Crate Training Problems

[BaileysMom]

I have had my puppy for about 5 days and we are having serious crate training problems. I read a dog training book which says that I need to put him in the crate when I leave and ignore him until he stops crying. One little problem: he cries and whines for about a half hour before he quiets down! Additionally, he will wake up at about 1 am and cries again for a while, and then again in the morning.

I have been looking up various articles, which say that I need to make the crate a positive place and play with the puppy as well as click/treat him when he goes into his crate. We have been making progress with this, and he seems to be understanding. I am afraid, however, that tonight he is going to be put in the crate to go to sleep and become afraid of it again.

He has been doing a great job with holding his bladder, but I don't know what to do to confine him until he can make positive associations with his crate. We tried the bathroom with the crate inside last night, but he was crying worse than in the crate.

I was very proud to see he had no accidents in the bathroom when I went to get him this morning, so it did serve it's purpose. I just hate seeing him so miserable and fear for the bathroom door!

ANY suggestions on where I should go from here would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Cindy

 

[emc]

If he's whining only for half an hour before he stops he is doing very well, some puppies just don't want to quit. What you have read is correct, it is best to just ignore the whining, he will eventually settle down and come to see his crate as his own little place to get away from everything, just be sure you don;t use the crate as punishment, eg. he chewed up your shoe so you put him in his crate.

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[bvalenzuela]

Try Comfort Zone For Dogs!!

Hello - I just got a miniature schnauzer that did not let me sleep for three days with his whining and crying. He also was going through seperation anxiety when I left the house. A co-worker recommended the Comfort Zone plug in for Dogs... WOW>.. You have to love science. I Drove to Petco and was skeptical to shell out 45 dollars for a plugin that I thought might not work. So I took the risk and I am happy I did.. The dog settled down right away.. I also did some techniques I read online.. That was appearing and dissapearing from his eyesight, extending the length of time each time... That took his anxiety away the minute he have no vision of me. I hope this helps!!! ohhh don't forget to sprinkle treats in his kennel to reassure him it's a safe and loving place to be.