How Do You Know That a Dog Is Experiencing Crate Training Regression?

If you are unclear as to whether or not your dog is actually experiencing crate training regression, it is a worthwhile exercise to see if your dog seems uncomfortable in their crate or not. As we have established previously in this article, crate training regression is all about an apparent loss of comfort or confidence in their crate. You can look out for these potential signs to help determine if your dog is experiencing this phenomenon or not.

They No Longer Enter Their Crate on Command

If you had previously spent time training your dog to enter their crate with a certain cue word or phrase, it can feel very disheartening when your dog suddenly stops responding to it. However, there is likely a reason for this hesitance that appears suddenly, and there is often a rational explanation for it.

First, make sure that you are being consistent with your dog’s training. Do you always use the exact same word or phrase to indicate that you want your dog to enter their crate? Also, is this the same word or phrase that you used when you were first training them with an abundance of treats?

Even small variations in what you say can mean a world of difference to a dog. For example, “go to crate” and “go to your crate” could be enough of a variation for your dog to no longer be able to understand what you want.

You have to be completely consistent throughout your dog’s training and beyond. Otherwise, confusion is bound to arise on their part, which will inevitably lead to frustration for you. If you know that you are using the exact same word or phrase, hand movements, and tone of voice to indicate what you want, then it is possible there is something else going on.

Your Dog Seems Unable To Relax and Get Comfortable in Their Crate

Even if you can get your dog to enter their crate, another sign of crate training regression is that they never seem quite at home in the space. Do they refuse to sit or lie down, even when you cue them to do so with a word or hand motion? They are probably not ignoring you to be difficult. Instead, there might be something about this space that was previously comfortable and familiar that is no longer enjoyable to them.

If your dog is continually fidgeting and can never quite seem to settle in their crate, these are also signs that they are not fully comfortable. Lastly, you might notice them making some noises that we associate with dogs being unhappy. This brings us to our last sign of possible crate training regression.

They Are Whining for Seemingly No Reason

Especially if you have a puppy, you have undoubtedly heard enough whining to last a lifetime. If your dog had previously been comfortable and perfectly at home in their crate, but they are now whining whenever the door is shut or you are away, it is very likely that they are uncomfortable. This sign is very clear, but what is slightly less clear is determining exactly where the cause of this discomfort lies.