optional dividers to limit the space until they grow. For large breed dogs, a larger crate will be needed when they're full-grown, but they require significantly less space when they're little.

Start with a different type of crate than what your pet has used in the past. For example, if your dog has been in a hard-sided kennel, try switching to a wire kennel.

Choose a wire crate with very narrow spaces, so a dog's leg can't push through and cause injury.

Consider a crate that can be built up over time, allowing your dog to get used to the space at their own pace. For instance, you can train your dog to only go into the bottom half of a Vari Kennel.

Select a crate that's appropriately sized for your puppy's current size, with enough room for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Avoid getting a crate that's too large, as it can encourage bad habits like going to the bathroom in the kennel and more vigorous play.

A crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand up straight, turn around easily, and lay down comfortably.

When choosing a spot for your puppy's crate, consider placing it in a bedroom or living space that's easily accessible but less busy. This will provide your puppy with a calm environment to relax and sleep.

High-traffic areas can be overwhelming for your puppy, so try to avoid placing the crate near areas where they can see outside, hear passers-by, or be agitated by other pets in the house.

Drafty areas or direct sunlight can make your puppy uncomfortable, so choose a location that's easy to maintain the temperature of.

Adding a memory foam pad, some toys, and blankets to your dog's crate can make it a more inviting space.

Using treats to create a positive association with the crate can also encourage your dog to view it as a comfortable place to be.

Tossing a handful of treats inside the crate every time your puppy returns can help lower their stress and make the crate a safe space to eat and chew.

You can feed your puppy their meal or a digestible chew in their crate to reinforce this positive association.

A dog bed in the crate is an option, but it may not be the best choice for puppies who tend to chew when anxious, bored, or upset.

Crate mats are a better solution as they are flat and contain less fluff for your puppy to try to eat.

A cheap towel may be a better starting point for puppies who are notorious chewers.

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First impressions are often lasting ones, so make sure your dog isn't fearful or anxious around the crate before you lock them in it.

Crate training takes time, but it can be as seamless and stress-free as possible if you follow some important steps and tips. Every dog is different, so be patient and consistent. Most puppies get the gist of the crate within the first week or two, but that doesn’t mean they like being left alone.

Use treats to create positive associations with the crate, every time your puppy returns to the crate, toss a handful of treats inside. This helps create a positive association with the crate and can lower their stress by encouraging them to focus on eating.

If your puppy is willing to go all the way into the cage, then try to get your puppy to sit or stay for a few seconds, but don’t lock them in yet. Reward constantly for as long as your puppy is willing to stay in the cage (within reason, of course).

It's very important that you don't lock a highly anxious dog in a crate unless they are properly introduced to the crate. If you don't take the proper steps to acclimate your dog to his crate, they could end up having a total freak out, potentially injuring themselves trying to escape the crate.

Practicing makes perfect, so take as much time as you need with each step. If your dog starts to see the crate as a safe and comforting place, it will help to soothe his anxiety every time you leave the house.

If your dog is resisting crate training, it's essential to identify the underlying reasons. Some common issues include a lack of association with the crate as a safe space, separation anxiety, or a preference for freedom.

First, ensure the crate is introduced gradually and in a positive manner, as described in "Introducing the Crate." This may involve placing treats or toys inside the crate to create a welcoming environment. The crate should be seen as a comfortable space for relaxation.

Dogs often resist crate training due to separation anxiety, which can be triggered by the crate's confinement. If you suspect this is the case, consider implementing a gradual separation plan, as discussed in "Addressing Separation Anxiety." This may involve starting with short periods of separation and gradually increasing the duration.

In some cases, dogs may resist crate training simply because they prefer the freedom to roam. If this is the case, try to find a compromise by providing a secure area for your dog to move around, such as a baby gate or playpen, as mentioned in "Finding Alternative Solutions."

You'll want to repeat the process several times, rewarding the whole time. If your puppy is hesitant to go back in, start from step 3 again, but be consistent.

