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It can be frustrating and worrying when your dog howls or cries loudly in its crate. This behavior is common, especially in younger dogs or dogs that are new to crate training. But there are several effective techniques you can try to cut down on the howling and help your dog feel more comfortable in its crate.
Understand Why Your Dog is Howling
First, try to understand why your dog is howling. Common reasons include:
- Separation anxiety. Your dog may howl due to stress when left alone. Howling is a way for them to self-soothe and release anxiety.
- Boredom or frustration. Some dogs will howl in their crate if they have pent-up energy and lack stimulation.
- Loud noises or a new environment can frighten some dogs, causing them to howl.
- Need for attention. Smart dogs know that howling often successfully gets a human's attention.
Once you identify the root cause, you can better address the behavior. If your dog is howling due to fear, anxiety or insecurity, punishing the behavior could make matters worse. Instead, focus on making them feel safe and happy in their crate.
Crate Train Gradually
Proper crate training from a young age can prevent howling later on. Go slowly, making sure your dog has positive associations with the crate from day one. Feed them meals inside the crate and give them favorite toys or chews only when crated. Start by closing the door just for seconds at a time, then work up to leaving them crated for longer periods.
Make Sure Their Needs Are Met
Dogs left alone with pent-up energy, boredom or physical discomfort are more likely to howl in frustration. Make sure your dog gets sufficient daily exercise and enrichment through walks, training, play and interactive puzzle toys. Give them a chance to relieve themselves right before crating. Check that their crate allows room to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.
Create a Calm Crate Environment
Your dog should see their crate as a peaceful sanctuary. Place it in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home away from loud noises. Make sure the crate is clean, dry and has soft bedding that smells familiar. Some dogs relax when their crate is partly covered like a safe den. Consider playing soothing music or turning on a fan or white noise machine to help drown out triggering sounds.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward your dog with praise and high value treats when they go into the crate willingly and remain calm and quiet inside it. This positive reinforcement should happen every time during early crate training. You want them to build confidence and associate good things with their crate. Completely ignore attention-seeking howling so as not cry for attention.
Practice Separation
Gradually build up alone time in the crate during the day to ease separation anxiety. Give your dog a food puzzle toy stuffed with treats or a long-lasting chew when crating them. First just step outside the room for a few seconds, then a minute, then longer periods to break the cycle of howling for attention. Always come back and reward calm, quiet behavior - not "rescuing" them when they are in distress.
Consider Anti-Anxiety Products
For chronic howlers with severe separation anxiety or fear issues, anti-anxiety products may help ease their nerves. These can include special calming treats with ingredients like melatonin, hemp or CBD oil, or calming pheromone diffusers/collars/sprays that release soothing scents. Consult your vet on suggested anti-anxiety aids for crated environments.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If your dog still persistently howls after following these tips, seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess whether your dog has an underlying behavioral issue like separation anxiety. Prescription anti-anxiety medication from your vet may also help for stressful cases. Attachment-easing techniques and desensitization training could teach an insecure dog to self-soothe while crated alone.
Patience and Consistency Are Key
Changing any behavior takes consistency and time. Stick to the same crate training approach using positive reinforcement and meeting your dog's needs. Never yell or punish them for howling. With the right management tools and your loving support, you can teach your dog to stay calm and quiet when crated for periods of time.
