Do you want to move your dog’s crate to a different room? Are you wondering if it’s okay for the crate to be moved from room to room?
Or are you curious about changing the location of your dog’s crate? No matter the question that brought you here, we have the answers for you!
Finding out if you can move your dog’s crate from room to room can be tricky, especially if you have never done it before (see also ‘Can You Put Dog Crate In Your Bedroom?‘).
You worry about the outcomes, will your dog hate the new location? Will they still like their crate? Will they accept the change?
You head online for some guidance and advice but are met with conflicting answers that leave you unsure what to do or who to trust.
Well, no more! Today, we are here with the answers you need.
Keep reading to find out if you can move your dog’s crate from room to room and everything you need to know about it!
Can I Move My Dog’s Crate From Room To Room?
Yes, you can move your dog’s crate from room to room!
While a dog’s crate is their safe space for them to enter as and when needed, it doesn’t need to be fixed to one location permanently.
Moving the crate is a good thing to do, as it teaches your dog they can be comfortable and relax wherever the crate is! It’s better to move your dog’s crate around while they are a puppy so they get used to it.
That said, you can move the crate around with an older dog, it might just take them longer to get used to the change.
When moving your dog’s crate, you need to consider where you are moving it to. Regardless of the room, the crate needs to be in a quiet space where your dog can rest.
You should look to avoid high-traffic areas (like walkways) and tuck your crate somewhere that your dog can relax and get their sleep.
Now that we have established that you can move your dog’s crate from room to room, let’s dive in further to learn more about how you can do this!
When Should I Move My Dog’s Crate?
It’s best to move your dog’s crate in the morning. You don’t want to move the crate before bed time, especially if your dog sleeps in their crate (see also ‘Is It Better For Dogs To Sleep In A Crate Or A Bed?‘). This will only cause upset and might impact how well they sleep.
Ideally, you will want to keep a crate in your bedroom (if your dog sleeps upstairs) and a separate crate downstairs.
This way you can move your dog’s crate freely around your home, but their bed remains in the same place. Your dog is more likely to react well to this, and it shouldn’t cause too many issues.
How Should I Move My Dog’s Crate?
You should create a good routine that you can follow when moving your dog’s crate. Dog’s respond well to routine (especially herding dogs), so by starting this early, your dog will fall into the routine.
Start small, move your dog’s crate around in the room it is used to. Make sure the space is quiet and where they can relax. After moving the crate, try and coax them in.
You might need to use some treats here to lure them in!
Don’t force them, let them come to the cage on their own and settle. You might notice they scratch or move their bedding around while they settle into the crate. Don’t panic, this is normal.
After a few days or weeks in one space, you can move the crate to another room. When you are moving the crate from room to room, make sure that the location makes sense.
Moving it into an unused bedroom isn’t likely to help them settle. Likewise, putting the crate in a cold, drafty room won’t be pleasant!
Once they are used to the crate moving, you can create the routine. It might be every Monday that you move the crate, or every other Tuesday.
Find a time and day that works for you and try to stick to it as much as possible.
Move the crate with all its bedding when your dog isn’t in the crate. Make sure you are also putting some fresh food and water near the crate for them to access too.
What Should I Do If My Dog Doesn’t Like The Crate Being Moved?
You should try and continue for as long as possible. Older dogs will take longer to respond to change, so don’t worry if it takes several weeks for your dog to get to grips with the change.
Use plenty of treats and positive reinforcement so your dog knows the change is a good thing, rather than a punishment.
You don’t want to upset them! Keep all of their blankets and bedding inside the crate too, so they recognize it as a familiar and safe space for them.
If your dog is dead against the change, consider why you are moving the crate from room to room. It might be easier (and less stressful) to have a separate crate upstairs or in the car for your dog (see also ‘How To Secure A Dog Crate In A Car‘).
It can be easier to train them to use this crate too than to disrupt their whole routine.
Alternatively, if the crate is only being moved temporarily, power through. If it isn’t long-term, you and your dog can cope with the change and normality will resume.
You will just need to give your dog a little more affection and coaxing to use its crate until it can be moved to its usual location.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, you can move your dog’s crate from room to room!
When doing so, you will want to follow a routine and provide your dog with lots of affection and positive reinforcement so that they see the change as a good thing!
