Crate Training Regression: 10 Common Causes and How You Can Avoid It
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Crate training regression can be one of the most frustrating setbacks for dog owners, but recognising the early signs can help prevent bigger issues down the road. In this post, Iāll discuss the warning signs of crate training regression, 10 common causes, and key strategies to avoid or recover from it. Learn how to rebuild positive associations and create a comfortable, stress-free environment for your dog.
Many people rely on crate training such as those that have to work and find it safer for the dog to be in a crate. Just like many other behaviours, it is one that takes time, consistent training until the desired outcome.
Unfortunately, even though it takes time, a few wrong moves could end up causing a negative association to the create leading to crate training regression.
What Is Crate Training Regression?
A nightmare, that’s what it is, but seriously, it’s a regression to formal behaviours in the crate. Many who go through this regression will experience such behavioursā¦.
- Excessive Barking
- Excessive Whining
- Toileting
- Harmful Behaviours
- Destructive Behaviours
As you can imagine (or have experienced) this can be super frustrating. A dog that may have been super comfortable and safe in the crate starts to regress backwards.
The biggest issue with this is that many people rely on crate training for their daily routine, and a regression can end up being frustrating and stressful for both owner and dog.
There are many causes for this, some more complex than others. Below I’ll explore some common causes and how you can prevent this.
Recognising Early Signs of Crate Training Regression
One of the most important steps in preventing crate training regression is recognising the early signs. By identifying these signs early on, you can take action before the issue becomes more challenging to resolve.
Some early signs to look out for include:
Reluctance to Enter the Crate
If your dog starts hesitating or refuses to go into the crate, it could be a sign they are developing a negative association with it.
Increased Anxiety or Barking
Dogs who suddenly start showing signs of distress, such as barking, whining, or pacing while in the crate, may be experiencing crate training regression.
Accidents in the Crate
If your dog begins to have accidents in the crate after being fully crate trained, this may be a signal that something is wrong, such as increased stress or poor routine.
By catching these signs early, you can apply the strategies mentioned in this post to get your dog back on track with crate training.
10 Common Causes of Crate Regression
#1 – Health
Any unexpected changes in behaviour should always be referred to at a vet and this is included for crate training regression. A lot of behaviours can be created or escalated due to pain.
Health can also include other underlying issues. There are cases of bladder issues that have caused what seems to have been regression.
Take note of behaviours, whining and barking probably aren’t big worries, but frequent and excessive behaviours such as toileting could be indicators.
#2 – Stress and Overstimulation
Stress and overstimulation can cause a lot of issues when it comes to dogs. Stress and overstimulation can build up for a number of reasons but if it is not dealt with you can expect issues to start leaking out.
A cause for crate training regression could be an increase in stress and overstimulation that makes it harder for a dog to settle and to act up in more unexpected manner.
When it comes to crate training, if a dog is stressed and overstimulated, they may find relief in behaviours such as barking and whining which if repeated can create a habit loop which in this case is regression.
There are many ways to deal with overstimulation and stress such as going through a stress detox to help bring dogs back to a more level headed baseline.
#3 – They Feel Uncomfortable in The Crate
A dogs crate should be comfortable. Many people say that there should be nothing in a crate but I disagree, especially if a dog spends some time in there on a regular and daily basis.
A dog may become destructive with things inside a crate but this is more an issue with separation anxiety and a lack of exercise and stimulation.
If you are properly training your dog to love their crate and meeting a dogs needs then you will not have issues with destructive behaviours.
Regression is common with lack of comfort because a dog can’t relax, settle or get comfortable.
Covering a crate with a crate cover to stop unnecessary stimulation can be very beneficial for some dogs whilst adding a orthopedic mat/bed can make a world of difference by creating more comfort.
#4 – Lack of Consistency
The key to a strong crate training foundation is consistency (and patience). Where a lot of people fail when it comes to building that strong foundation is a lack of consistency.
Letting a dog out when it barks or whines, having inconsistent routines, consistently changing rules and criteria etc.
Consistency makes things absolute and clear, lack of consistency shows cracks in the system allowing it to be tested.
#5 – Improper Introduction to Crate
Sometimes regression can be caused by a weak foundation.
