Not Playing when Left Alone

My Dog is getting much better at being left alone, he is at his most comfortable in his crate when left alone. The only issue we have is that he does not use any of his toys or treats when he is in the crate.

I leave his Kong and normal squeaky toy or a bone that he would spend lots of time with if i was in the house with him but if its in the crate OR left alone elsewhere in the house, he wont touch them.

Any ideas of toys/activities that work in crates and is there any training i can do to make him use the toys when he is on his own??

Cheers for any advice

When Moo's on her own she just sleeps, so I can't really help there Xx

My 2 just sleep most of the time they are alone as well

Mmmmm could it be that he sleeps when you're out? Betsy is out for the count.

I'm not sure as am new to this myself, but am thinking does he have positive associations around his crate? Have you tried putting his food in it/everything that's good so it becomes just the best place to be?

How is he with training? If he gets excited by pleasing you I do this with Betsy where she always does a few tricks before getting any treats. The final one is to put it in the crate but with "wait". Only on the "take it" can she have the treat. It might be worth a try?

Tommy used to just fall to sleep if he was in his crate , Tilly would just stare at you through the bars

Mine don't bother with toys when they are left alone. They will eat but aren't really interested in playing or anything. A stuffed kong might change his mind! To be honest if he's relaxed and settled in his crate I shouldn'y worry too much.

janey wrote:

When Moo's on her own she just sleeps, so I can't really help there Xx

tyke is the same, i do not worry about it as when we are with him he up and about either playing or looking for cuddles

I don't think not playing is a worry.
A great many choose to sleep almost exclusively when left to their own devices - I'm seeing this in most of my fosters.

Rocky just jumps on our bed for a snooze when we leave him on his own too. Seems to be the most popular activity

My 2 also sleep when we are not there