There are several advantages to crate training your dog for both yourself and your pet. If you have happened to come home to find that your dog has chewed through their crate, we know it’s not a pleasant sight.

However, dogs frequently have this issue, particularly young pups under the age of two. Dogs frequently get acute separation anxiety or go through stressful situations.

Additionally, your dog might escape from their crate due to boredom or a lack of activity. However, dogs often become more able to adapt to their surroundings as they grow up.

With time, your dog’s tendency to destroy its crate should significantly reduce. Although, there are ways to prevent this from happening at all.

In this article, we will discuss why your dog chewed through its crate and what you can do to avoid this happening in the future.

Dangers Of Crate Chewing

Gnawing on their crate can be dangerous for your dog, in addition to the obvious harm that crate biting does to the crate.

Dogs of all ages, including puppies, frequently chew on both the crate’s contents and the crate itself, which can be dangerous. The animal can suffocate if they swallow the damaged bedding or crate material

In addition to that, permanent crate biting for both puppies and adult dogs’ can damage your dog’s teeth. Crate chewing can lead to cracked, loose, or damaged teeth.

Check your dog or puppy’s mouth frequently if they have a history of crate biting. Look for deterioration, such as cracking and discoloration, on the tooth’s surface.

Reasons Why Your Dog Is Chewing Through Its Crate

Cage biting is a typical crate behavior issue that many dog owners have, despite the fact that you spent so much time carefully crate training your dog. There are numerous potential causes for this.

Teething Issues

Probably the most frequent cause of a puppy chewing on his crates bars is teething. Puppies enjoy chewing on hard objects to relieve the pain of their teeth growing in, much like human babies do.

The crate bars are the obvious item for your puppy to gnaw on within the crate.

Scared Of Crates

Your dog could be terrified of being trapped in their crate if they were crate trained incorrectly. The crate you use for your dog should be cozy, and a secure space where your dog enjoys spending time.

Your dog will be happier in the crate if you provide it with a cozy crate pad or mat, and give them lots of entertaining crate toys to keep them entertained. Finally, make sure they have access to fresh, clean water.

Spending Too Much Time Inside The Crate

When potty training your dog, you may use a crate to keep them confined for brief periods of time. Also, to stop disruptive behavior when you’re not home to observe your pet.

Yet, crate-training your dog for prolonged periods of time will eventually result in behavioral issues like crate biting.

Separation Anxiety

 

Certain dog breeds are inherently attached to their human family and can’t stand to be separated from them. Separation anxiety is a condition that might show itself by your dog chewing on their crates bars.

While you can utilize the crate to manage the issue, dogs who suffer from separation anxiety may find being confined in one to be quite upsetting. Especially if their owner is away from them.

We advise consulting a qualified animal behaviorist if your dog exhibits severe anxiety when left alone, even for brief durations.

Lack Of Exercise

Dogs of all breeds require daily exercise to maintain their happiness and health.

Without spending some enjoyable time playing with your dog or taking them for a walk before you put them in their crate while you’re at work, you’re setting yourself up for issues.

A dog with excessive energy may find another way to release it, which may show itself as chewing on the crate or persistent barking (see also ‘How To Get Your Puppy To Stop Barking In Their Crate!‘).

How To Stop Your Dog Chewing Through Their Crate?

There are a couple of things you can do to prevent your dog from chewing through their crate. This involves the following:

  • Metal Dog Crates – Metal is quite challenging for dogs to gnaw through. We advise you to purchase a steel crate if your dog has already gnawed through a thin metal one.
  • Toys – One of the most effective ways to keep your pet busy and provide them with stimulation other than chewing on their crate is by giving them toys. Anxiety dog mats, ropes, and plush animals are a few of the best toys you can get for your dog to prevent them from biting on their crate.
  • Calming Treats – Dog soothing treats can greatly minimize the amount of time your dog spends chewing on their crate. Hemp oil, melatonin, and chamomile are just a few of the active components that might help soothe your dog. Dog soothing chews are an effective approach to lessen your dog’s tension, fears, anxiety, and overall aggressive behavior.
  • Exercise – Regular exercise will not only help them stop chewing on their crate, but will also settle them down while you are gone. You may do this by bringing them for walks, runs, hikes, or even to the dog park.

Conclusion

Due to teething, puppies often chew on their crates (see also ‘Why Is My Puppy Chewing On His Crate?‘). Crate biting, though, can also be a sign of other conditions. Such as confinement issues, terror of the crate, a lack of exercise or separation anxiety.

If you see your dog chewing on their crate, it’s crucial that you take one of the preventative measures mentioned above. This could be you purchasing your dog more toys to keep them entertained or give them more exercise.

We hope this article has been helpful. Now you should have a better understanding on why your dog is chewing through its crate.