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Subject: Crate training

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Carebear

Newbie

04/17/2007 9:38 AM
I have some more questions about crate training. Ginger is 9 weeks old now. And we have had her for 3 weeks. When no one is home we put her in her crate. She seems so stressed out about it. She cries and cries. I feel so bad. Also when we let her out... she can't seem to calm herself down for quite a while... any suggestions on how to make this easier for her... and us?

~~ Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.~~ Carrie

DaisysMom

Moderator
Moderator

04/17/2007 10:46 AM
Will need some more information... What size is the crate and is it small enough or do you have it blocked off so that she only has room to lie down and turn around in? Do you have it coverered on the top, sides, and back if it is a wire crate? Doing so can make them feel more secure and that it is more "den-like". Do you have something soft in it for her to lie down on? I would recommend that you crate her occasionally while you are home so she does not associate the crate solely with you being gone from the home. Also, try (as I did) giving her a small, special treat EVERY time she has to go to crate. I use liver treats - and when I grab them now in the morning, Daisy hits the crate at top speed, turns around and lies down and waits A KONG is also an excellent choice - you can fill it with peanut butter, treats, or a combination. They also sell special cans of "filler" for them in various flavors (think Cheez Whiz can). These are good for keeping a dog occupied for a while. While you are at home, get her to go into her crate, either by using a treat or placing her in the crate and giving her a treat. Then give her a filled Kong or perhaps a Nylabone edible chewy, something that she loves, but doesn't get often - thus making it a special treat. Shut and latch the door and sit nearby. See if she remains quit and engaged with her treat. Gradually work up to moving further and further way. Do not engage with her if she starts to cry/bark. Do not let her out of the crate if she is fussing in any way. Like a child, she will learn that crying gets her what she wants But do make sure while you are practicing placing her in the crate while you are home that you start with short periods of time and allow her to leave the crate before she starts to cry/bark. Make sure when you do open the crate to do so with minimal fuss, no talking to her, cooing, loving on her. Just be very matter-of-fact. Making a fuss that you are home and she can come out now will only reinforce her doggie mind that there is something to be upset about in the first place.

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

rattytatty

Newbie

04/17/2007 12:17 PM
Touche' Tracey....

DaisysMom

Moderator
Moderator

04/17/2007 12:21 PM
Sorry, Nora

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

rattytatty

Newbie

04/17/2007 12:24 PM
?? Sorry about what??

DaisysMom

Moderator
Moderator

04/17/2007 12:27 PM
I thought you were poking fun of me for posting to a training question (And I know you were kidding know matter what you said)

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

rattytatty

Newbie

04/17/2007 12:28 PM
good grief... ANYone can post to a training question. You're just faster than I am, is all ... ôô

DaisysMom

Moderator
Moderator

04/17/2007 12:31 PM
Did I miss anything???? And, I really, really hope we could get at least this type of stuff back from the old site. There was so much good information already detailed on there. I may be occasionally quicker on the draw - 'course that's probably because you've got more of a life than I do

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

rattytatty

Newbie

04/17/2007 2:01 PM
There is a wonderful article on crate training published by the Humane Society of the United States, which we contribute to on a fairly regular basis. We receive newsletters and cute address labels from them, and sometimes some cute little greeting cards with dogs and/or cats on them. It says it all in a nutshell. Can we post that here.. or do we need to obtain permission? I mean... if we post it here and give them credit... is that ok?

Mitzy's Mom

Alpha Feist

04/17/2007 2:06 PM
I sure hope it's ok to do that....because I've done it over on the Health forum for a couple things! I just make sure to give them credit and give a web address when I can.

Mary Beth, mom to the Lollipop Kids Georgia Foster Mom www.ratbonerescues.com; www.newrattitude.org

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