Last Updated on September, 2024
Any sensible pet owner’s top goal is to keep their dogs safe and sound. A dog crate is essential because it gives your furry friend a place to stay that is all his own.
But some dogs have a natural urge to get out of their crate, which can be scary and could put them in danger.
But how can a dog escape from their crate? In this guide, we’ll look at some valuable tips and tricks that will help you keep your dog from escaping its crate.
Quick Summary
To stop your dog from escaping his crate, consider using a military grade crate, fix any weak spots, and closely monitor your dog’s behavior and find ways to address the root cause of their attempted escape.
Use positive reinforcement and get your dog used to the crate slowly with treats and rewards. Serve meals in the crate, be consistent and patient, and create a positive association with the crate.
A reliable crate has many benefits, including safety, preventing destructive behavior, and assisting with house training and separation anxiety.
Table of Contents
Steps to Take to Stop Your Determined Dog From Escaping the Crate
Let’s see how you can make the dog crate escape-proof.
Increase the Crate Strength
- Choose a stronger crate: Invest in robust, heavy-duty metal or reinforced plastic crates or the best crates out there. Avoid dog crates that have weak locks or are made of thin materials that are easy to break.
- Military grade Dog Crates: If your adult dog is very eager to get out or if it is significant, you may use military dog crates or stronger crates that is made to be more secure. These often have more robust bars, latches, and locking systems to keep animals from getting out.
- Fix the weak spots: Look for any weak spots or places where dogs could push or bend the bars, especially in a wire crate. Attach metal clamps or other hardware to these spots in wire dog crates to make them stronger and more resistant to your dog’s efforts.
- Supervise and watch: Pay attention to your dog’s mental stimulation and behavior regularly to find out what tricks or spots they use to try to get out. This can help you make specific changes and improvements to fix the weak spots.
Remember that making the crate stronger is only a temporary solution. It’s also essential to deal with the real reasons your dog is trying to get out, like separation anxiety or boredom.
Making the Crates More Comfortable
- Right Size: Make sure your dog’s crate is the right size. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in it. If the crate is too small, the dog may feel uncomfortable and try to get out.
- Add things that smell like you, like a piece of cloth or a pillow, to the crate: Your dog can feel safer and more at home if they can smell you there.
- Peaceful and quiet: Place the crate in a quiet and calm area of your home. Keep it from loud machines, busy areas, or noisy places. This helps make a quiet place that makes it easier to relax.
- Calming music or white noise: Playing calming music or using white noise machines near the crate can help create a relaxing atmosphere. These can cover up other sounds and make your dog feel more at ease.
- Interactive Toys and Chews: Give your dog’s favorite toy or interactive chew, or puzzle toys to keep them mentally alert and busy while in the crates. These toys can help keep your bored dog from wanting to run away.
- Create Positive associations: Think of good things that have happened with the crates. Give treats, praise, or awards when your dog enters the crate alone or stays calm. This helps it think of the crate well, making it a more attractive and comfortable place.
Crate Train Your Dog
- Get your dog used to the crates slowly: First, get your dog used to the crate in a good and not scary way. Leave the crate door open and put treats, toys, or food inside and near the crate to encourage your dog to explore it at its own pace. Don’t put your dog in the crate against his will or use it as punishment.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, or a favorite toy when they enter or stay in the crate alone. Give treats only in the crate to make the dog think of the crate as a good place. This helps your dog think of the crate as a good place and makes them more likely to go in and stay inside.
- Serve Meals in the crate: Gradually serve your dog’s meals inside the crate. Start by putting the food bowl just inside the crate. You can move the bowl inside as your dog gets used to the space. This makes it think of the crate as a place to feel safe and get food.
- Be patient and consistent: Learning something new takes time and patience. Don’t rush through the process or get mad at your dog. The best results will come from consistency, praise, and staying calm.
Remember that the goal is to make your dog like the crate and ensure it feels safe and comfy inside. It’s also a great idea to ask for help from a professional dog trainer.
With time and consistent crate training, your dog can get used to being in the crate and think of it as their safe, quiet place.
