Do They Ever Get Used To Be In The Kennel?

[tesster]

Great! I'm glad to hear that you are working with him. I was just trying to impress upon you that things aren't going to change overnight.

I'd like to also add that a crate is the safest place for him, even if he's not fully trained yet.

My Conner jumped out windows, dug through carpet till his paws bled, knocked over a huge floor lamp (burning a hole in the carpet that could have caught the whole place on fire) the time he escaped his crate. So, we, too, had to crate him even before he was completely crate trained.

You really don't have another choice at the moment. Just try to work with him in the meantime with making the crate a positive place when you're home. Do ALL feeding in there. That really helped Conner, however, he still goes bonkers in his crate for a while, but since being medicated and we've been working very hard with him for several months, he's getting better.

Your problem isn't just that Buster has a problem with the crate. He has Separation Anxiety and that's what is causing him to behave this way in and out of the crate.

Medication will definitely help speed along the behavior modification if the vet deems it appropriate. Conner did OK on clomicalm and isn't responding terribly well to 20mg of Prozac. We're talking to the vet about trying something else. There are a lot of options. Sometimes short term medication is all they need, sometimes, it needs to be a longer course. Talk to the vet and see what he/she thinks.

I'd also try to read up on SA and what kinds of things you can do to help him.

I know you're doing the best you can and I know it's frustrating, but hang in there!!!

Julie

 

[Checkers]

Does he have a plastic crate? If so get him a wire one. He might find the plastic one too confining. Also how about gating him in the kitchen?

 

[talac_121]

Chloe had the exact same problem for about the first month we had her. Anything to do with a great would set off a barking spree, and the lack of sleep on my part was hard, to say the least. My advice is to keep it up. Your pup is still a baby, and harsh reprimand would ruin your pup's sense of security in you. Just keep at it and it will work itself out. We moved Chloe's crate into our bedroom and wore her out every night. It took about two weeks but she now sleeps all night and has not a problem with the crate. Just remember, if you make it into a game, it may go a lot better and a lot faster. Hope it helps, and good luck.

 

[SuperCooper]

Separation anxiety

OlgaV...

I can completely understand your plight. It does get better. I had been unsuccessful with all attempts at crate training my last boxer Rebel. I didn't have the metal crate but the plastic pet carrier kind. I felt horrible anytime I would have to leave him. I would have to force him into the crate. He would whine and drool excessively. I would come home to find him soaked and easily an inch of drool in the bottom of the crate. He panics when he is left alone and was diagnosed with a severe case of separation anxiety. We had him on St. John's Wort which helped a little. Thankfully with Cooper it was a different story. He is much better with his crate now even at 6 months though he protests when he is in it. He believes someone is going to come save him from the horrible box. I have found that alot of it is boredom. He has been given lots of toys in his box. His favorites. I leave the same music on all the time, both at bed time as well as when I am gone. I want him to associate the box with the music. I also have found that some treats work well being hidden, small chewey ones hidden in his blankets. I have found the crunchy ones or his (almost ears) work well if I set them on top. It is a challenge for him to figure out how to get them through the slats. He is left with two kongs with different fillings. More than anything I have found it is about keeping them entertained so they aren't bored. Also excercise is key. Make sure he is getting lots of excercise just before he has to be crated if he is little it shouldn't take too long. Bait him into the crate if need be. Make it a reward situation. Give him cue words that you will use repeatedly that mean it is time to go into the box. That way he associates the word with the action. Cooper has two. Durring the morning or daytime if he needs to be kenneled for some reason it is " In the box" at night time I tell him " Time to go sleepy go na'night." I then begin to gather all of his toys he has drug out and of course He wants to follow me because I have his toys. I toss them one by one inside the crate and then tell him it's na'night time. He has started to do so well. He now knows that at night when I give him those cues it is time to go to sleep. He also has learned to trust that the minute someone wakes up they will come and get him and let him out of the box as well as let him out to go potty. I can't say it is the most professional way but it has worked for me. I admit he still cries when he is crated and we are home. He knows we are there and doesn't want to be away from the pack. His box is not in our room but it is in my sons room.

I hope that helps if nothing else just a little.