Another popular issue with crate training is owners introducing the crate incorrectly. They don’t take the time to create that positive association and instead the dog doesn’t find comfort.
It is crucial taking the time to introduce the crate properly, making it a den like space that the dog considers safe.
This is common with people who require crate training quickly. Sometimes dogs may adapt but will still not find comfort in their situation which can lead to future anxiety.
#6 – Moving Too Fast
This is a general issue when it comes to many issues in dog training. Owners move too fast when teaching behaviours and just like improper introduction this causes weak foundations.
You always should move at your dogs pace, figure out how long they start finding discomfort and then work with that.
You can’t attempt to jump from having your dog being comfortable in the crate for an hour to then trying 4 hours.
When it comes to crate training always go at your dogs pace and be fair when it comes to increasing time in the crate.
#7 – Negative Association With Crate
The crate should be seen as a safe and comfortable place for our dogs. The last thing we want is for a dog to develop a negative association with the crate.
Unfortunately this is something that can happen, negative associations can be caused by a million different factors.
For example it can be used negatively if it used mainly as a form of punishment (e.g. sending the dog to their crate due to misbehaving) but also due to trauma such as something falling on the crate with them inside.
#8 – Working From Home
Believe it or not, a common cause of crate regression in dogs can arise when owners switch to working from home.
After all that time training a dog to be comfortable alone, when they realise you are home they may backtrack on current progress, causing a fuss to be released.
If you have switched over to work from home you’re going to want to stick to some form or routine and structure including crating your dog. Avoid acknowledging any whining and barking, let your dog know that that behaviour does not work.
Your dog will try pushing boundaries when they realise you are now home more, they just want to spend time with you, but this can cause your dog to revert to previous behaviour.
#9 – Not Using The Crate When Home
This kind of links with the previous point but this is also a common reason for regression.
Something I see a lot is owners putting in a lot of time and effort into crate training for when they leave for work but then on days when they aren’t working they fall back on that structure.
For some dogs this isn’t a major issue but for others this break in structure and consistency can slowly cause rifts in previous training leading to regression.
I recommend even when home trying to stick to some sort of structure and consistency with crate training to avoid regression. Crate training is a longer process than people realise, they believe that just because their dog becomes comfortable in the crate when they are away that they can ease off on the structure when they are home and this can be where problems start to creep in.
Letting your dog knows that when you are home that this structure is still in place and the same rules apply will help them generalise what you want from them when they are in the crate whether or not you are at home.
#10 – Lack of Exercise and Stimulation
Proper exercise, stimulation and generally ensuring you are meeting your dogs needs is crucial when it comes to dogs but also with things like crate training.
If your dog is suddenly regressing with training in any form, one of the first things is to make sure you are meeting your dogs needs.
Make sure your dog is properly exercised and stimulated before expecting them to go and stay in their crate for an elongated period of time.
Proper exercise and stimulation before going in the crate and also using boredom busters such as lick mats in the crate are a great way to keep on top of regression.
5 Key Strategies To Avoid Crate Training Regression
#1 – Proper Introduction and Training
Firstly is to make sure you have a strong foundation and avoid regression. Taking the time to properly introduce the crate and go through training at your dogs pace allows to develop a strong foundation.
It may feel tedious and that progress is slow at times but ensuring that you go through the correct training allows that foundation.
Just like everything else in dog training, patience is going to be your best friend.
#2 – Ensure Crate Is a Safe and Comfortable Space
Next is safety. Your dog needs to see the crate as a place of safety.
If your dog isn’t a fan of the hoover then placing the hoover next to the crate for storage is going to cause issues. For dogs that are sensitive to sound avoid by speakers, doors and windows.
Avoid placing it somewhere that creates the risk of things falling on top. Something falling on a crate could startle the dog and start creating a fear reaction, this may not even be something we notice mistaking it for regression.
As mentioned previously you also want to make sure that the crate is a place of comfort for your dog.
For dogs that spend time daily in a crate for periods of time you want to make sure that your dog has comfortable flooring in the form of a bed or mat that will allow the dog to feel comfortable.
