German Shepherd puppy

[Ladydame]

Hello everyone. I just got a female German shepherd puppy yesterday. She is 6 weeks old. She is really sweet. I'm in the process of crate training her. She cries so bad when she's in the crate. She stops when we leave, but I was wondering what to do at night? She knows we're here and cries. I had a basset hound trained the same and I don't remember her crying in the crate that bad. Should I just keep trying? Thanks!

[Tay]

Is the crate in your room?
well keep trying she just needs to get use to it if it keeps happining than try staying by her for awhile
when my dog was a puppy she was also crying when we were sleeping so we had the tv on for her and for some weird reason she liked hearing the tv.

[pup-man]

6 weeks is really young for a puppy. I don't recommend them being away from their moms/litter mates until at least 8 weeks. But what's done is done.

Yes, crying in their crates is normal at first. There are tons of things you can do to make it a positive experience for him/her (e.g, feeding in their crates, start with little time crating and progressively getting longer, toys in their crates, etc..) You can do a search for "crate training" and fine numerous things and discussions regarding this on this forum.

[Ladydame]

Thanks guys. I thought six weeks was really young too, but we have her now. The basset hound has been wonderful and has gone in the crate with her a couple of times. Last night she was happiest snuggled between me and my fiance. She keeps laying on my feet. I think I might try a couple of old stuffed animals or let the basset stay with her off and on. Thanks for your help. I'll keep you posted and any other suggestions are welcomed.

[Fran27]

I suggest doing a search on crate training.

[RedyreRottweilers]

Ditto Fran.

Also, critical periods in puppies (this will tell you why it is SO BAD for puppies to leave their littermates before at LEAST 7 weeks).

Put the crate by your bedside, and yep, you will live with some crying for a few days.

[Serena]

Honestly you got the puppy yesterday, she is lonely and in a new enviroment. Crying is to be expected.

Ignore her crying. Ground rules need to be set immediately with this breed and she needs to know right now that she can not have her way by whining.

Keeping her crate in your bedroom where she can see you may be comforting for her, be prepared to have a few nights of resless sleep.

There are tons of threads on crate training on this forum.

A few other things.

A few days ago you were here trying to decide on whether to get a GSD or Husky, what changed? I am really dissapointed that this was not better planned out or researched.

A new pet should never be gotten on an impulse.

Six weeks is far too young for her to leave her Dam and littermates and you will have your work cut out for you.

Because she was seperated too early she has yet to learn bite inhibition. You will have to teach her this and it will have to begin immediately.

If you have not yet found a qualified trainer in your area do so now because as soon as your puppy has received all required vaccines she should be immediately enrolled in obedience classes.

In the meantime basic training should begin in your home. Right now you should start shaping your puppy into the kind of dog you want her to be.

This is NOT an option.

GSD's require TONS of training and socialization if they are to grow into well respected members of canine society.

They should come with a tag that says "Train me or lose my respect"

You now share your life with the most special breed, and a breed that I am PROUD to call my heart breed.

Be WORTHY of her.