Previously, we talked about how to crate train your dog. If you’ve applied the tips and tricks we shared, then by now, your dog already appreciates and enjoys its time in the crate. That’s great! However, you may have realized that you have a new problem – your dog keeps on barking while in the kennel. And like most dog owners out there, your first instinct is to check them and see what’s up.
You go to your dog’s spot, and they stop whining. Your dog flashes a grin and wags its tail, expressing its joy and contentment after successfully getting your attention. Everything seems okay, so you go back to your chores. Then, when you thought the problem was solved, you hear your dog yapping again. Frustrated, you begin to shout, but the dog relentlessly responds with a series of loud barking.
If this sounds all too familiar, our quick guide to training dogs to stop barking while in the crate will come in extra handy for you. Check out our training tips below.
Realizing and fixing your mistake
The first step to fixing the problem is realizing what you did wrong, which in this case, is encouraging the bad behavior. When you popped in the room to check on your dog, you unknowingly rewarded your dog with your attention. To your dog, it meant that you like what he did. Also, the shouting only made things worse, because it just added to their excitement. Your dog felt more energized to bark louder for hours, thinking that you’re very much pleased.
So how do you fix it? Here’s a quick list of tips:
Double-check the crate
Ideally, your dog shouldn’t whine after being successfully crate trained. So, there might be something off with the crate. It could be the uncomfy beddings or the lack of fun toys to play with. You need to associate positive feelings with the crate, so your dog feels at home during crate time.
Retrain your happy dog
Sometimes, when a dog gets too excited, it can vocalize. The barking issue might actually stem from the fact that your dog is just super happy in the crate. If this is your problem, you can try a few things such as:
- Re-teach visual, sound, or physical cues that command your dog to stop barking.
- Release your dog’s extra energy by taking your dog out for a walk or providing mentally challenging puzzles and toys.
- Get help from a professional dog trainer to correct the barking problem.
Ignore and stop rewarding
It’s quite common for dog owners to accidentally encourage certain behaviors such as barking by giving the dog attention. To avoid the same issue, you can try ignoring your dog or stop giving your dog rewards to stop them from barking.
Let your dog out for a pee
Put your dog on a leash and take them outside the house for a potty break. Give your dog at least two minutes before you head back in. This strategy would help your dog learn that crying would mean asking for potty breaks instead of getting your attention.
Check for noise
Dogs are quick to pick up sounds because of their highly-sensitive ears. It could be that your dog keeps on barking because they are getting irritated by the noise from the street – screeching tires, car honking, people shouting, you name it! If this is the problem, you should try to pick a more quiet room for your dog’s crate. This may help discourage their barking.
Try using dog pheromone products
Many dog owners find dog pheromone products helpful in reducing the stress levels of their canine buddy. Besides training your dog and making adjustments to the crate, you can also try using dog calming pheromones or DAP to curb the behavior. Some of these products come in diffusers, collars, and spray bottles. You can use any of the products, depending on your preferred method of delivery.
Never use the crate to punish your dog
Take note that using the crate to punish your dog will only result in more problems. It makes your dog associate negative feelings towards their kennel. When this happens, he ends up barking or whining for hours to get your attention.
Getting help from a professional dog trainer in Delaware
Training your dog to feel at ease inside the crate is one thing. Managing barking issues is completely another story. As you may have noticed above, there are plenty of potential reasons why your dog vocalizes and tries to get your attention.
If you know your dog’s usual response to things, the trial and error method of training and correcting behavior could work. However, if you’re dealing with a rehomed pup, an adult dog, or a temperamental pooch, then it may be better to consult with a pro. This way, you get to address the issue as fast as possible. It also eliminates the guesswork and the lengthy time spent on experimenting on what method works best.
Here at Delaware K9 Academy, we’ve worked with every kind of dog you can imagine. From highly energetic puppies to stubborn and aging alpha dogs, we provide customized lessons that deliver results.
As a dog owner, you get to choose from various programs, including the 2-week Dog Training Bootcamp where we teach your beloved canine all the basic commands plus how to get acquainted with an e-collar. The bootcamp training also includes lessons and tips on how to train your dog, so you get to build a harmonious relationship even after your pup completes the 2-week training.
Besides the bootcamp program, we also offer other options such as private lessons and puppy training. We personalize our approach for every student based on the needs and temperament. This way, we get to ensure that every dog we train learns the most effective way possible.
Learn more about our unique and tried and tested approach to training dogs at Delaware K9 Academy by calling us at 302-409-0654, sending an email at dek9academy@gmail.com, or filling out our contact form for dog services. We look forward to seeing you and your precious pup in our lessons!
