What if a dog doesn't want to go into a cage at night

Whenever night falls and we are ready to let the dog enter the cage to rest, we often encounter its resistance — either barking furiously at the cage, hiding in the corner and refusing to come out, or desperately wanting to get out as soon as it goes in. This scene troubles many owners. Behind the dog's reluctance to enter the cage lies its unique emotions and needs. As owners, only by deeply understanding these reasons and guiding it in a scientific and loving way can we help the dog overcome its resistance to the cage and make the night a time for it to rest peacefully.

From the perspective of the dog's nature and habits, they are social animals with a strong sense of dependence on the group. In the wild, dogs live together with their companions, accompany each other, and snuggle up together at night. The space of the cage is relatively narrow and enclosed. When the owner puts the dog in the cage, it will feel isolated, as if separated from the group. This sense of loneliness and insecurity will make it instinctively resist entering the cage. Especially for some puppies that have just left their mother dog and companions, the fear of the unfamiliar environment has not been eliminated. The cage is like a strange "prison" to them, full of unknown threats. Just like a child who feels scared when leaving their parents' embrace and facing an unfamiliar place alone, the dog also needs time and patience to adapt to the cage as its new "home".

Problems with the cage itself can also cause the dog to be reluctant to enter. If the size of the cage is not appropriate, being too small will make the dog feel oppressed and unable to move freely or turn around; while being too large will make the dog lack a sense of security, not knowing where its "exclusive resting area" is. In addition, if the material of the cage is too hard and uncomfortable, or the bottom design is unreasonable, it is easy to hurt the dog's paws, which will make it develop a sense of disgust towards the cage. Some owners also fail to clean the cage in a timely manner, and there are remaining odors of feces, urine, etc. in it. The dirty environment will make the dog instinctively resist entering, after all, they also like a clean and comfortable resting space.

The dog's past experiences will also affect its attitude towards the cage. If the dog has had unpleasant experiences in the cage, such as being locked in the cage for a long time without enough food and water, or being frightened in the cage, these negative memories will make it develop a sense of fear and resistance towards the cage. When the owner asks it to enter the cage again, those unpleasant memories will come to mind, and it will naturally try every means to escape. Just like people who have experienced something bad in a certain place and will also feel resistant when facing it again, the dog will also be affected by the shadows of the past.

After understanding the reasons why the dog is reluctant to enter the cage, we can take a series of scientific and loving methods to help it change its attitude. First of all, choose a suitable cage for the dog. According to the size of the dog, select a cage with enough space but not too empty, ensuring that the dog can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The material of the cage should be soft and safe, and a soft mat can be laid at the bottom to make the dog feel warm and comfortable. At the same time, keep the cage clean and hygienic, regularly clean the feces and urine, and replace the dirty mat with a clean one, making the cage a clean and cozy little den.

Gradual training is the key to making the dog accept the cage. You can start by making the dog familiar with the cage. Open the door of the cage and put some of the dog's favorite toys and snacks inside, allowing it to enter and exit freely, gradually eliminating its sense of strangeness and fear towards the cage. When the dog takes the initiative to enter the cage, give rewards in a timely manner, such as delicious snacks, gentle strokes, and praise, so that it associates entering the cage with a pleasant experience. Then, gradually extend the time the dog stays in the cage. At first, it can be locked for only a few minutes, and then slowly increase it to more than ten minutes, half an hour. At the same time, stay beside the cage to keep it at ease. During this process, never force the dog to enter the cage, otherwise it will make it more resistant. Give it enough time and patience to adapt.

Using pheromone products can also effectively relieve the dog's resistance to the cage. Pheromone is a substance that can simulate the soothing pheromone secreted by the dog itself, which can help the dog relax, reduce anxiety and unease. You can place a pheromone diffuser in the cage or use a pheromone collar, allowing the dog to gradually accept the cage in a familiar and reassuring odor environment. In addition, playing soft music beside the cage can also soothe the dog's emotions, making it easier for the dog to calm down at night and enter the cage to rest.

Adjusting the dog's living habits can also help make it willing to enter the cage. During the day, give the dog enough time for exercise and play to consume its excess energy. In this way, at night, it will be more willing to enter the cage to rest due to exhaustion. At the same time, establish a regular daily routine and let the dog enter the cage at a fixed time every day. After forming a habit, it will know that it's time to rest at this time. Before the dog enters the cage, some soothing behaviors can be carried out, such as gently stroking it and talking to it tenderly, so that it enters the cage with a pleasant mood.

Dogs are our loyal companions in life, and every little emotion of theirs is worthy of our attention and understanding. When the dog is reluctant to enter the cage at night, don't be anxious or angry, but guide it with scientific methods and full love. Through ways such as choosing a suitable cage, patient training, using auxiliary products, and adjusting living habits, we will surely be able to help the dog overcome its resistance to the cage, let it find a sense of security and comfort in the cage, enjoy a peaceful night, and make our life with the dog more harmonious and beautiful.