My Puppy Doesn’t Want to Come Out Of His Crate!

If your puppy doesn’t want to come out of his crate, he’s most likely feeling overwhelmed by his new home, scared by something (including being pulled out), or simply sees the crate as his safe den. Leave the door open, keep things calm, and reward him with treats and praise for coming out on his own. If he also seems lethargic, isn’t eating, or has vomiting or diarrhea, call your vet right away.

Do you have a puppy that’s afraid to come out of his crate? It can be frustrating, but don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to help him feel more comfortable.

4 Possible Causes

There are a number of reasons why your puppy may be afraid to come out of his crate. Read along to gain some insight into this behavior.

When you know more about what could be causing this problem, then you’ll be all the closer to finding a solution and making your puppy feel comfortable in their new home.

1New environment

It’s not uncommon for puppies to feel overwhelmed when they’re first introduced to their new homes. After all, they’ve spent the past few weeks of their lives in a relatively small space with their littermates.

Suddenly, they find themselves in an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar people. It’s no wonder that many puppies choose to retreat to their crates when they’re feeling overwhelmed.

If your puppy is crated in a quiet room away from the main living area, he may simply be seeking a little peace and quiet. However, if your puppy is crated in a busy room, he may feel too overwhelmed to come out.

In either case, it’s important to give your puppy time to adjust to his new surroundings. With a little patience and understanding, he’ll soon be coming out of his crate on his own accord.

2Past Trauma

It could also be that he’s had some negative experiences in the past that have made him fearful of coming out. Many dogs, especially adopted dogs, have had bad experiences in the past. If this is the case, then it will be a tough habit to break and you will have to be patient and kind.

If your puppy or adopted dog has been abused in the past, it is likely that they are hesitant to be trusting of any person or environment. If they are seeking shelter in their crate, this could be the case. We cover more on this in why a newly adopted dog may seem sad.

3Your Reactions are Scaring Your Dog

This is a common mistake that many dog owners make. When your puppy is afraid to come out and you try to force him, it will only make the situation worse.

Your dog will see this as threatening and will become even more scared. Reaching in and pulling a frightened puppy out can also lead to a defensive nip. The best thing you can do in this situation is to remain calm and wait for your pup to come to you.

4Medical Issues

If you still believe the other reasons aren’t responsible, your dog may be suffering from a medical condition. If your dog is in pain or feeling unwell, they might be trying to protect themselves by staying in their crate where they feel safe.

Young puppies that aren’t fully vaccinated are also at risk of serious infections such as parvovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and (often bloody) diarrhea. Parvo is an emergency. If your puppy is hiding and also seems weak or sleepy, won’t eat, is vomiting, has diarrhea, is limping, or cries when touched, take them to the vet right away.

Help Your Puppy Feel Safe

There are a few things you can do to help your puppy feel safe and comfortable coming out of his crate. These helpful tips will help you to get more out of the experience of having a puppy or dog and make sure that you are being a good owner to your dog.

1Give Treats

Giving your puppy treats is one of the most beneficial things you can do to make them more at ease. Make sure to praise and offer a few goodies when they emerge from their crate. Our list of the best puppy treats has some good options.

This will let them know they’re doing something right while also lending a hand in making the experience more pleasant for them.

2Try to go on a Walk

You may also try taking your puppy for a stroll to help them feel more at ease. This will allow them to get out of their crate and explore the world around them. Until your puppy has finished his vaccinations, stick to your own yard or other places your vet says are safe, and avoid areas where lots of unknown dogs go.

It’s critical that they go on their own terms and take things slowly. If they are hesitant to leave the protection of their crate, don’t push them. Allow them to come to you when they’re ready.

3Peace & Quiet

A quiet environment will be more inviting for your puppy. If there are too many people or too much commotion going on, they may not want to come out of their crate. Making the crate comfortable helps too; see what to put in a dog crate (and what not).

It may be necessary to put their crate in a quiet room for a little while until they’re more adjusted to their surroundings.

4Be patient

Give your puppy time to adjust. They may need a few days or even weeks to get used to their crate and their new environment.

If you’re patient and understanding, your puppy will come out of their crate when they’re ready.

5Let Your Dog Decide

Never force your dog to come out of his crate if he doesn’t want to. This will only make the situation worse and could cause your dog to become even more afraid.

Instead, leave the crate door open and let him come out on his own when he’s ready. If he’s resistant, try placing a trail of treats just outside the door, then gradually further away, so he has to step out to get them. Sitting quietly on the floor nearby, rather than standing over the crate, can also help.

6Hire a Dog Behaviorist

If you’ve tried everything and your dog is still afraid to come out of his crate, it may be time to seek professional help.

A dog behaviorist can help to assess the situation and offer more specific advice on how to deal with your dog’s fear.

What to do for a dog that likes to be in his crate all the time?

If you’ve tried all of the solutions that we suggested and even consulted a behaviorist, it might be time to acknowledge that your dog simply likes being in his crate and is comfortable in his crate.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Some dogs just prefer the security of a small, enclosed space. If this is the case with your dog, make sure that his crate is always stocked with his favorite toys and a comfy bed so that he can enjoy his time in there, and keep the door open so he can come and go as he pleases.

Just keep an eye on the bigger picture. A dog who happily naps in his crate but also comes out to eat, play, and greet you is fine. A dog who suddenly starts hiding in his crate much more than usual should be checked by a vet, since hiding can be a sign of pain or illness.

Let’s Recap

Getting a puppy or dog can be a fun and rewarding experience. But it’s important to remember that puppies and dogs are creatures of habit and need routine.

A puppy or dog that refuses to leave his crate may be uncomfortable in his new surroundings. In this situation, practice patience and follow our outlined steps to help make them feel comfortable in their new home.

As always, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional whenever you feel out of your depth.