Crate Training Help

[TexasFan99]

Hi everyone! I have read some of the threads on the site, but I need some additional help. I have a 1.5 year old Min Pin/Chihuahua mix. I adopted him from the SPCA in March of this year and have been able to work with him quite a bit. He was a very nervous little pup when I first got him, which is understandable. He knows his basic commands, good on a leash, etc. He is a sweetheart, loves to be petted, loves to show affection. The only problem is the crate. Generally he will run right in and he gets his treat, but I recently moved and I think the move has him a little nervous. I am not sure if this is a breed issue or maybe his passed shelter life or even possibly a combination. However, now when he knows I am leaving he will get underneath the futon in my bedroom and I cannot get him out. If I try to get him he will show his teeth and even bite. I don't think he is biting as hard as he could, but a bite is a bite in my book. I love this dog to pieces, but I cannot have a dog that bites. I want to fix this so badly. I want him calm and want him to understand I am not leaving him forever and that I love him. But why is this aggression coming out and what can I do to fix this problem. This is the only time he is aggressive. Can anyone provide me with any tips or insights? I love him to death and would do anything for him, but I cannot have him biting. I have another dog a yellow lab that is trained well. She is 5 years old and gets in and out of her crate just fine. I trained her myself as well and she has done well. What am I doing wrong?

 

[Maliraptor]

You need to crate him before it is obvious you are leaving. In fact, I'd crate him some while you are home, as well. Short periods of time.

By getting ready to leave, then stopping to grab him and put him in his crate, you've done two thing. First of all, you've clearly told him, "I'm leaving now". Secondly, you've put this off until the last possible moment, when you are limited on time and need to leave. He can feel this, and the added stress to you of "must get him in there now and leave" can make for an iffy situation.

Go back to crate training. Make it a game, if you have to, when you are home. Crate him some when you are home. Feed him in there, give him a toy, etc. Then let him out again. Reward going in. When you need to leave, put him in there first, then get ready and go.

As far as the biting, you're right, a bite is a bite. If it keeps up I would consider a visit with a behaviorist or trainer that can see it in person.

In my 18 years with dogs, both as a Vet Tech and a Trainer, I've been bitten three times. Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, and Terrier X. And keep in mind, I work and train big dogs that are trained to bite. ;-)

 

[TexasFan99]

Okay, yes that makes perfect sense! You are right, I did not think about waiting until the last minute thing. I am sure he probably can sense my level of stress and needing to get out of the house and get to work. Next week I think I will see about putting him in there before I am even ready for work. Maybe changing it up a bit will help!

I think I am also going to try feeding him in his crate to possibly get him to understand that it is a safe place to be and I am not leaving him forever.

I always give him and Dakota a treat when they go in. Dakota loves her crate; she knows she always gets a treat so she takes of running full blast wanting her treat! I hope that he can get there one day as well.

I will try small games with him as well and put him in there while I am home for small periods of time. I will make sure he has a toy available for some entertainment.

I think you are right, I need to go back to basics and change it up some.

 

[Kilter]

Agree, crate him before you get ready to go, and make more short crate times too.

For hiding under the furniture, go get some boxes and block off that 'option' for a while (if he can't do it, he will give up on that). Or, put a long, lightweight string/leash on when he's in the house so you're 'safe' as far as getting him out.

You can also treat him in the crate by just putting a treat in often throughout the day, don't tell him or do anything.

If it's a leave for work at the same time of day thing, make that dinnertime for a few weeks, and make it even better.

 

[Mach1girl]

My 7 dogs all eat in their crate, sleep in their crate, get put in their crate when we are not home, at night, and have time out in their crate. Get cookies in their crate and chewy bones in their crate. It was the best thing I could have taught them having 7.

 

[Nikole Fairview]

Yes this should work

You need to crate him before it is obvious you are leaving. In fact, I'd crate him some while you are home, as well. Short periods of time.

By getting ready to leave, then stopping to grab him and put him in his crate, you've done two thing. First of all, you've clearly told him, "I'm leaving now". Secondly, you've put this off until the last possible moment, when you are limited on time and need to leave. He can feel this, and the added stress to you of "must get him in there now and leave" can make for an iffy situation.

Go back to crate training. Make it a game, if you have to, when you are home. Crate him some when you are home. Feed him in there, give him a toy, etc. Then let him out again. Reward going in. When you need to leave, put him in there first, then get ready and go.

As far as the biting, you're right, a bite is a bite. If it keeps up I would consider a visit with a behaviorist or trainer that can see it in person.

In my 18 years with dogs, both as a Vet Tech and a Trainer, I've been bitten three times. Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, and Terrier X. And keep in mind, I work and train big dogs that are trained to bite. ;-)

I love this forum. Great advice Maliraptor. You're really on point with this.