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What to do if new dog is always in her crate?

I rescue a 10 yrs old timid dog, she mostly wants to be in her crate- Should I close the crate and make her stay out with me, so she can get used to me? She will sit with me to pat her but once done, she goes back in her crate. I have only had her for 5 days. Her back ground is her hair was so matter (fleas) that they had to shave her. And her tail got run over part of it fell off.

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Thank you, I want to make sure that I am doing the right thing by her and not pushing her too soon. I am letting her stay in her cage but leaving the door open so if she wants to come out she can.

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Thank you for rescuing an older pup, I applaud you. Many pups consider their crate a safe place so it is natural yours seeks it out when looking to rest. Given time I would expect your pup to spend less and less time in the crate and more time with you. I wouldn't rush it just give the pup time to acclimate to your home and you. And thanks again for adopting a senior pet.

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I am sure she is grateful to you for giving her a loving home! I agree with everyone, things are new for her... maybe “new” hasn’t always been good for her so she’s just going through a feeling out process. Her crate is definitely her safe place as far as I can tell from your post so please don’t shut her out of it. This can cause anxiety and in turn activate other behaviors that might not be ideal for a pet. You can try rewarding her with praise and a treat when she comes to you, reward her throughout her stay outside of the crate to create a safe and positive environment for her. She seems to have taken a liking to you so another thing you can do is just let her be herself, give her space and even try to ignore her a bit at times. She might come to you looking for attention and that’s ok! She should venture out on her own time and accord and you will see she will soon roam around with a little less weight on her shoulders. I also want to add that some dogs’ personalities are just set (I’m sure this can be curbed quite a bit with professional help). Some of them are jumpy or extra cautious to the point where it seems they can’t trust anybody! Maybe it’s from the way they’ve lived in the past or it might just be innate behavior, but I’ve met dogs that no matter how long you’ve known them or how well you treat them they just aren’t the cuddly type and would much rather find a corner or somewhere off to the side (or a crate*) to spend their time than to have anything to do with their owners. They will, of course, occasionally go and check on you and look for some love and affection but for the most part are complete loners and are always watching their back! Lol if you’ve never come across a dog like this it’s almost hard to imagine!! Either way, once there’s a bond one shares with a dog it really is unbreakable and I’m sure your relationship will be so rewarding for both of you!

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I agree with Walt! Everything is so new and scary to her. She will come around with time but definitely leave the crate open for her to go in and out as she pleases. I would continue as you are doing knowing that it will just take take and she will come around at her own pace. * Congratulations on your new adoption. May your new pup found her forever home! Best of Luck!

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Dogs are den animals, it's totally just so she feels most safe. In time she will for sure come around to you.