Whining and Barking in the Crate

[RBabyMaximus]

Dilemma: Max is 11 weeks old. He does not like his crate very much. He tolerates it at night for the hours we are sleeping. He barks for a while when he goes in there for nighty time. I read you should tell him "Quiet!" sternly to make him stop and if that doesn't work then you can rap the crate with the palm of your hand and tell him quiet or spray a stream of water like from a water gun at him. This doesn't seem to be working though, is it possible he will NEVER like or tolerate his crate? I just don't want him peeing or pooping in the house while we are sleeping or away. Also if you red another thread I posted, he slobbers everywhere like he is totally freaking out while he's in there, even when I am right next to the crate! I am getting to my wits end! I have tried everything! We moved his crate to the family room and last night I went out and bought him a puppy Kong and put peanut butter in it, he doesn't really like it either. It matters more to him that we are going away. Nothing seems to work, he is on his 3rd 20 min stint in it today, I am sitting right next to him and he is just not quiet or happy at all! I never thought having a new dog would be easy, but this is getting ridiculous! He will get into a panic mode, he will calm down then he will freak, and pants and whines. Any more good suggestions or advice out there? p.s. and how do you freeze a puppy Kong, I tried the directions by putting pb in the small hole, but once the water gets in there, it pushes the pb out! then I taped the small hole and it just leaked all over my freezer! 8)

 

[RBabyMaximus]

Asleep in his crate now...

He is finally chilled enough to sleep in his crate right now. It took him about 15 to settle down. I know that he sleeps in it at night when we go to bed, it takes him awhile though.
I guess my question really is, how long will it take him to stope all the noise about getting in his crate or will he always not like it?
I know he would MUCH rather sleep in the little beanbag next to the computer! I have a crate bed coming for him too so he will be more comfortable. 8)

 

[brak'sdad]

im guessing hes barking and whining for your attention. and you are giving it to him when yo tell him to quiet down.try ignoring him.he does quite down when you guys are asleep right? cause you guys arent there giving him attention.after a while he'll get the picture and stop. also try moving the crate to your room instead of the family room. he may just want to be close to you

 

[apollosdad]

first off, when you place him in his crate, just ignore him!
he is wanting your attention and by whining and crying, he is getting just that. you mentioned that you tried, telling him QUIET and tried rapping on the crate....that isn't going to do it either. even when you are telling him to be quiet or rapping on the crate, you are STILL giving him attention and he is winning and conning you into staying by him. just place him in his crate and walk away. once he is in the crate, ignore him. do not even look his way or make eye contact. act as if he is not even there. i feel that this is the fastest way to condition your dog to his new crate.
however, you can also try another option. you can even try walking away for a few minutes and then returning. you don't even have to leave the room, just make sure that you are out of his line of sight. gradually increase the amount of time that you are away by a few minutes (ten, fifteen, thirty, etc.) eventually he will learn that just because you leave the room doesn't mean that you are never coming back (which is most likely what he is thinking). this method is mostly used for separation anxiety and i wouldn't suggest it in your case. it sounds as if your dog is okay with his crate and just has a problem with it when he first is placed in it. i say this, because you mentioned that it "usually takes him fifteeen minutes to settle down". also, don't stress about him being placed in there. he can read that to and will use it to his advantage. just ignore him and let him whine his heart out. do not make eye contact and he will eventually get used to it. remember who is the master and who is the pet.

 

[LucyCiel]

Dilemma: Max is 11 weeks old. He does not like his crate very much. He tolerates it at night for the hours we are sleeping.

This sounds just like my baby at 11 weeks. He got his crate at 9 weeks, and he hated it for a while. He is still adjusting in the sense that he still doesn't sleep in it on his own accord. (He would rather be wherever mommy and daddy are when he isn't in his crate.)

He's 4 mos. now, and he has no trouble being crated unless he has to potty, in which case he lets us know by gentle whining. He did have a few accidents in the crate when his bladder was smaller, but overall, just give it time. The routine of the crate will actually help your pup feel better - they love routine. I would reccommend following the advice of the other posters. IGNORE HIM.

Here's how I have always done it - I say "Capone, go crate." And help him in if he doesn't go by himself. I shut the door and say "Good Capone, good crate, good boy." And then walk away. Ignore him. Only let him out if he is calm and quiet, and I always say "Good boy Capone" when I let him out. Going outside is the first thing after the crate, and he knows that, and I think it really helps him to know that.

All in all, it takes longer for some dogs to be cool in the crate than others, so I would just give it time.

 

[RBabyMaximus]

Thanks!

Thanks for the great advice, I know we wil employ it and hopefully, and most likely, Max will get over his fears and enjoy his crate experience more! I will update later to let you know the progress! 8)

 

[apollosdad]

i was consistent with the routine i used with apollo's training once he came home a year ago. he quickly got used to the crate, although his first night was dreadful with him whining, crying, and howling. he probably missed being away from his litter since it was his first time away from them. it was very hard not to go downstairs and comfort him but after reading all the books and doing all the research i had done, i knew it was the incorrect thing to do. his second night home was a bit better and by his third night he was completely fine. some dogs will take longer to adjust and some might adjust quicker. the important thing is to remain consistent with their training and it will eventually come together and click one day.
also, in order to keep from having mistakes and to get him used to the housebreaking routine, try creating a potty schedule and remain consistent with that so he quickly gets used to what he should be doing. since he is about 11 weeks he should probably be let out every 2-3 hours, also before and after eating and after any form of activity. all these things induce the need to relieve himself. if you stick with it you'll soon see a dramatic difference in your dog.

 

[Mom2tyson]

Tyson would do the same thing and we just ignored him and eventually he got used to it. Don't give him any attention good or bad because then he'll know that if he does it enough he'll get some sort of attention. I would'nt ever yell at him or squirt him while he's in there because he might associate his crate with bad things. After about a month or two Tyson went right in and doesn't make a sound.