Hi, my family and I are new to BW, and new Boxer parents. We got our puupy 2 weeks ago, and he's now 8 weeks old. So here's some background before I get to my question. We've been using a crate from day 1...he sleeps really well in there at night, my husband and I get up every few hours to let him out. And he also takes several of his naps during the day in there, and he doesn't mind. Housebreaking has been going better than we anticipated...we've had relatively few accidents, I think because we mostly take him out preventatively...when should we wait for him to ask? When will he start asking us? SOmetimes we can tell if we wait long enough, but I would rather prevent them in the first place. Now for crate question...we're having a hard time getting him acclimated to being in the crate when he's awake. We started at 5 minutes with us near, and are up to 10...but he cries much of the time. Should we be waiting for him to have a good 10 minutes before increasing the time? And when he cries, is it better for us to firmly tell him to lie down and be quiet, or is it better for us to ignore him completely and just make sure he can see us? And if we don't have to have a good interval before lengthening it, will he just eventually learn to be quiet in there? THis is the main thing driving me crazy right now. I know it will take time, so trying to be patient, just would love some advice from the experts!! Thanks, Anna

Hi Anna, and welcome to Boxerworld :)
Should we be waiting for him to have a good 10 minutes before increasing the time? And when he cries, is it better for us to firmly tell him to lie down and be quiet, or is it better for us to ignore him completely and just make sure he can see us?
I'd probably wait until he can spend 5 or 10 minutes quietly before extending the time (you may like to try as little as 30 seconds without crying at first). I always just ignore - to some dogs any attention is better than none.

For this type of crating, are you giving him a Kong stuffed with something yummy, or a bone, or similar when he goes in? If not, this might help him forget about crying to come out.

If you have an open (wire) crate, and have not got a cover on it, try draping a sheet over it .... you might already be doing this though.

All the best - sounds like you are on the right track :)

Sharon

I will try shorter times...I think part of my problem is that there are times when it's necessary for me to leave the room, BRIEFLY, I know this is not adviced...but when my son wakes up from nap and needs a diaper change and I'm home alone...so I only do that when absolutely necessary...so Riley (my dog) cries then, but is fine when I return..still whines a bit...I do give him a kong with peanut butter and he loves that...and have recently tried a sheet over his crate...don't know if that's any better yet or not though. So it sounds like it'll just take time eh? sigh...I know it'll be worth it though!!!

Anna

Hi Anna, if you have to leave the room, then leave, it won't cause any long term harm and pup will need to get used to the fact you are not always in the room :) Just ignore him for a little bit when you get back. Yep, time is the thing that helps most really. Where and when you are able, just try the tiny steps and I'm sure crate training Riley will go really well :) You could also try feeding him in his crate, if you are not doing that already (no need to close the door, but after a couple of meals in there you might like to try the door closed).

Sharon

I forgot to ask this in my initial question...but I was also wondering if it's possible to "spoil" the puppy too much. Like we let him takes a few naps on us, or the couch...during this initial crate time, should he be taking all his naps in the crate just so he gets used to it? Any ideas on that? On the other hand, I also think it's great bonding time to let him sleep and cuddle with us too...hmmm....what to do?

Thanks, Anna