First time poster, long time lurker. My best doggo friend (above) died last October at 7 years old from lymphoma. She was a great best adventure dog, always up for anything. She was just the best.
Our new rescue (have had her for about 6mo) is great, but is just a very different dog. She has a lot of anxiety about being in enclosed spaces (hates a crate). Thankfully she loves hiking and being outdoors. I hope to start backpacking with her here soon, so I set up our tent indoors to try it out, and as soon as I close the tent door a few minutes later she is pacing and trying to escape, and just won't settle. She will go in on her own without issue if the door is open though.
We've tried to sleep in it twice now, and both times after about 5 minutes from closing the door she is on escape mode. If I open the door she leaves, jumps up on our bed where she normally sleeps, and won't come back in.
Should I try sleeping in it outside with her? More treats? Just more desensitization training? Any insight is much appreciated!
Edited to add: Should have mentioned, while my dog hates her crate, she is at the point where she tolerates it now for about 4 hours without throwing a fit. Thanks!
First time poster, long time lurker. My best doggo friend (above) died last October at 7 years old from lymphoma. She was a great best adventure dog, always up for anything. She was just the best.
Our new rescue (have had her for about 6mo) is great, but is just a very different dog. She has a lot of anxiety about being in enclosed spaces (hates a crate). Thankfully she loves hiking and being outdoors. I hope to start backpacking with her here soon, so I set up our tent indoors to try it out, and as soon as I close the tent door a few minutes later she is pacing and trying to escape, and just won't settle. She will go in on her own without issue if the door is open though.
We've tried to sleep in it twice now, and both times after about 5 minutes from closing the door she is on escape mode. If I open the door she leaves, jumps up on our bed where she normally sleeps, and won't come back in.
Should I try sleeping in it outside with her? More treats? Just more desensitization training? Any insight is much appreciated!
Edited to add: Should have mentioned, while my dog hates her crate, she is at the point where she tolerates it now for about 4 hours without throwing a fit. Thanks!
Tent anxiety recommendations?
BackpackingDogs