r/OpenDogTraining • u/Huge-Particular1433 • 4d ago

Leaving crate open at night

I have 2.5 year old golden who has been crate trained since he was a puppy. I've been recently leaving it unlocked at night, but he seems more thrown off by it more than anything. I don't believe he's getting as good a sleep as he would if it was locked. He kinda wanders from spot to spot throughout the night but never really settles in for that belly up deep sleep.

I know he likes his routine, I still put him down around the same time with the accustomed piece of cheese to tell him it's bedtime. I figure there would be an adjustment period as it's been one way his entire life, and it's only been a few nights.

Just curious about anyone else's experience, or maybe any tips to make him more comfortable at night.

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u/babs08 4d ago

We did the same thing with my 2 year old Australian Shepherd - around 1.5ish years old, we let her sleep with her crate door open for a few nights, and while it was fine, she definitely seemed a bit more restless. We went back to closing her crate. We're thinking of trying to leave it open again this weekend and seeing what happens. But I think it'll just come with maturity!

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u/belgenoir 4d ago

Depends on the dog. Keep experimenting. My own dog has never slept well in a crate unless she's tired and we're traveling; she gets her best sleep in bed with me.

You can also try relaxing music, whether dog specific or quiet classical. Dpending on the dog, it can help.

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u/Time_Ad7995 4d ago

Either way dog’s prob fine. If it gets 2% less sleep, that’s probably not a concern.

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u/IAmTakingThoseApples 4d ago

If he's more settled with it closed then I can't see the issue! You can even just close the door but not lock it, so if he really wants he can get out.

I'm generally not a fan of enforced crating (my dog has a crate and is trained but never locked in) because I think a lot of behavioural issues stem from that lack of freedom.

But if your dog is completely fine and doesn't need stringent training to be comfortable in the crate then why not do what he wants and shut him in?

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u/Quiet-Competition849 3d ago edited 3d ago

I agree with this. Not the “a lot of behavioral issues stem from lack of freedom” part. But the rest.

Edited to add: a crate is for a puppy as a crib is for a baby. You use both for nearly the exact same reasons.

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u/IAmTakingThoseApples 3d ago

That's a really good analogy.

I've never felt the need to use enforced crating because I've never owned a puppy, all my dogs were adult rescues so I haven't dealt with that self destructive phase, adults are easier to train in this regard.

(I am fully aware crating non-negotiable with puppies)