Crate training can be an important tool in training your dog. However, some dogs have to get used to it. During that time, you’ll need to train them to stop barking when they’re in their crate. The hardest part of getting them to stop barking is fighting your urge to take them out when they start protesting. I should note that this article assumes you have already introduced your dog to their crate. This article focuses on getting them to stop barking.
Related: A Trainers Truth About Crates
3 Tips to Get Your Dog to Stop Barking in Their Crate
I want to open with this important note. Some dogs just cannot be crate trained. There are dogs out there who flip out when they’re put into a crate. They are overly stressed, can’t calm down, and will sometimes injure themselves as they try to escape.
If after a few tries in the crate your dog cannot calm down and shows any of these signs, stop trying to crate train them.
- Drooling
- Excessive panting
- Frantic digging at the crate door
- Biting at the crate door
- Defecation or urination in the crate (stress induced)
If you’ve tried your dog in the crate three or four times, and the above keeps happening, it’s a lost cause. Your dog is one of those that just cannot handle being in a crate. Move on to other training methods to avoid undue stress and possible injury to your pooch.
Related: Where to Find Giant Dog Crates
Schedule
To stop barking, make sure you take your dog’s schedule into account. Don’t give your dog food or water for about an hour and a half prior to putting them in their crate, and take them out immediately before putting them in the crate. This will make sure they’re comfortable on the potty front. A dog will be understandably upset if you put them into a crate when they have to go potty.
Do Not Comfort Them
The absolute worst thing you can do when trying to get your dog to stop barking in the crate is to take them out to comfort them. When you put your dog in the crate, turn your back until they stop barking. When they stop, turn around and reward them with praise and a treat. Do not give in to your instinct to take them out of the crate and console them. You’re doing two things. You are reinforcing the idea that barking and crying will get them out of the crate, and you are making the crate a negative rather than a positive.
Make it a Great Time
Another key to getting your dog to stop barking and crying in the crate is to make it fun. If your dog has an absolute favorite treat or toy, only give it to them when you put them in the crate. Give them the idea that being in the crate is a ton of fun. You can also outfit their crate with their favorite blankie as well. Anything reasonable that your dog adores can be an excellent incentive to get them to stop barking and enjoy their crate.
Teaching Them to Stop Barking is a Process
But with these three tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting your dog to stop barking in the crate. There are many other things you can do to get them to stop barking. Sometimes, you may need to correct your dog to get the barking to stop. I didn’t include any correction methods in this article because some people can go overboard with the business. I’ll leave you to find correction methods. However, if you follow the tips I laid out above, you may not need any correction to get your dog to stop barking in their crate.
