Making Dogs Be Quiet in Cages

Some view a dog cage or crate as an inhumane tool or punishment. Quite the contrary, a cage reinforces the dog̵7;s natural denning instincts, becoming a safe place where it can go and cuddle up when it wants to be alone. At first, a dog may see the cage as a separation between itself and the family. But after a short acclimation period, which may include a lot of canine vocalization, it begins to settle in.

  1. Welfare Check

    • Although barking and whining is normal in the early stages of cage training, if the dog begins yelping wildly or making sounds that denote that it may be uncomfortable or in pain, it is important to sneak a quick peek inside the cage to make sure all is well. In general, the cage is a safe place, but accidents or sudden illness or injury can never be ruled out. Try to remain discreet during the welfare check, avoiding emotion and eye contact.

    Ignore, Ignore, Ignore

    • Once you are sure Fido is safe in his cage, practice some tough love. Dogs do not respond well to punishment. In fact, the after effects of scolding and yelling at a dog can be disastrous. Ignoring the dog when it is behaving inappropriately is a much better option. If the dog knows that you will come running every time it barks or whines, it will continue to do so. Once it realizes that its shenanigans are getting it nowhere, the dog should begin to pipe down and understand that cage time is quiet time.

    Soothing Solutions

    • Sometimes getting a dog to be quiet in its cage can take a true test of wills. To make the transition easier, move the cage to an area where the dog can see you at all times. This will help it feel secure as it becomes acclimated. Once the dog eases into the idea that the cage is a safe place and not a punishment, it will be less restless, at which point you can move it to a preferred area. Placing a personal item in the cage such as an old shirt, blanket or bath towel that has your scent on it is also comforting to a dog getting acquainted with a cage.

    Deterrents

    • When soothing solutions do not work, deterrents may. Filling a can full of pennies and shaking it each time the dog barks or whines has a startling effect that is usually enough to quell the behavior. Over time, the dog starts to associate the annoying sound of the pennies with its barking and whining in the cage and quiets down. It is important to understand that banging the cage or using any type of aggression to make a dog quiet in its cage is counterproductive.

    Final Note

    • When used with respect, a cage is an ideal form of confinement that offers peace of mind to dog owners. When you bring a puppy or new dog into your home, it is impossible to know whether it will decide to chew your favorite shoes or relieve itself on your priceless Oriental rug. The cage offers a secure option that helps keep the dog out of trouble whenever you are unable to keep an eye on it.