Just as there are enormous differences in crate training for the mature dog and for a puppy, the temperament and past history of each dog will dictate the process to follow in each case. It is very doubtful that a single book can ever prove to be the definitive guide to crate training.

Is Your Dog Barking at Night When Crated?

Let's face it: you need your sleep. Without a good night's sleep, you're not nearly as efficient at work as you're used to. Your colleagues are beginning to mumble that you're not pulling your weight, and the job you loved is becoming a drag. But how can you sleep when your new dog keeps barking at night when she's crated?

Even your friendliest neighbors are starting to look away when they see you coming. No more nice chats and shooting the breeze with people you thought were your friends, people you used to rely on. Some of them have dropped a few hints before, but it's become obvious that they're not willing to put up with the status quo much longer. Nerves are getting frayed ...

You fell in love with Suzie the moment you set eyes on her. And you know the feelings are mutual. Life would be just perfect, if Suzie would only learn to accept her crate, at least until she respects the house rules. The only thing is, in your rush to get Suzie properly trained, you may have bent the rules of crate training yourself. If that is the case, the smartest thing to do is to start over from square one, and take it in small steps.

A Canine's Rules of Crate Training

A fresh start might be all Suzie needs. First, never force the issue. Tempt her instead with small treats deposited close by and then inside the crate until she goes in of her own accord. Get her to lie down while she is retrieving a toy.

Next, sit in front of the door while praising her and talking to her gently. As you gradually increase the amount of time you spend with her, Suzie's confidence will grow and she will start relaxing. When you leave your position in front of the crate, make sure you ignore her completely as you go about your tasks. Don't give her any reason to think that her getting out of that crate was a big accomplishment. Make it a non-event.

At this point, you can start feeding her close to the crate, moving gradually to just inside the crate, and when she is comfortable with that, to the back of the crate. Again very slowly start closing the gate and leave it closed a little longer each time. As much as you may be tempted to make a big deal of it when she comes out, don't.

An overabundance of praise will only reinforce Suzie's feeling that she was right to be scared of that crate in the first place; all that fuss can only mean that she has been very brave going in there. Chances are she'll choose not to take that risk again. Remembering to approach dog crate training from a canine perspective can help avoid problems later on.

When Suzie starts thinking of her latest accomplishment as completely ordinary, she will no longer associate that particular action with stress. It will just become part of her everyday life, just like opening or closing a door is for you.

Crate training overnight can be approached in the same manner. Just remember to keep the crate close to your bed so she can see you. Keeping a night light on might be helpful. As long as she has been let out before bedtime, there should be no accidents.

If she wakes you up during the night, speak to her gently. If she persists, use a word or sentence she associates with going out, like 'garden?', to ascertain whether she needs to go the the bathroom or not.

If that gets her going, I guess you need to get up and take her out. Small consolation at 3am, but remember - practice makes perfect.


Crate training for a new dog may seem daunting, but looking at it from a canine perspective will help you understand Suzie's issues. By gaining a better grasp of the situation, you will be in a better position to guide your dog through this difficult and puzzling stage in her life.

Amber, Dog Training Star


Amber has been sniffing out top secrets from expert dog trainers & behaviorists in order to help you understand & communicate with your best friend. Being a dog whisperer is truly the key to stress-free dog & puppy training.

(c) Copyright Amber, DTS. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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