Why Does My Dog Cry or Bark in the Kennel or Crate? [Train Them To Stop]

Why Does My Dog Cry or Bark in the Kennel or Crate

Why Does My Dog Cry or Bark in the Kennel or Crate?

Dogs are social animals that feel safe when they have companionship. However, when your dog is in their kennel or crate, it can be a scary environment because there are no people around to comfort them.

That’s why many dogs cry or bark when left alone in these areas! But don’t worry – with the help of this blog post, you will learn how to train your dog not to behave this way anymore. 

Why Should You NEVER Punish Your Dog For Barking In The Crate?

There are always reasons behind your dog’s behavior, so you should never punish them for being the way they are. If your dog is barking because they are stressed about being in their kennel or crate, punishing them will only make the situation worse!

There can be many like:

  • Your dog is lonely
  • Your dog is bored
  • Your dog is scared
  • Your dog needs to get out of the crate

It’s important to understand why your dog is barking or crying – otherwise, you won’t be able to help them. So spend time with your dog or observe keenly to find the reason so you can address the reason.

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How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Barking in His Crate or Kennel?

It is not possible for every dog owner to identify the address reason so many times there is a need to try different things. Like here, you can find some of the best solutions; just choose an appropriate one, and if one does not work, move to the second one.

  1. Consider crate location
  2. Make the crate an awesome place to be
  3. Consider using an exercise pen instead of a crate
  4. Build up your dog’s crate tolerance
  5. If your dog starts to fuss in the crate, let her out right away
  6. When you return inside, give your dog something to distract her
  7. Only let her out of the crate for playtime or cuddles when she’s quiet
  8. Leave treats in the crate
  9. Feed dinner in the crate
  10. Make the crate comfy.
  11. Ensure the crate is the right size
  12. Lastly, Place the crate in a common area

Many dog owners have difficulty understanding why their dogs cry or bark in the kennel or crate.

It’s not that your dog doesn’t want to be there – they need some help adjusting to being left alone for periods of time. He’ll probably be more comfortable if you work on building up his tolerance, making the crate a fun place for him with lots of distractions, and keeping it comfy.

You can also find out what he needs by observing him closely!

Should I Ignore Dog Barking in Crate?

As you are finding the solutions, don’t ignore your dog’s barking. The reason for ignoring is that you can actually reinforce aggressive or negative behavior by giving your dog what they want every time they bark – which is your attention.

No, it would help not ignore your dog barking or crying in the kennel or crate.

If this is the case, then there can be various reasons like:

  • Your dog wants to get out of his crib
  • Your dog wants more attention from you
  • Your dog doesn’t feel good, and he feels lonely
  • You need to try your best to find out the reason and address it.

Dogs are social animals that feel safe when they have companionship. However, when your dog is in their kennel or crate, it can be a scary environment because there are no people around to comfort them.

That’s why many dogs cry or bark when left alone in these areas! But don’t worry – with the help of this blog post, you will learn how to train your dog not to behave this way anymore.

What If I Am Busy?

If you are busy and cannot attend to your dog when he is barking or crying, you can try some tips like:

  • Please leave them in a quiet area while you do your errands.
  • Give him chews, bones, or food toys.

When you are no around, your dog keeps waiting for you; the best solution is to ask some family member or friend to visit the dog after short intervals.

It would help if you left your dog in a quiet area where there is no outside sound and no barking reach his ears.

If you are too busy to keep your dog in a quiet area, it is better not to leave them alone.

Keep in mind you cannot kennel your dog for 8 hours, it will be a cruel option.

Preparing Your Puppy-Friendly Crate or Kennel

One of the most common problems dog owners has with confinement, whether in a crate or kennel, is that they cry when left alone. Quite often, the culprit is pain due to infection, injury, or spaying surgery.

However, even though this may cause your dog’s cries, the solution is simpler than that.

If your dog is in pain or extremely upset by being crated, then it’s best to crate her only when she’s tired and relaxed and only for the shortest time possible. Never force a dog into a crate if she objects; you can seriously harm your relationship with her by doing this.

Dogs don’t like to soil their resting and sleeping areas, so that a puppy-friendly crate will have a potty area at one end of it. If you don’t want your dog to eliminate in the crate, then take her outside first thing every morning before you leave for work.

One of the most helpful things that I did with my dogs was to teach them to use their crates as a safe space where they would be left alone but not crated.

They were always with me when I was home, but when I had to leave the house on an errand or for work, I’d give them treats or special chew toys and tell them, “Go to your place.”

This helped them learn that their crates weren’t scary places but rather safe havens where they had free run of the house without being underfoot or in trouble.

As you are crate training your dog, whenever he is laying on his bed quietly chewing a bone or just resting, go up to him and quietly say “Go To Your Place” while gently pushing his back end toward the crate with your foot. Do this a few times until he gets up and starts going to his place on his own.

Then give him a treat or special toy. Now you’ve made his crate a very predictable place, even if it is a place where he might be left alone for a while.

Why You Shouldn’t Punish a Dog That’s Crying in the Crate

Some dogs may need a little time to adjust to the crate, but never yell at them or beat on the crate.

If punishment is needed during training, startle your puppy with a sharp “Eek!” sound. This will distract him from his current behavior and make him think of you as a protector rather than someone who is attacking him. Here is why You must not punish your dog:

  • Your dog may already be anxious
  • Punishment gives a bored dog attention
  • Even negative attention could be a reward for the dog

The Bottom Line – Why Does My Dog Cry or Bark in the Kennel or Crate?

The best thing you can do to stop this behavior is to start now. You will need to extend the amount of time that your dog stays in her crate, but as she gets used to it, eventually, she’ll be fine there for as long as you want her to be.

As with all types of behavior problems and training, the best thing to do is prevent them. Please don’t wait until your dog goes bonkers in her crate before you start training. Instead, make sure that your pup understands what you want from the beginning.

The stronger your bond with your dog will be, the less likely she will be to cry or howl at all! So be patient, make training positive, and your pup will be quiet in no time.