What should I do if my puppy keeps barking in the cage?
In the past 10 days, the topic of pet training has been very popular on social media, especially the issue of "puppies kept barking in cages", which has triggered widespread discussion. Many novice dog owners are at a loss what to do and even have the idea of abandoning their dog. This article will combine popular discussions and expert advice across the Internet to provide you with systematic solutions.
1. Why do puppies keep barking when they are locked in a cage?

| Reason type | Specific performance | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| separation anxiety | Continuous barking after the owner is out of sight | 42% |
| Uncomfortable environment | Cage space/temperature/hygiene issues | 28% |
| unmet needs | Hungry/thirst/need to eliminate | 18% |
| habit problem | Caging habits have not been established | 12% |
2. TOP5 solutions that are hotly discussed on the entire network
| method | support rate | Effective time | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| progressive adaptation training | 89% | 2-4 weeks | Need to be patient |
| Cage entertainment configuration | 76% | Instant | Pay attention to toy safety |
| Smell soothing method | 68% | 1-3 days | Use the owner's old clothes |
| positive reinforcement training | 92% | 1-2 weeks | Requires snack rewards |
| White noise assist | 55% | Instant | The volume should not be too loud |
3. Step-by-step solutions recommended by experts
Step One: Cage Environment Optimization
• Choose an appropriately sized cage (one that allows you to stand and turn around)
• Lay waterproof mat + soft blanket combination
• Place chew-resistant toys (KONG toys are the most recommended)
• Keep well ventilated and out of direct sunlight
Step 2: Establish a positive association
1. Initial stage: keep the cage door open and place food inside
2. Advanced stage: close the door for 5 minutes and give rewards
3. Consolidation phase: Gradually extend the closing time
4. The ultimate goal: to achieve voluntary cage rest
Step Three: Immediate Actions to Deal with Barking
| barking period | coping strategies | effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| When just caged | Ignore + wait for quiet reward | ★★★★☆ |
| Lasts through the night | Cover the cage to create a cave feel | ★★★☆☆ |
| early morning barking | Adjust feeding/defecation times | ★★★★★ |
4. Sharing of recent popular experiences on the Internet
The "15-day training plan" of Douyin user @梦petDIary received 230,000 likes:
• Days 1-3: 5 short 1-minute cage stays per day
• Days 4-7: Extend to 10 minutes and add interactive toys
• Days 8-15: Achieve 2 hours of quiet solitude
List of the most collected items in Xiaohongshu:
1. Slow-eating toys (reduce anxiety)
2. Camera (remote observation)
3. Pheromone spray (calm down)
4. Sound insulation mat (prevention of disturbing residents)
5. Mistakes to avoid
| wrong behavior | negative impact |
|---|---|
| Release immediately when barking | Reinforce wrong behavior |
| Beat and scold severely | intensify fear |
| punishment in cage | space aversion |
| long term confinement | affect mental health |
6. Handling special situations
•puppy stage: It is recommended to use a fence rather than a fully enclosed cage before 3 months of age
•Sick dog care: Veterinarians suggest that it is better to use a flight box
•multi-dog family: Need to be trained separately to avoid mutual influence
According to the latest research by pet behaviorists, 90% of cage barking problems can be improved within 30 days. The key is to understand that this is the dog's way of communicating and requires the owner to respond in the correct way. If trying various methods still doesn't work, it is recommended to consult a professional dog trainer or animal behavior expert.
Final reminder: Many places have recently promulgated "Regulations on Dog Breeding Management", among which Hangzhou, Chengdu and other places have included "continuous barking of dogs to disturb people" as penalties. Properly solving the problem of cage barking is not only a sign of dog love, but also the responsibility of civilized dog owners.
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