Why is my dog suddenly resisting the crate?

Question

I adopted a dog a few weeks ago from the shelter. I started using a crate immediately when I wasn't home and at night. A week after I got him, I went out of town for the weekend. Someone was staying at my house while I was gone to take care of all of my animals. Ever since I got back, my dog freaks out about the crate. The person staying here didn't do anything out of the ordinary except let my dog sleep on the bed with him one night.

Do you think he's freaking out because he's scared I'll leave him again or what? Please help!

Answer 1

You have to be consistant with dog training. He was allowed to sleep on the bed how could he possibly accept sleeping in the crate. If you feed him from your plate once he will expect it forever. My pup is 5 months. He began refusing the crate almost 2 months ago. We gave in and now he has free run of the kitchen at night. No I do not think he is freaking out. I think he got a taste of something better, freedom.

Answer 2

I have a dog that would use a crate when I left. He happily used it for 2 years then he all of a sudden freaked out about it, for no known reason. I no longer put him in it. It broke my heart to see him that way. Maybe your dog had something scare him while in the crate or because he got the special treatment (all dogs should get) by sleeping on a bed. He did not want to get back into the crate. And of course it very well could be that he missed you and related the crate to your being gone. What ever the reason, because you obviously love him, I would not use the crate and cause him stress.

Answer 3

I don't think it's "whatever he feels like." I think he's feeling very secure around you already, and wants to spend time with his new family. Unfortunately, with only a week there, he doesn't know your schedule yet, and wants to hang out with you. He runs when being chased, well, because that's what dogs do. He probably thought he was going to get to spend the night with YOU, his new family, and didn't want to get in that crate. Crates are not for punishment, but if he's been abused before, he may have been forced into one for every mistake he ever made. That's how crates get a bad rep, and dogs don't see them as a secure place to go anymore. So go slow with that. Is it critical that he be put in it at night? Has he chewed furniture yet or had accidents that warrant him getting locked up at night? If not, can he be allowed to hang out beside someone's bed every other night? He won't be crazy about the crate for awhile, but if allowed to spend a bit more time with his new family, he will not view time in the crate as punishment, but as "one of those things" dogs have to put up with :-) This isn't giving in to his behavior, this is helping a new dog adapt to a new family. Please be patient with him. A week is nothing. You're still finding out things about each other. Good luck to you, and blessings on you for rescuing him!!! 50 pounds is a lot of dog to take care of :-)

Answer 4

Maybe that one night of sleeping on the bed gave him the idea that if he fussed, he'd get the place he deserves . I don't think he's scared. He's motivated to be a person!

Toss a few bits of food/treats into the crate before bed and maybe a favorite toy, that's saved for only in the crate, and put him in before bed. Otherwise, he's got you where he wants you. The choice is yours, you're the human.

Answer 5

Something could have frighten him while you where gone. Or by changing his routine and letting him lay on the bed, he now is refusing to sleep in the crate.
Put his favorite toy or blanket inside and see if that helps.
Personally I don't like them, I got my dog for company not to lock him up and be caged. If some one where to break into my house what good is the dog if he is locked up in a cage. Dumb. Sorry my belief.

Answer 6

Your dog is smart the bed with a person, how much better can it get. I don't think he is scared of you leaving him. I keep my crate door open and in the main room so my dog can go in when she wants. When kids come that is her safety spot I don't let any one mess with her in there. I only close the door at night. Leaving it in the main room lets her know it is not a punishment

Answer 7

Your dog may be picking up on your anxieties plus your dog probably is balking about going in the kennel after being allowed out for the night. I have a dog that loves her kennel but the door stays open. She moves to about four different places during the night to sleep, her favorite the kennel.
If you want your dog to keep sleeping in the kennel, when it comes time for him to go there, act indifferent about having him "kennel up". Don't make a fuss over it. If he balks, just put him in, shut the door and leave. I don't think your dog is scared. I think your dog preferred the bed.
Another thing is that once your dog realizes going in the kennel does not mean you are going away, and your dog sees you are there the next day and the next and the next, if there is any fear of you leaving those fears will be laid to rest. ;)

Answer 8

Dogs are cave dwellers and actually love their crates. Zumthing is does not smell right with this person who is pet sitting. The actions of an animal do not lie

Answer 9

Separation Anxiety most likely.

Perhaps the dog got used to sleeping on the bed, that is a hard habbit to break. Once they find a comfort zone, ie. the bed, they are set on having that luxury.

Answer 10

If he seems a little afraid of getting back into the crate, then something may have happened while you were gone. I know it's hard to imagine, but it's possible.

On the other hand, if he just hesitates to see if you'll change your mind, then I wouldn't worry about it. He probably just realized your bed is more comfortable.