If your dog won’t sleep in their crate, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about it.
So, why won’t my dog sleep in their crate? Likely reasons why your dog won’t sleep in their crate are separation anxiety, not wanting to be locked in there, the crate is too small, or needing to pee or poop.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your dog won’t sleep in their crate and it might be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why won’t my dog sleep in their crate?
Below are likely causes and what would make each of them more likely.
Separation anxiety
The cause could be that your dog has separation anxiety. This is where your dog does not like being left without you and it causes your dog to become anxious when they are. This would be more likely if the crate is in a different room to where you stay and if your dog chooses to follow you instead. In this case, it could help to put the crate closer to where you stay.
Your dog does not want to be locked in there
It might also be the case that your dog does not want to be locked in the crate. This would be more likely if you often try to lock your dog in the crate for long time periods. In this case, it could help to leave the crate door open instead.
The crate is too small
It might also be the case that the crate is too small. This would be more likely if you bought the crate while your dog was a puppy and your dog has grown since then.
Needing to pee or poop
Another possible cause is that your dog needs to pee or poop and your dog does not want to need to pee or poop while locked in the crate. This would be more likely if your dog does go in there when they have been able to pee and poop recently.
You didn’t crate train her well enough
If your dog has never wanted to go into the crate, it could also be the case that you did not crate train your dog properly. If you did not crate train your dog, it would help to watch some Youtube videos to see how.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your dog did sleep in the crate before
If your dog did used to sleep in the crate, it would help to consider what else happened when your dog stopped doing it. If your dog stopped doing it suddenly, it could be due to things such as the crate being too small, getting locked in there for too long or needing to poop or pee.
The timing of when your dog does not sleep in the crate
If your dog does go into the crate sometimes, it would also help to consider the timing of when your dog goes in there. For example, if your dog will do it when you are in the same room, the cause could be separation anxiety.
What to do about my dog refusing to sleep in her crate?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Move the crate
If it seems like your dog has been doing it because of separation anxiety, it could help to move the crate to a location that is closer to where you tend to be.
Train your dog
If you did not give your dog any crate training, it would help to try doing so. You can watch the video below to see how.
Give them somewhere else to sleep
If you cannot get your dog to sleep in the crate, it might be a better option to get your dog to sleep elsewhere. It would also help to give your dog exercise, to let them pee and eat before leaving them so that they are more likely to sleep while you are away.
Change the crate
If it seems like your dog has outgrown the crate, it might also help to try changing the crate.
Give your dog a chance to pee or poop before hand
It would also help to make sure that your dog gets the chance to pee and poop before you try to get them to stay in the crate.
Leave the door open
If your dog does not like being locked in the crate, it could also help to try leaving the door open instead. Often, dogs will choose to go in their crates when the doors are left open.