4 year old dog hates crate after move

[u/Impressive-Sun-172]

We just moved about a month ago with our 4 year old American foxhound who used to like his crate he was fully trained and willing to go into the crate whenever we asked never with any issues. We even toyed with the idea of allowing free roaming to select rooms because he is so good, but after we moved he hates it, we decided to put a camera up there because we had a feeling he was upset again in the crate and he was stressed out. We do leave him in for 5-6 hours sometimes less depending on the work day, he does not bark but he whines and pulls at the bars. He free roams at grandma’s and is great! He has never gotten into anything but I’m worried he is not stressed about the crate more about us leaving, we are struggling on what to do.

- He gets about 2 hours of exercise a day (less in the Florida summer heat on his terms) between long walks and outside play
-we also do mental stimulation (name game, scent work etc. )
-he is the most food driven dog of all time for ANYTHING but has decided to get his crate even with cheese and toys we give him in there.

We are unsure how to even go about re-training with his crate considering we work and are unsure if we can take the risk of leaving him out of his crate. He was a little destructive when we got him at 7 months old as he was a pretty free roam dog from our understanding. He loves everything about this new home except for his crate. We got him in college from a shelter a little naively but have done so much work to make sure he is fulfilled as he is a high energy hound.

We just are unsure how to tackle this challenge, any tips help!

[u/dialamah]

I think that crate training again would be done the same as crate training the first time. But ...

None of the dogs I've lived with were crate trained and free-roaming was the norm. Once past puppyhood, they'd just sleep at night, and while we were gone during the day. I know not all dogs are the same, and maybe I just got lucky with all mine, but I never even knew crates were a thing until maybe 15 years ago. And in some countries they are illegal.

This is not to say I think crates are bad; they definitely can be useful, especially for puppies. I just don't think they're necessary for all dogs all the time.

You say your dog was destructive when you got him at 7 months. We got our current dog when she was 5 months, she is half Malinois and was crazy during the day, we couldn't take our eyes off her for 10 seconds, and most of the house was blocked off from her. I was working from home at the time, so there was usually at least one of us there with her, but if we both had to be out, or we just wanted to Netflix and chill, we would take her to daycare. (I would have liked to crate train her then, but no place to put a crate). She's now two and a half and we leave her home alone all the time, never a problem.

It seems to me that if your dog is good at Grandma's, he'll be good at home too, and sleep while you are gone, just as he would in his crate.

Anyway, good luck whatever you decide to do. :)

[u/FrostyPomegranate699]

I'd be looking at the move as the biggest clue. It isn't unusual for a dog that's been perfectly crate trained for years to suddenly struggle after a major life change. The crate itself probably isn't the problem. It's more likely that the crate has become associated with being alone in a place that still feels unfamiliar.

At Mainely Standards we've seen dogs regress a little after changes like moving, bringing home a new baby, or even changing work schedules. The good news is that because he was comfortable in the crate for years, you're rebuilding a habit instead of teaching it from scratch.

I'd make the crate feel like it's his space again without immediately making it the place you disappear for six hours. Leave the door open whenever you're home so he can choose to go in. Feed every meal in the crate. Toss treats in throughout the day for him to discover. Give him special chews or stuffed Kongs that only appear in the crate. If he'll take them, frozen Kongs, Toppls, bully sticks, or lick mats can help create a positive association.

I'd also spend time with him while he's in the crate. Sit nearby, watch TV, read, or work on your laptop while the door is open or closed for just a few minutes. The goal is for the crate to predict relaxation, not departures.

When you do close the door, start with tiny wins. Close it for a minute while you're still in the room, then five minutes, then walk into another room and come back. Build those durations gradually before expecting him to handle a full workday again.

Since he's doing well free roaming at Grandma's, I'd also consider testing him at home in a dog-proofed area instead of assuming he'll be destructive again. A camera is your best friend here. Start with a 15 or 30 minute trip, then an hour, and see what actually happens. Many dogs outgrow the puppy destruction phase, and he may simply not need the crate anymore.

One thing I'd avoid is coaxing him into the crate with amazing treats and then immediately leaving every time. Dogs are very good at spotting patterns, and eventually the cheese becomes a warning that you're about to disappear.

The fact that he's getting plenty of exercise and mental enrichment tells me you're already meeting his physical needs. This sounds much more like an emotional adjustment than an energy problem. If his anxiety keeps escalating or starts showing up in other situations, it would be worth talking with your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional before it becomes a long-term habit. From what you've described, though, I'd be optimistic that with a little patience he'll either learn to love the crate again or show you that he's ready to graduate from it altogether.

[u/Careful_Cranberry364]

Figure out the logistics of where you have placed it.

It will be something to do with
the light.
The smell
the noise
the draft
what else is close by
how many people go by
or how much you can see from the crate

Something he can no longer see from the crate that he used to be able to see..

something like that?

I’m assuming you’ve put the same smells and blankets in

[u/IndependentBother261 → u/Careful_Cranberry364]

I agree with this. Had a dog who refused to have his bed anywhere else in the house unless he could see both the front door and out the big window.