[LoveMyBorderLab]

My family's dog Myszka used to love her crate. She would jump right in and sometimes even go in alone just to relax. It seemed like a safe zone for her. But then suddenly (literally overnight) she refused to get in. It seemed like she was terrified and she wouldn't even go near her crate. No one in my family can think of anything bad happening to her in the crate, so we're very confused. We haven't forced her to sleep in there, because we know that will only make it worse, but we did make her go in once because we absolutely had too. We got a bigger, comfier crate for her and we are putting toys and treats in there, then praising when she goes in (she only ever goes in for just a second). I'm really curious if anyone can think of any causes or solutions for this situation. I really wanna know what's bothering my pup!!

 

[3GSD4IPO]

No idea the cause but I would feed her in there and shut the door and latch it while she eats. Let her out when she is done and NOT when she is making a fuss.

 

[mustluvdogs66]

She has some reason to dislike the crate, but we may never know what that is. Could there possibly have been any loud scary noises while you were gone that created this fear? Was she in there too long? Was it used as punishment? Is there a cold draft? Have you tried putting the crate in a different location?
Here’s some tips to help reintroduce the crate. Crate Training: 6 Steps For Teaching Your Dog To Love Their Crate

 

[LoveMyBorderLab]

She has some reason to dislike the crate, but we may never know what that is. Could there possibly have been any loud scary noises while you were gone that created this fear? Was she in there too long? Was it used as punishment? Is there a cold draft? Have you tried putting the crate in a different location?
Here’s some tips to help reintroduce the crate. Crate Training: 6 Steps For Teaching Your Dog To Love Their Crate

Thank you, These are all valid things to consider, but we never used the crate as a punishment or left her in there longer than just overnight. We tried moving the crate (with no success) and we put a blanket over the crate to keep it warm. For now, we're just starting from square one and giving her treats for going in there. I think it's probable that there was some kind of loud noise while she was in there that we didn't hear. I'll definitely check out the site, thanks for the reply.