One of the most difficult crate training techniques for dog owners is crate training a dog at night. Most people are concerned that crating a dog at night will cause them to suffer from insomnia. However, the opposite is true. Crates actually help your dog sleep better at night.
Before crate training a dog at night, you must first understand why they whine during the night. Since dogs don’t have the same sleep cycles as us, they experience everything from deep sleep to interrupted sleep. When a dog is not getting proper exercise or sleep, they can become restless and whine throughout the night. This is perfectly natural, and if you make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, they will stop doing this once they become accustomed to your presence.
Another reason that crate training a dog at night is necessary is because your dog needs to go to the bathroom during the night. If they can’t relieve themselves in the crate, they will urinate everywhere else in your house, including in your bed, on your clothes, and even in your carpet. The constant walking in and out of your house causes foul odors all day and all night. Putting your new dog in a crate will help alleviate this problem.
There are also some health benefits to crate training a dog at night. New dogs are much less prone to having a case of urinary tract infections in the first few weeks of owning a pet. These dogs are often kept in small enclosed areas, similar to crate training a dog at night. When they can’t relieve themselves in the crate, they defecate somewhere else in the house, which eliminates the risk of developing an infection. Urination and the frequent trips to the bathroom also keep their teeth clean.
Some dogs seem to whine noisily when they are in their crates. This may not be a problem to you. It is very important to talk to your vet about whether or not crate training a dog at night is appropriate for your new dog.
It is important to let your dog sleep in his crate every night. They need time to relax and be alone. If they are not given the opportunity to rest they will feel more anxious, possibly have an accident, and if this happens enough times, your dog could sleep with you in your bed or under your bed until they feel rested again.
A dog is usually happy to get their evening nap in a crate. It gives them a chance to snooze and relax. They do not necessarily enjoy being kept in a cage all day, but they should be given the opportunity to snooze when they want. A crate is a nice place for them to retreat and relax and not have someone come by and disturb them. If your dog stays awake for too long and is barking, this is not a good sign. If you are concerned that your dog is bored, put him in his crate for an hour or so and then take him out.
Remember that even if it is not considered cruelty to crate a dog at night, it can be very bad for your dog. He might not like being left alone, and he could have an accident. There is no reason to punish him for something he does not do. If you are concerned about how long it takes your dog to fall asleep in his crate, leave it alone for as long as you feel comfortable. You never want to force your dog to sleep in his crate.