Crate Training -- Next Step

[corbinam]

Realizing the hardest part about working full time and raising a puppy. Crate Training, Step 2!

We have Crate Training, Step 1 down pat. That = sleeping in the crate. Enzo has no issues sleeping in his crate when he's tired, at night, during the day, he's good to go.

But, we have had little to no time to work on relaxing in the crate when he's not sleeping and we are home. The idea of putting him in the crate simply to work on "crate training" after he's been crated for the majority of the day doesn't seem fair, and seems to be setting him up for failure, so we really haven't attempted it.

I have had to toss him in there when letting the dogs out or going for a short walk. This morning we also put him back in after he got up at 5:30 to potty. Problem is that he cries. Do we wait him out? At that point, it could take a long time (and see the part where I said I feel bad because he's in his ex-pen most of the day when we are gone) for him to be quiet.

Do I just let him out if he's quiet for 30 seconds? Do I go back and reward him for being quiet? (Hard to do when he isn't hungry!)

Thanks in advance!

 

[Tagg]

I just keep the door to the crate open and they often go there to rest. At this point, I fully agree, that to do special crate training to teach them to be quiet when you are around is not what I would consider humane when they spend so much other time in the crate. Once you feel comfortable with the pup being out most of the time, then start working on quiet time but in the meantime, teach go to crate, or mat or whatever for increasing durations without the door being closed.

 

[BarbV]

This is where my xpen/crate set up is ideal. He has room to play, drink water or sleep. I can do my business around the house without having a puppy attached to my feet. And know that he is safe.

When I leave the house or bedtime, he is tucked in his crate.

Of course, it helps that his potty training has gone well so far. He has never once peed/pood in his den.

 

[bkzoo]

Barb,

Aren't you worried that he will find a spot within the x-pen to use as a bathroom? Or are you just making sure that he is outside often enough that the thought/need never occurs?

 

[corbinam]

This is where my xpen/crate set up is ideal. He has room to play, drink water or sleep. I can do my business around the house without having a puppy attached to my feet. And know that he is safe.

When I leave the house or bedtime, he is tucked in his crate.

Of course, it helps that his potty training has gone well so far. He has never once peed/pood in his den.

Sorry--maybe I wasn't clear. I have the crate + ex-pen set up as well. It is open and he does sleep in it if I put him in there when he is sleepy. However, he cries when I put him in the ex-pen and shut the ex-pen if I am home and he is NOT sleepy and I need to "do things around the house", like you said.

He also does NOT soil his crate OR ex-pen. He is crying because he wants attention/wants out.

 

[Justicemom]

Crate games! You need to be able to put him in a crate randomly and him be quiet for agility. I suggested getting renting the dvd. I have 2 videos of new working with Birch I will send you the links.

 

[Ann]

Problem is that he cries. Do we wait him out? At that point, it could take a long time (and see the part where I said I feel bad because he's in his ex-pen most of the day when we are gone) for him to be quiet.

Yes, you wait him out. Hard as it is to listen to him cry, if you take him out you're rewarding him for crying and he wins. That will create a monster! I know it's tough when you're not there all day, but if you pay attention to him, exercise him and play with him when you're home and need a bit of time to do other things, he should be able to amuse himself in his pen for a bit. Give him a special chew that you reserve for those times only and that can help.

Otherwise...he has to cry. Until he stops. Trust me, they're very smart and learn quickly. It does help if he can't see you when he's whining, so if possible be in another room. If you're in the room, you may have to have a command word, such as "Enzo, quiet!" If he stops crying, praise him.

Good luck!

 

[Toffee's Mom]

Crate games! You need to be able to put him in a crate randomly and him be quiet for agility. I suggested getting renting the dvd. I have 2 videos of new working with Birch I will send you the links.

agreed, also work on go to your mat... or go to your x pen, train it, just like a trick... then add distance and duration use clicker or verbal marker with intermittent treats. Work up to being able to get the puppy excited to get to go to the ex-pen.. add frozen kong or something, too.
and if you're saying he's not hungry yer feeding too much LOL
and yeah don't let him out at that moment when he cries, lol, but yes let him out if he is quiet for 30 seconds, for a baby dog that is an eternity

 

[BarbV]

I bring him out many times per day and pretty much to a fixed schedule.

First thing in the morning, out of crate and potty. Then back in pen while I get coffee and dogs breakfast.

About 10 minutes after breakfast, back outside, and some play. Then back in pen while I get ready for work. At this point, I know he is good. If he whines I ignore.

Before I leave for work he gets a little free time in the house, then back outside just in case, then in the crate with a treat.

Lunch and dinner is pretty much the same drill, though I'm usually home early afternoon, so he gets more pen time rather than crate

He has never pottered in his crate or pen, but mostly because I track his potty schedule (note....it does change as they mature, so I'm continuously adapting....and also wanting to last longer and linger). If he whines, I look for other behaviour....is he circling/sniffing? Then, out we go. If he is just sitting, begging for attention, then I'll show him a toy and walk away.

If he was in a crate all day, I can see that you would be concerned. But because with the pen, he has access to water, toys, then you should not feel guilty.

Think of it this way....when your older dogs sleep all day, do you feel guilty? Not at all! Dogs sleep! Puppies need sleep as much or more. As long as their is sufficient play and exercise in between, the no worries