How Do I Keep My Dog In His Crate?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Help him adjust by

putting him in the in small intervals

. Allow your pup to walk into his crate on his own, lock him in, then walk away for a minute. When he isn't whining, let him back out. Repeat this, but slowly increase the amount of time you leave him in until he gets used to longer periods.

Can I lock my dog in his crate at night?


Lock your puppy in his/her bed every night

. If you are worried about him/her being lonely, you can keep the crate by your bed so he/she can hear you nearby. He will adjust very quickly to sleeping there at night, especially if you ignore the initial fussing.

Is locking a dog in a crate cruel?



It's totally fine

,” she said. “As long as the crate is introduced properly. If they had separation anxiety and were freaking out in the crate, then they need to see a trainer because you have a risk of the dog injuring itself.”

Why does my dog try to break out of his crate?


Separation anxiety

is distress induced by the absence of you and/or a family member or from being isolated. Dogs with separation anxiety often attempt to destroy or escape their crate. They may hurt themselves in the process, which is why training is so important!

Can a dog escape a crate?

Millions of dogs love the coziness and security of their crates, and happily trot in to spend some restful time there, but the people who recorded the following videos have dogs who are not in that category.

These dogs will apparently do anything to escape their crates

, and they are successful at doing so.

Should a dog with separation anxiety be crated?

The quick answer is

no. If your dog already has ingrained separation anxiety, crating alone cannot change this

. You will need to take a number of other steps to effectively address this behavior. In combination with other approaches though crate training can help a dog work towards decreased separation anxiety.

Should I close the crate door?


The first time you close the door while they are eating, open it as soon as they are finished

. With each successive feeding, leave the door closed a few minutes longer, until they are staying in the crate for ten minutes or so after eating.

Where should my dog sleep at night time?

If your dog gets into trouble at night it might be best to keep him

in the bedroom or crate

. Most dogs prefer to lie next to you and they would also sleep there, if they could choose.

Can I crate my dog for 12 hours at night?


It is totally fine to crate your dog for that long during the night

, especially if he has plenty of activities during the day. Young puppies however won't be able to sleep for that long right away. You should take them to the bathroom halfway through the night to prevent any potty accidents.

When should you stop using a dog crate?

You can usually stop closing your dog into your crate when they are

around two years of age

. Before then, they are usually more likely to get into trouble. It isn't until they mature fully that they are able to behave properly when not supervised. This is especially true for larger dogs, who tend to mature later.

Is keeping a dog in a crate all day abuse?

Crate Abuses


Leaving a dog in a crate for 8, 10, or 12 hours a day is cruel and tantamount to abuse

. Dogs are social animals and seek out the pleasure of the company of other dogs or people to feel secure.

Where should I leave my dog when I go to work?


Use a crate

. Pick a crate that's safe and sturdy. Your dog should be able to comfortably stand up and turn around in the crate. You can get a crate pad to make it feel more like a bed and a crate cover.

How long should you let a puppy cry in a crate?

Most of the time we recommend that your pup be settled for

5 or more minutes

before being let out of their crate. The most ideal scenario is that your pup cries for a bit, but settles in under 30 minutes and falls asleep.

Should you cover a dog crate with a blanket?


You should never completely cover your dog's crate as it can block airflow

. Keep blankets away from heat sources, ensure the fabric is breathable, and avoid using knit blankets that may snag or unravel. Monitor the conditions inside the crate in humid summer weather to ensure it doesn't get too hot.

Can you train a dog out of separation anxiety?


Spend time training—not just classes once a week—often and consistently

. Show your dog what you want from him in and around the house, and during daily routines. Two minutes here, five minutes there. Not just going for a walk but training him as you go to sit at curbsides, and sit when meeting others, people and dogs.

What is the best calming aid for dogs?

  1. Under the Weather – Calming Soft Chews. …
  2. I Heart Dogs – When You're Away Comfort Cuddler. …
  3. ZenCrate – Best Dog Calming Aid Relief Crate. …
  4. Dog TV – DogTV. …
  5. Pet Acoustics – Pet Tunes. …
  6. Smart Pet Love – Snuggle Puppy. …
  7. EarthHeart – Canine Calm Spray.

How do I break my dog of separation anxiety?

  1. Give your dog a special treat each time you leave (like a puzzle toy stuffed with peanut butter). …
  2. Make your comings and goings low-key without a lot of greeting. …
  3. Leave some recently worn clothes out that smell like you.
  4. Consider giving your pet over-the-counter natural calming supplements.

How do you crate train a dog who hates the crate?

Feed your dog his meals in the crate; throw treats and his favorite toys in the crate. Let your dog go into and out of the crate as he pleases with no threat that the door will close. Don't make a big deal out of the crate, or your dog for going into and out of it; “whatever dude it's just a crate”!

What time should a puppy go to bed?

But in all honesty,

there's no ‘right time' for a puppy to go to sleep, as long as it's the same every night

. While this may be the case, do note that your puppy will need, on average, around 8-10 hours of sleep per night.

How do I transition my dog from his crate at night?


Give him an extra-long walk or a long, active play session and don't let him nap too much in the evening before bedtime

. Be sure he has no food or water for at least 3 hours before bedtime (unless he needs food or water frequently due to a medical condition).

Should your dog's crate be in your bedroom?


Usually the best place for dog crates at night is in the owner's bedroom

, so the dog has the feeling of being in safe company during sleeping time. Having the crate in your bedroom will also allow you to hear your dog if she gets restless during the night and needs to be taken to her potty area.

Should I let my dog roam the house at night?

As far as he's concerned, no danger will sneak into his house at night.

My dogs are not allowed to roam the house at night until they are well-trained, well-behaved and mentally mature

(usually 2 to 3 years of age).

Should I let my dog sleep on the couch at night?

In general,

letting your dog on the furniture is unlikely to cause problems, behavioral or otherwise

. Dogs love to curl up on the sofa, the bed, and anywhere else that's nice and soft. They also like to spend time in their humans' favorite spots.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.