Crate Training Regression: 5 Common Causes and How You Can Avoid It
Nothing tests a dog owner’s patience and resolve quite like crate training regression. Something that can be so challenging to build can easily be broken down to previous frustrations. In this blog post I’ll discuss the issues including common causes, how to avoid the issue and how to come back from it before it’s too late.
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 behaviours….
- 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.
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 – 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.
#3 – 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.
#4 – 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.
#5 – 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.
3 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 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. Four 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.
#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.
3 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 3 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 and Lick Mats 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.
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.