I recommend orthopedic options to keep your dog as comfortable as possible and also to help with taking pressure off of the joints.
Some dogs may also benefits from having a crate cover to help them settle down even more by removing external and distracting stimuli.
#3 – Keep It Positive
The crate should be used positively. It shouldn’t be seen as a form of punishment.
A dog that starts seeing their crate in a negative light will make their feelings known.
Avoid things like hitting a dog crate to stop issues like barking. Also dragging or shoving a dog into the crate against their will is also going to cause issues.
Always ensure the experience is as positive as possible.
#4 – Regular Stress Decompression
Stress and overstimulation can build up and cause a lot of issues in many areas of dog training.
I’ve found that daily decompression and regular stress detoxes can be highly beneficial to reduce stress, overstimulation and to bring dogs back to a more stable state of mind.
Daily decompression through Sniffaris and scatter feeding can do wonders especially before putting your dog into a crate as they also provide a lot of stimulation and enrichment.
As for detoxing, I recommend taking a look at my FREE 5 day dog stress detox plan that spans over 5 days. Having this under your belt when your dog becomes too stressed and overstimulated will help them return to a better baseline and state of mind to tackle issues again.
#5 – Adequate Exercise and Stimulation
Making sure you are meeting your dogs needs with adequate exercise and stimulation on a daily and regular basis with make sure that your dog lives a balanced life.
A lot of issues can actually be avoided and ironed out when you simply ensure you meet a dogs needs including behavioural issues plus issues such as anxiety and overstimulation.
A lot of dogs actually don’t receive the actual exercise and stimulation that they require. Instead they are taken for unstructured walks, frantic runs in the dog park and given boredom busters instead of adequate mental stimulation.
6 Tips To Help Recovery With Crate Training Regression
Normally a bit of fine tuning training is required to recover from regression. Taking the time to go back a few steps can help get to the root of the issue.
The longer you wait, the harder it’s going to be. There are 5 things that will help in this period:
#1 – Recreate Positive Association
Recreating that positive association will speed up regression. I’ve found that things such as Kongs, Lick Mats, other boredom busters and even feeding meals and putting treats in the crate are great for helping build that positive association.
#2 – Create Regular Routine
If your routine is somewhat inconsistent then it’s time to clean it up. An inconsistent routine can lead to anxiety and insecurity, the dog doesn’t know what to expect.
Things like ensuring your dog knows when they are going to the toilet is super beneficial especially if regression involves toileting issues.
I like to have a loose routine that I follow with Jasper, his feeding, toilet and sleep routine is set but everything else has room for freedom. This allows him to get a feeling for these times allowing comfort.
#3 – Be Patient
Finally, be patient. Sometimes regression is just a small bump in the road, sometimes the issue is more complex.
Be calm and make the experience less stressful for your dog, chances are they are having a bad of a time as you are.
Showing frustration is just going to make things worse and could cause larger issues in regression.
#4 – Take a Stress Detox
If your dog is currently undergoing regression and you can’t seem to find the reason, it could be a case of stress and overstimulation.
I have had a lot of success with regression and other issues by taking a period of time for a stress detox. By bringing down stress levels especially for crate training, a dog is able to relax and settle down again.
You can find more information on how you can take your dog through a stress detox in my blog post.
#5 – Meeting Needs
Making sure that are providing adequate exercise and stimulation will help not only decompress your dog and help them relax but it will also help with other issues you may be experiencing.
Meeting your dogs needs is more than unstructured walks, running around and using boredom busters such as lick mats.
You need to make sure that you are providing adequate exercise such as structured walks, play, cycling and so forth.
#6 – Go Back To Basics
Sometimes all you need is to go back to the basics. If you are suffering with crate training regression then you might find it beneficial to take a step back.
Start rebuilding positive associations and slowly working back on the basics of crate training such as increasing time again slowly.
Going back to the basics won’t be as tough as it was to start but could prove to be very helpful to reinstill what you want from your dog when it comes down to the crate.
Final Thoughts
Crate training regression is a struggle there’s no doubt about that. Unfortunately once it starts developing it can be easy to break the dam. Hopefully with this information you can get to grips with or avoid crate training regression.
