6 Month old pup freaks out in crate

[RoxerFoxer]

So our 6 month old reverse brindle male has never been able to be crated successfully. We got him when he was 7 weeks old, and have tried crate training since then. We have left the crate open with toys in there so he can check it out. We began trying to put him in there for a small amount of time, but he FREAKS out. He freaks out so bad that he pees all over the crate. The crate is sectioned off so he has enough room to lay down and turn around. We have started giving him a kong full of frozen peanut butter to try to occupy his time a little bit. When we let him out he will sit silently until you open the crate door. He will then EXPLODE out of the crate crying and screaming and jumping for attention. I don't make eye contact with him and will knee him down when he jumps. I won't give him attention until he is fulling calmed down. I need to be able to crate him some times and it breaks my heart that he has these anxiety attacks it seems. Does anyone have any ideas? I'm at a loss. Thanks!!

 

[ELubas]

Have you tried feeding him in there, door open? Putting him in for a few minutes while you are right there? Gradually building up the time before you leave the room? Also, you could try things like rescue remedy and other pheromes. Also it helps if he is tired when he goes in so make sure he is exercised and has gone potty. Please do not "knee him", just turn your back. He is just a baby lovicon Some pups have a hard time with crates and some take right to it. Like skin kids they are all unique. Good luck

 

[LILYLARUE]

There are crate games you can play to get him used to being in there. I can't remember though where I read about them, so I will try to search them out again.

As Elubas has said, try feeding his meals in there. Hide treats inside, under the blanket or in toys. Make it a happy place, where he is rewarded, for being inside it.

You can toss a treat in and when he goes inside, close the door and immediately open it and treat him when he is still inside. Do this over and over, several times a day, each day increasing the time, by seconds, how long the door is closed.

I agree with not kneeing him. It's just not nice for the pup. Turning your back when they jump up is easy and a lot nicer signals. Don't give any attention until the pup is calm. You can eventually train him to sit when he wants attention. This is harder for the younger ones to learn, but as they get older they can.

Do some research on positive reinforcement training, if you haven't already. Clicker training is also a great method to start with puppies. I always say, if you wouldn't do it to a child trying to learn it, then don't do it to the dog. You want to build trust and a bonded relationship with your dog. You don't want to teach your dog that you may bring pain, discomfort or fear if he isn't behaving properly. Which to dogs, humans proper behavior is learned, not instinctual. So they rely on us to make learning what we expect from them, a positive and rewarding experience - and when they figure out that certain behaviors bring good things, they will replicate it over and over! Boxers are a very smart breed and will do anything to please us - so use it to your advantage when training.

 

[RoxerFoxer]

thanks!

Please do not misinterpret my "kneeing" him. It isnt an aggressice action. I simply put my knee up when he is hurling towards me for protection . He weighs close to 50 pounds and can take me straight out. I prefer that doesnt happen for my body's sake. Lol. I appreciate all the advice. Going to buy some lil bill jacks treats to hide. Only problem is that we have a 3 yr old boxer that loves going in a crate and treats! She doesnt require crating anymore but is more than happy to hop in one for a treat. Maybe i can use her as an example? Ill google games to play with him. I think he is super anxious when hes cooped up with out us. I really appreciate the help and am going to start using it today!

 

[rrboxer]

I feed both my boxers in their crates every single time. Both my boxers are good in their crates. Lacy goes in her crate by herself and naps in there. It is a slow process your boxer will eventually get it just keep working at it a little bit at a time. With Lacy I went very slow, I'd throw her toys in there along with tiny treats and she would go in there and snuffle around looking for treats and I didn't close the door to crate right away. I think it was like 2 wks (she was 8wks) that I just just left her crate door wide open. After 2 wks I'd close it like an inch more but the opening was still very wide and I'd throw her toys and play with her in it and make a big deal when she was in there. Then I allowed 1 wk to go by close it a little more and the next wk a little more and so on. I did like 4 sessions like this each day playing with her in addition to feeding her in crate. I started 1st session early in morning after she did her potty time and I played with her in living room to drain some of her energy then I'd start her 1st session of crate training. I'd throw her rope with a ball attached and kinda run to her open crate and tell her "where's your toy? Go find your toy" (and I'd also throw a tiny treat in there too at first to get her to want to go in). I never forced her to go in always allow them to go in on their own. Your boxer will get it they are very smart just go slow. Good Luck!

 

[LILYLARUE]

"Going to buy some lil bill jacks treats to hide"

I would spend your money on a much better treat than this stuff. Plus, this company is really the lowest of the low as far as quality ingredients and have had recalls - to many to count!

Dried liver is a good option. Try to find grain free, gluten free, wheat free treats. And watch who manufactures it. Check the bag - if imported from China, stay clear! The quality isn't there, nor is the safety as many dogs have gotten sick from imported China treats, some have even died from liver failure. Especially dried chicken jerky. Don't think that if the treats are in the store that they are worthy to feed your dog. Many treats are just junk, and you may as well just get them a McD's happy meal.

I personally use kibble as treats with my dogs. They are just as happy finding bits of kibble than store bought treats. Hot dogs are always a good option too! Just chop into tiny bits and hide them in toys or his crate. Stinky enough to get their nose working too! Dried meat treats, 100% pure meat, are another great choice. I would stick to protein based treats, not treats full of fillers, carbs, and fat with unneccessary calories. I have seen some fat dogs from eating junk treats.

You would have better luck finding good quality treats by going to a small independent pet shop. Plus, you will get much better info as they usually know the quality of the products they sell. Some specialize in holistic and allergy friendly foods too!