Consistency is key when it comes to crate training, so make sure to use the same language and tone to make a positive association of the reward with the crate. This will help your puppy learn to like their crate and make the training process smoother.

Some puppies may take up to six weeks or more to fully adjust to being alone in a crate, so be patient and don't get discouraged if progress is slow. By repeating the process and being consistent, you can help your puppy overcome crate training regression and develop good habits.

Gradually extending the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate is also an important part of the process. Repeat this process multiple times per session, and over time, this teaches your puppy that confinement isn't a bad thing – it's a safe, calm place to be.

Incessant barking can be a challenge to address, especially if it's happening in the crate. The more often you let your dog out on demand, the more the behavior is reinforced, and the harder it will be to ever successfully train him to stay quietly in his crate.

Barking can be a sign that your dog really needs to go, so it's essential to heed his bathroom calls. However, it's equally important not to give in to incessant barking simply because he wants to get out and play or cuddle.

If your dog is barking incessantly, try to determine the underlying cause. Is he really needing to go, or is he simply seeking attention? By understanding the root of the behavior, you can develop a plan to address it effectively.

Consider reading: Crate Training Dog Barking

Some dogs experience a full-blown panic attack when confined to a crate, particularly those with separation anxiety.

They frantically try to escape, which can lead to hysterical, non-stop barking and howling.

Breaking teeth and ripping out nails are common consequences of their frantic attempts to break free.

Stress-induced urination and defecation can occur, causing a mess in the crate.

This behavior is different from demand barking, which is a more specific issue that requires separate attention.

Suggestion: Schnauzer Bark

Overcrating can be a real issue, especially if you're away from home for long periods. Overcrating dogs can lead to them eliminating in their crate, breaking down their inhibitions against soiling their own den.

A general rule of thumb is that puppies can "hold it" during the day for up to one hour longer than they are months old. This means an eight-week-old puppy can be crated for up to three hours during the day.

You can't crate your pup for an 8- to 10-hour workday without arranging for at least two bathroom breaks. One quick run home at lunch won't be enough, at least not until your pup is five to six months old.

A growing pup needs to move around to develop properly, and some runaround time during the day helps him develop mentally and physically. This practice helps him learn skills and lessons he can't make up later in life.

Even adult dogs shouldn't be routinely crated for 10 hours, as it's still not suitable for their physical needs.

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If Spot has learned to soil his crate, changing his bedding or removing it altogether may help him learn not to do it again. Try newspaper, a square of heavy-duty compressed foam rubber, or no bedding at all.

Make sure Spot's crate is the right size for him - big enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If it's too large, he can potty in one end and sleep in the other.

You might need to adjust your morning routine to ensure Spot eliminates outside before you crate him. Set your alarm to wake you up 15 minutes earlier than normal, so you can take him out on leash before and after breakfast.

If Spot is reluctant to go outside in bad weather, create a sheltered potty spot for him. This way, he won't have to eliminate with rain or snow dumping on his head, or strong winds buffeting him.

If there's no grass available, you may need to scrape snow away from the grass in his sheltered potty spot or provide indoor-grown grass until you can teach him a new substrate preference.

Take a look at this: Are Toy Poodles Hard to Potty Train

Managing Aggression is a crucial aspect of crate training. Some dogs will become aggressive in their crates if left unattended at events where they're exposed to triggers.

Dogs who are aggressive in their crates shouldn't be left crated and unattended at places that trigger their behavior. Children must be kept away from the crate if the dog is aggressive.

Covering the crate can help reduce stimuli that triggers aggression in some dogs. Removing high-value items like favorite toys or stuffed Kongs from the crate can also help.

For fearful dogs, it's essential to avoid intimidating them while they're crated. Refrain from reaching in to remove bowls, toys, or the dog from the crate.

Counter-conditioning and desensitization are effective techniques for modifying crate aggression. Start by feeding your dog high-value treats when a trigger appears at a safe distance.

Gradually increase the proximity of the trigger while continuing to feed treats until the dog responds with excitement. This process helps the dog associate the trigger with positive reinforcement.

Related reading: Types of Dog Crates