Why Do Dogs Escape From the Dog’s Crate?
- Separation Anxiety: Dogs are pack animals, so they can feel anxious when they are away from their owners or pack. The dog suffers because of this and tries desperately to get out of their crates and return to their families.
- Boredom or too much energy: Dogs with too much energy or even bored dogs can get antsy and look for ways to get rid of it. Dogs escape because they are bored or have too much energy.
- Physical Discomfort: Dogs may feel uncomfortable if their crate is too small, if the bedding is uncomfortable, if the temperature is too high, or if it is too cold. This will lead them to escape.
- Not enough training or getting used to the dog’s crate: Other dogs who haven’t been adequately taught or introduced to it may see it as a wrong or strange place. They might try to get away to find a more comfortable place or to see what’s around them.
- Lack of positive association: If dogs only link the crate with bad things, like being punished or left alone, they may start to dislike the crate and have an escape attempt. This will prevent the dog from escaping these bad memories.
Related articles:
- How to crate train a dog with separation anxiety?
- When is a puppy ready to sleep out of crate?
- Should I lock my puppy in his crate at night?
Things You Need to Add to Your Dog’s Crate
- Bedding/Nesting Material: Put a comfy bed or a blanket for your dog to sleep on. Choose bedding that is right for the size and type of your dog. Materials that are soft and can be washed make it easy to clean.
- Water Bowl: Put a spill-proof water bowl or pump inside so that your dog can always get fresh water. Make sure the bowl is connected or positioned in a way that keeps it from falling over.
- Interactive Toys: Keep your dog from getting bored by putting a few interactive toys or chew toys inside. Puzzle toys or toys that give out treats can keep your dog busy and keep him from trying to get away. Read more about safe toys inside the crate here.
Here are other things you need to add to your dog’s crate.
Benefits of Having a Good and Reliable Crate
A reliable crate is good for you and your furry friend in many ways. Here are some key advantages:
- Safety and security: A strong, well-built crate gives your strong dog a place to stay that is safe and secure. It keeps them from escaping and possibly getting into trouble, especially when you can’t watch them.
- Preventing Destructive Behavior: Caging your dog when you can’t watch it directly can help stop it from doing something bad. It stops them from chewing on furniture, home items, and other things that could hurt them.
- Help with house training: A crate can teach your dog to go to the bathroom outside. Most dogs naturally want to keep their den (crate) clean, and putting them in a crate can help them learn to control their bladder and bowels.
- Traveling and getting around: A reliable crate is a must for safe travel. It keeps your dog safe and in one place while you’re driving, and it stops the driver from being too distracted. Also, if your dog has a familiar crate, it can help him feel at ease when you go to new places or stay in places he doesn’t know.
- Comfort and relaxation: If you properly present the crate to your dog and give it soft bedding, it can become a cozy place to rest. It can be a safe place for your dog to rest, sleep, and feel comfortable. A designated safe area can help your dog feel less stressed and anxious.
- Dealing with Dog’s Separation Anxiety: A crate can help dogs with trouble being alone. It gives your dog a place to go where they feel safe, which can help when you’re not home. The enclosed crate makes the dog feel safe and can stop it from acting badly because of anxious tension.
- Makes trips to the vet or groomer easier: A dog that is well-trained and happy in its crate will find it easier to go to the vet or groomer. Putting them in crates keeps many dogs calm, safe, and easy to handle during treatments or exams.
- A Place to Rest and Sleep in Peace: A crate can give your dog a place to rest and sleep. It helps them get into sleep habits and keeps them safe from outside loud noises that could wake them up.
Having a good, reliable crate has many benefits, such as giving your dog a safe and comfortable place, helping with crate training, making it easier to move, and easing separation anxiety.
The End Line
Ultimately, keeping your dog from getting out of the crate is important for their safety, peace of mind, and yours, and a peaceful place to live.
Gradual training, positive reinforcement, and making the crate comfortable and interesting inside can help your dog develop good crate habits and see the crate as a safe place instead of something to get through.
With patience, consistency, and the right method, you can stop it from getting out of its crate and give it a safe, happy place to live.
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