Agree with last poster: their senses, hearing and sight diminish, so they feel vulnerable. Imagine it being like someone sneeking up on you all the time.

Have her eyesight checked. Ours did this when he started to go blind.

When our dog got older and arthritic she took to her "spot" and stayed there most of the time when she was inside. It was a corner, so she probably felt safer there. Her hearing was going, too. I think they just get to a point where they don't want to move around a lot and want to hang out in the most comfortable, safest den-like spot they've got.

Our dog is 12 years old and quite arthritic. For several months now, she won't leave her crate when we come home. I usually have to entice her out with a treat.

I asked my vet about this, and she said it sounds like something scared her and that's why she's reluctant to leave the crate. I have no idea what caused this. We boarded her a few months ago, and I'm wondering if this has something to do with it.

Anyone else successfully deal with this issue?