Dog afraid of crate after traumatic incident

by Kim
(Tucson, AZ)

My dog sleeps at night in a crate w/no problems for last 4 yrs. He always loved his den and goes in by himself when we are ready to go to bed.

Moved into new house- first night curtains & rod fell down onto den. we didn't hear it so he was trapped all night.. By morning when we let him out he was beyond freaked out and now won't go in his den.

We've tried re-training him with treats. he won't even go near it.. forced him into it last week, COMPLETELY freaked out so i let him out after 10 minutes. Tried getting him new den but he won't go near it even with treats. None of us are sleeping at night. How can i get him to not be afraid of his den and get him back in for nighttime sleeping?

Thanks for your help.

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Jun 24, 2011
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appeal to his tummy
by: Diana

Why dont you try putting his food in there and dont cave, he will go in to eat . Take sishes out when he is finished. through out the day put his favorite treat in ther , and his toy Good luck!!!!! My coton loves her little den too! Diana

Jun 18, 2011
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sleep
by: Anonymous

Having a Coton in your bed and asleep at your feet is yummy.

Jun 18, 2011
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New Crate
by: Anonymous

See if someone has a "new" den. Place it in a different place, like your bedroom. Maybe, he can be trained to like the new one with no bad associations.
Tolo's

Jun 18, 2011
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crate
by: Anonymous

Poor little guy. Have you tried moving his crate to a new loction. Good luck

Jun 18, 2011
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Poor Little Guy
by: Emily

Having a Coton is like having a toddler around the house. They are so sensitive and emotional. He was probably already nervous about being in a different house and then his den no longer felt like a safe place for him.

I don't know how to retrain him to go back into the crate, but you may want to try to keep him busy during the day (if possible) and wear him out in the evenings with active play and long walks. He may feel safer sleeping in the bedroom with you.

Other thoughts... taking the door off of the den or creating a psudo-den out of a blanket and chair that he crawl under.

Good luck!

Jun 18, 2011
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Joyce
by: Anonymous

I wish you Good Luck - it seems to me it's going to take tons of time to get him over not only the shock of the incident - but forcing him in after a short time. What is your vet recommending? Our boys basically sleep where ever they want.

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