Inadequate training, separation anxiety or lack of exercise contribute to crating problems.
Most dogs that are crate trained properly simply love their crates. The crate is similar to a dog's den and is a place of safety, solitude, and security. Puppies and dogs spend much of their crated time sleeping and do not typically move around much. If your dog is excessively restless, causing the crate to move around substantially, there are a few factors to consider. Restlessness can be the result of poor crate training, separation anxiety or even lack of exercise in active dogs. By addressing these issues properly, this can minimize a dog's movement of its crate.
Instructions
1. Evaluate the size and style of the crate, and change if needed. A crate that is too big or small can cause distress. Use a kennel or crate that is just large enough for the dog to comfortably stand, lie down and turn around without difficulty. If the crate is too large, puppies undergoing housebreaking might potty on one side and try to get away from the mess on the other. Puppies especially distressed by potty accidents are more likely to be restless and move the crate around. Crates can be wire enclosures with removable metal floor pans or molded plastic models. Some dogs may feel less secure in the openness of the metal variety and may do better in the seclusion of the molded. The opposite may be true for dogs that may feel shut off from the outside world in the plastic variety.
2. Evaluate the location of the crate and move as appropriate. The crate should be kept in a quiet corner of a room where the family spends a majority of its time. This way the dog does not feel isolated.
3. Re-introduce your puppy or dog to the crate gradually. Perhaps it has negatively associated the act of crating with your departure, causing a type of separation anxiety. Use food or treats as a lure and praise the dog for going in on its own accord. At first, leave the door open and allow the dog to enter and leave the crate at its own will. Use a command such as "go to bed" or "crate" to establish a verbal connection with entering the crate, and use positive verbal reinforcement. While at home, crate the dog with the door closed for five to 15 minute intervals. This should include times with you in the same room, as well as in different parts of the house, reassuring the dog that the crate is not only used when you leave. As the dog appears comfortable, increase the duration and take turns going inside and outside for short periods. This helps to decrease anxiety with the idea of you leaving. Only let the dog out of the crate when it is quiet, and not for whining or barking, to reinforce the desired behavior.
4. Spend quality time with your dog outside of its crate. Puppies and dogs, especially very active breeds, will need lots of exercise and attention. Ensure you dog is getting plenty of playtime, and human interaction during the hours you are home. This way the dog is more likely to spend its crate time sleeping and calm.
5. Place a towel, mat or non-slip section of carpet underneath the crate. This can help to minimize slippage of the crate when the dog is inclined to move around inside. Use this step as an added precaution along with all other steps that are followed. Understanding and addressing the actual cause is most effective for long-term success.
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