How To Get Dogs To Stop Barking In Crate

If you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ve had to deal with your furry friend barking in their crate.

Some people think that dogs barking in their crate is a sign of disobedience or aggression, but in most cases, it’s simply a dog’s way of communicating.

Many owners don’t realize that their dogs are barking in their crates because they’re uncomfortable or anxious.

In this post, we’ll provide tips on how to get dogs to stop barking in a crate. We’ll also cover why dogs bark in the first place, and 8 tips you can do to mitigate the problem.

Let’s start!

Why Does Your Dog Bark In His Crate?

This is a question with many possible answers. It’s important to first understand why your dog is barking in its crate before trying to fix the problem.

There are several reasons why dogs bark in crates, including:

They’re Bored

Dogs are natural explorers, and they need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

If your dog is left in its crate for long periods of time without anything to do, they may start barking out of boredom. Dogs are social animals, and they don’t like being left alone. When you put your dog in a crate, he may feel isolated and start to bark.

They Want Out

Dogs are also naturally curious, and they may want to explore their surroundings. If your dog is in a crate and sees something he wants to investigate, he may start barking to let you know he wants out.

For instance, if your dog hears another dog barking outside, he may start barking in an attempt to get to the other dog.

They Are Hungry

If your dog is barking and pawing at the crate door, he may be trying to tell you he’s hungry or thirsty. Dogs will often bark when they’re in need of something, so it’s important to make sure they have food and water available at all times. Especially if your dog is in a crate for long periods.

They Want To Go To The Toilet

If your dog is barking and circling in his crate, he may need to go to the bathroom. Dogs will often bark when they have to urinate or defecate, so it’s important to let them out as soon as possible.

They Hear Something Unusual

Dogs have very sensitive hearing, and they may start barking if they hear a strange noise. If your dog is in a crate and hears something outside, he may start barking to alert you.

This is especially common at night when the house is quiet and your dog can hear things more clearly.

They Want A Different Location For The Crate

Dogs are also very aware of their surroundings, and they may not like the location of their crate. If your dog is barking and trying to move the crate, he may be trying to tell you that he wants it in a different location.

This is especially common if the crate is in a loud or busy area, such as the kitchen or living room.

They’re Anxious Or Scared

Dogs may also bark in their crates if they’re feeling anxious or scared. If your dog is new to crate training, he may be hesitant to enter the crate and may bark out of fear.

Other dogs may start barking in their crates if they’re experiencing separation anxiety. This is a condition that can be caused by a change in routine, such as a family member moving out of the house.

How To Get Dogs To Stop Barking In Crate – 8 Tips

Now that we know some of the reasons why dogs bark in crates, let’s look at some tips on how to stop it.

#1 – Make The Crate Cozier (Use Calming Dog Bed)

If your dog is barking in his crate because he’s bored or anxious, one way to stop it is to make the crate more comfortable. This will help your dog feel more relaxed in the crate and less likely to bark.

One way to do this is to use a calming dog bed. These beds are specifically designed to help dogs relax, and they can be a great way to make the crate more comfortable.

Another way to make the crate more comfortable is to add some blankets or towels. This will create a cozy environment for your dog and make him less likely to bark.

#2 – Feed Them 1 Hour Before Bed

Another way to stop it is to feed him 1 hour before bed. This will help to prevent him from getting hungry during the night and will make him less likely to bark.

For instance, you can leave a small bowl of food in the crate so he can eat when he wants to. This will help to keep him full and will stop the barking.

#3 – Provide Enough Exercises To Wear Them Out

If your dog is barking in his crate because he’s bored, one way to stop it is through exercise. This will help to wear him out and will make him less likely to bark.

Give your pup plenty of exercise and stimulation throughout the day. Similarly, take them for a long walk or run before you put them in the crate. This will help to tire him out and will make it less likely that he’ll bark.

#4 – Give Them Something For Distraction

Your dog may be barking in his crate because he’s bored. A way to stop it is to give him something for distraction. This will help to keep his mind occupied and will make it less likely that he’ll bark.

For example, give him a Kong toy. These toys are specifically designed to keep dogs occupied and can be a great way to distract them from barking.

Another option is to give him a bone or chew toy. Similar to the Kong toy, they are designed to keep dogs busy and distracted.

#5 – Cover The Top Of The Cage With A Sheet

If your dog is barking in his crate because he’s anxious, one way to stop it is to cover the top of the cage with a sheet. This will help to create a feeling of security and will make it less likely that he’ll bark.

The sheet should be lightweight so your dog can still see out. This will help reduce their anxiety, while still allowing them to see what’s going on around them. Also, make sure to leave some ventilation so he doesn’t overheat.

#6 – Serve Their Meals Inside The Crate

Tip number 6 is to serve their meals inside the crate. This will help to create a positive association with the crate and will make it less likely that he’ll bark.

Start by putting their food bowl inside the crate and letting them eat. Once they’re comfortable eating inside the crate, you can start serving their meals in there. The key is to take it slow and make sure they’re comfortable before moving on.

#7 – Give Treats For Being Quiet

We also recommend giving your pup treats for being quiet. This will help to create a positive association with the crate, thus, making it less likely that he’ll bark.

Whenever your dog is quiet in his crate, give him a treat. This will help to reinforce the behavior and will make it more likely that he’ll do it again. Just be sure to only give the treat when he’s actually being quiet.

#8 – Provide Snuggle Toys

Last but not least, provide snuggle toys. These are specifically designed to help dogs relax and can be a great way to make the crate more comfortable.

There are a variety of different snuggle toys available, so find one that your dog likes. This will help to make the crate a more enjoyable and relaxing experience for him.

The more comfortable and happy your dog is in his crate, the less likely he’ll want to bark.

What You Shouldn’t Do To Stop Your Dog From Barking In Crate

Now that we’ve gone over some tips on how to stop your dog from barking in the crate, just as importantly, let’s go over what you shouldn’t do.

Don’t Yell Or Shout…

One of the worst things you can do is yell at your dog or punish him for barking. This will only make the problem worse and will likely cause your dog to bark more.

Positive Reinforcement…

Instead, focus on using the positive reinforcement techniques we mentioned above. These will help to change your dog’s behavior in a more constructive way.

Don’t Put Your Dog In The Crate For Long Periods…

Another thing you shouldn’t do is put your dog in the crate for long periods of time. This will only make him more anxious and will increase the likelihood of barking. Instead, use the crate for short periods of time and slowly increase the amount of time as your dog gets more comfortable.

Don’t Ignore Your Dog…

Finally, don’t ignore your dog. This will only make him more anxious and unhappy.  Instead, make sure to spend some time with him every day and give him the attention he needs.

If you need to leave the house, put him in a safe place where he can’t hurt himself or destroy your belongings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several things you can do to stop your dog from barking in the crate. Just remember to take it slow and be patient. Most importantly, focus on using positive reinforcement techniques to change your dog’s behavior.

If your dog keeps barking, try to find out what’s causing the problem and address it accordingly.

For example, if your dog is barking because he’s bored, try providing more toys or increasing the amount of exercise he gets. If your dog is barking because he’s anxious, try working on crate training or desensitization exercises.

Whatever the reason for the barking, remember that you can find a solution. With a little patience and effort, you can get your dog to stop barking in the crate in no time!

How you are stopping your dog from barking in a crate? Let us know your method.