Previously our dog would lie on a blanket on the floor in the living room during the evening and I would take her to her bed / crate when we went to bed. Now she is taking herself to her crate / bed at 9 pm. Is this normal? I am wondering if the carpet is less comfortable than the mattress in crate, or why else she should do this?
Hi @Elsie She knows the routine now and is anticipating you. Manifestly she regards the crate as a rewarding experience. I suspect along with you she finds the bedding in the crate more comfortable, And the wall of the crate provides some support as opposed to the blanket just put on the carpet.
My pup started doing this as well. Crate is in the den. She won’t go into it to lie down during the day unless she is extremely tired out. In the evening she hangs out on the carpet usually while we’re watching TV. Then when it’s time she’ll head into the crate to call it a night. I’ve been happy with that pattern.