Transitioning Adult Dog from Sleeping in a Crate to Free Roaming – Help Needed

Seeking help
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Hello folks…

I’m seeking advice on transitioning my 4-year-old Sheltie/Aussie/Pit mix from sleeping in her crate to having the freedom to roam at night. She’s been well crate-trained and has done great with it, but with plans to get another dog, we’d like to have both dogs sleep with us or on a dog bed in our room.

Here’s the situation: the first night we allowed her to sleep outside her crate, she did okay—she was a bit restless but overall managed. The crate is still accessible to her, but she hasn’t chosen to use it on her own since then.

However, last night was challenging. She woke me up around 2AM and has been crying and pacing for about two and a half hours. It’s clear she’s stressed and maybe a bit hyper-vigilant since we were sleeping. I tried putting her back in her crate, hoping it would help her relax, but she’s still struggling.

I’m considering giving her half a Trazadone during this adjustment period, but I’m hesitant because it makes her extremely lethargic, and I’m not comfortable with her being on it long-term.

Any tips or suggestions on how to help her adjust more comfortably without relying on medication would be greatly appreciated. Thank you :yum:

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Are you keeping the crate open all day for him to go in if he wants? Are you using positive reinforcement for this?

If you put his favorite treats and toys inside the crate and gradually increase the time he spends in there, while also training him to respond to the “crate” command, you’re more likely to avoid issues.

For some dogs, you need to work through training step by step. If you only put him in the crate for short periods or use it only at night or when you leave, he might start to see it negatively. Instead, make the crate a welcoming place where he can go in and out as he pleases. Avoid using it as a punishment; if he associates the crate with negative experiences, it will be harder for him to see it as a positive space.

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I trained my Aussie to go into his crate on his own by using treats. I also used a special toy that you can smear with peanut butter and leave in the crate. When my Aussie went in by himself, he’d get a reward. We taught him to enter the crate on command and made sure he felt comfortable by using positive reinforcement, like his favorite treats or a toy he loved.