Why Does My Dog Love Her Travel Crate?

There are many reasons why a dog may choose to go into their travel crate. Firstly, it is important to note that crates are often a source of comfort and safety for dogs, resembling a den they would seek out or build if they didn't have a cosy home. For dogs that are crate-trained, the crate can act as a safety net and a place to relax when they feel uncomfortable. Additionally, fear is a common reason for dogs to seek out their crates, as they look for a secure space. This fear could be triggered by a new person or pet in the house, or even a change in their environment, such as a new baby or a move to a new home.

Furthermore, illness or injury may cause a dog to retreat to their crate, as they prefer to rest somewhere safe and comfortable. In some cases, dogs may also use their crates to seek attention from their owners, especially if they feel they are not getting enough. For older dogs, spending time in their crate may be a way to manage mobility issues or simply enjoy some peace and quiet.

Crate training

Step 1: Choose the Right Crate

The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If your dog is still growing, choose a crate size that will accommodate its adult size and use a divider to adjust the space as it grows. Consider whether you will be using the crate for travel, as well as your dog's temperament and whether they are a "super chewer".

Step 2: Introduce the Crate

Place the crate in a common area of your home and put a soft blanket or bed inside. Keep the door open and let the dog explore the crate at its leisure. You can encourage your dog to enter the crate by placing treats or toys inside. This step may take a few minutes or several days, depending on your dog's comfort level.

Step 3: Feed Your Dog in the Crate

After your dog has been introduced to the crate, start feeding them their regular meals near or inside the crate to create a positive association. If your dog is comfortable, place the food dish at the back of the crate. If they are still reluctant, place the dish only as far inside as they will go without becoming anxious. Each time you feed them, move the dish a little further back. Once your dog is standing comfortably in the crate to eat, you can close the door while they are eating, gradually increasing the amount of time the door stays closed.

Step 4: Practice with Longer Crating Periods

Once your dog is eating their meals in the crate with no signs of fear or anxiety, you can start confining them there for short periods while you are home. Call them over to the crate, give them a treat, and give them a command such as "crate". After they enter, praise them, give them the treat, and close the door. Sit quietly near the crate for 5-10 minutes, then leave the room for a few minutes before returning and letting them out. Repeat this process several times a day, gradually increasing the length of time you leave them in the crate and the length of time you are out of sight.

Step 5: Crate Your Dog When You Leave

After your dog can spend about 30 minutes in the crate without becoming anxious, you can start leaving them crated for short periods when you are out of the house. Put them in the crate using your regular command and a treat, anywhere from 5-20 minutes before you leave. Keep your departures low-key and matter-of-fact, and avoid rewarding your dog for excited behaviour when you return. Continue to crate your dog occasionally when you are home so they don't associate the crate with being left alone.

Step 6: Crate Your Dog at Night

When your dog is comfortable with the crate, you can start crating them overnight. It may be helpful to put the crate in your bedroom or a nearby hallway at first, especially if your dog is a puppy, so that you can hear them if they need to go outside. As your dog gets more comfortable, you can gradually move the crate to your preferred location.

Fear

Dogs may seek out their travel crates when they are feeling afraid. Hiding is a normal response for canines in a variety of situations, and crates can provide a sense of safety and comfort. This behaviour is particularly common in dogs that have experienced abuse or neglect in the past. Loud or sudden noises, such as fireworks or vacuum cleaners, can also trigger fear and cause dogs to hide in their crates. Additionally, dogs may hide in their crates to avoid new people or animals in their environment, or to escape overwhelming social situations.

If your dog is hiding due to fear, it is important to respond in a gentle and reassuring manner. Forcing them out of the crate or responding aggressively can provoke hostility in a scared dog. Instead, try to comfort your dog and remove them from the frightening environment if possible. You can also try to identify and address the source of their fear, such as by using noise-reducing earmuffs or playing calming music during fireworks or thunderstorms.

To prevent fear-related crate hiding from becoming a chronic issue, it is important to expose your dog to a variety of new experiences early in their life. Socialisation and desensitisation can help reduce their anxiety in unfamiliar situations. Additionally, creating a positive association with the source of their fear, such as by offering treats during loud noises, can help change their response over time.

Illness

There are several signs that can indicate that your dog is unwell. These include a sudden lack of energy, spending too much time in the crate, refusing food, not reacting when called, changing sleeping positions, and napping for too long. If your dog is unwell, they may also exhibit signs of fear, anxiety, and stress, such as a tucked tail, ears back, licking their lips or nose, wide eyes, looking away, lifting a paw, trembling or shaking, a low body posture, yawning, panting, grooming, sniffing, seeking out people, hiding, not moving, a stiff or frozen posture, urinating, and defecating.

If your dog is sick, it is important to make sure they have access to water and are kept comfortable. You may also need to consult a veterinarian, especially if your dog's condition does not improve or seems serious. It is also a good idea to have the contact details of a vet in the area you are travelling to in case of an emergency.

Age

A dog's age can play a significant role in their behaviour and comfort with crates. Puppies, for instance, require crate training to aid in housebreaking and to prevent destructive behaviours. Crate training can help puppies learn to control their bladder and bowel movements, making the housebreaking process easier for both the dog and its owner.

On the other hand, older dogs may also benefit from crate training, especially if they are dealing with health issues such as incontinence, arthritis, or cognitive issues. Crates can provide a safe and comfortable space for senior dogs to rest, prevent wandering at night, and make transportation to vet appointments more convenient.

The age of a dog can also impact their ability to adapt to crate training. Younger dogs tend to adapt more easily to crate training, and it is generally recommended to start the training process as early as possible. However, older dogs can still be successfully crate-trained with patience and persistence.

Additionally, as dogs age, their social and playful tendencies may decrease, and they may seek out the comfort and privacy of their crate more often. This is a natural part of their development and should not be a cause for concern unless accompanied by other behavioural changes.

In summary, a dog's age is an important factor in their relationship with their crate. Crate training can be beneficial for dogs of all ages, from puppies learning bladder control to older dogs needing a safe space to rest and manage health issues.

Attention-seeking

Dogs are social animals that enjoy human company and are also quite intelligent. They can quickly learn how to get their owners' attention. While responding to your dog's pleas for attention is not always harmful, it can become a problem if your dog always wants attention when you are busy or engaged in another activity.

If your dog is engaging in undesirable behaviour to get your attention, the best thing to do is ignore it. This teaches your dog that its behaviour will have the opposite effect of its intentions. This can be difficult, especially if your dog tries to get your attention by jumping on your lap. In such cases, it is advisable to move away from your dog or put it in another room for a minute or two if you feel yourself losing patience. Dogs are smart enough to learn quickly that certain behaviours do not work.

Rewarding good behaviour is another effective way to manage attention-seeking. For example, if your dog wants you to greet it when you get home, teach it to sit to say hello instead of jumping up. If it wants you to play with it, teach it to fetch a toy rather than mouthing your hands. You can also provide your dog with alternative behaviours by teaching it more effective ways to get what it wants.

If your dog is seeking attention several times a day or in increasingly mischievous ways, the answer is not necessarily to give it more attention but rather structured attention. Schedule two or three play sessions a day, totalling 30-45 minutes, and a couple of short "quiet-attention" times for cuddling, petting, massage, grooming, etc., as long as your dog enjoys these activities. Your dog will be less likely to demand your time if it knows it will get attention at regular times each day.

Frequently asked questions