Crate training regression can be frustrating for dog owners. Learn how I overcame this challenge with my dog using patience, consistency and expert tips.
My Crate Training Story
When I first brought my adorable Labrador puppy Bella home, I was determined to crate train her properly. I had read all about the benefits of crate training - it helps with house training, provides a safe den-like space for the dog, and teaches them to be calm when left alone.
The first few weeks went smoothly. Bella took to her crate and seemed content napping in it throughout the day. I made sure to associate the crate with positive things - meals, treats, and her favorite toys. Gradually, I increased the amount of time she spent in the crate while I was home until she could stay in it for a few hours at a stretch without whining or barking.
I thought I had crate training all figured out - until Bella hit her teenage phase at around 8 months old. Suddenly, my once crate-loving pup wanted nothing to do with it. She would bark incessantly when put inside and even started soiling her bedding, which she had never done before.
I felt frustrated and disheartened. Where had I gone wrong? Was all my initial training for nothing? I knew I had to get to the bottom of Bella's crate training regression before it became a long-term problem.
Understanding Crate Training Regression
As I started researching crate training regression, I realized that Bella's behavior was not uncommon. Many dogs who seem well crate trained as puppies can start resisting the crate during adolescence.
There are a few reasons this might happen:
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Lack of Consistency: If the crate is only used sporadically or the rules around crate time are not enforced consistently, the dog may start seeing it as a punishment rather than a safe space.
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Negative Associations: Sometimes a single bad experience, like being crated during a thunderstorm or for too long without a potty break, can make a dog wary of the crate.
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Separation Anxiety: For some dogs, being left alone in the crate triggers separation anxiety. They may engage in anxious behaviors like excessive barking, drooling, or trying to escape.
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Adolescent Rebellion: As puppies mature, they naturally start testing boundaries. Refusing to go into the crate can be a way for teenage dogs to assert their independence.
In Bella's case, I suspect a combination of adolescent boundary-pushing and a few negative experiences (like being crated during a loud party) led to her crate training regression.
Overcoming Crate Training Setbacks
Armed with a better understanding of why Bella might be resisting her crate, I set about retraining her. Here are the steps I took:
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Back to Basics: I started the crate training process from scratch, as if Bella was a young puppy again. This meant lots of treats, praise and short crate sessions while I was home.
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Positive Associations: To help Bella re-learn that the crate was a good place, I fed her meals in the crate, gave her special long-lasting treats like Kongs stuffed with peanut butter, and even sat next to the crate while she was inside.
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Gradual Desensitization: I slowly increased the duration of Bella's crate time, starting with just a few minutes and working up to a couple hours. If she showed signs of distress, I backed off and tried a shorter session.
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Varied Crating Scenarios: Rather than only crating Bella when I left the house, I made sure to put her in the crate at random times throughout the day, even when I was home. This helped her understand that crate time wasn't always associated with being alone.
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Calming Aids: I invested in a pheromone diffuser to plug in near Bella's crate and played soothing music to help her relax. Some dog owners also find that covering the crate with a blanket helps their dog feel more secure.
It took several weeks of patient training, but Bella eventually learned to love her crate again. Consistency, positive reinforcement and taking things slowly were the keys to overcoming her crate training regression.
When to Seek Professional Help
While I was able to work through Bella's crate training issues on my own, there are situations where enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist is advisable:
- If your dog's crate training regression is severe (e.g. they are injuring themselves trying to escape the crate)
- If your dog is showing signs of separation anxiety that go beyond mild distress
- If you have tried re-training on your own for several weeks without success
Organizations like the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) can help you find a qualified trainer in your area who uses positive reinforcement methods.
The Benefits of Sticking With Crate Training
Although overcoming crate training regression can be frustrating, it is well worth the effort. According to a study by the American Kennel Club, crate trained dogs are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors and have fewer house training accidents.
Crates also provide a safe space for dogs to retreat to when they are feeling overwhelmed or need a nap. For dogs with separation anxiety, being crated can prevent them from engaging in destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or scratching doors.
Finally, having a crate trained dog makes travel and visits to the vet much less stressful. Many hotels and campgrounds require dogs to be crated when left unattended, and crates are often used to safely contain dogs before and after surgical procedures.
Conclusion
Crate training regression is a common challenge that many dog owners face, but it doesn't have to derail the benefits of crate training altogether. By returning to basic training, creating positive associations, and being patient and consistent, most crate training issues can be overcome.
I'm grateful that I stuck with it and didn't give up on crate training when Bella started resisting. Now, she sees her crate as a cozy den and will often choose to nap there even when I'm home.
If your dog is going through a crate training regression, remember that it is usually just a temporary setback. With some dedication and maybe a little professional guidance, you and your furry friend can get back on track and enjoy the lifelong benefits of being crate trained.