Crate training - how long? Any tips?

[Gorran]

Right, so we're crating Daisy when we go out (has only been for max 45mins so far, and only three times since Thursday) and when I need to go upstairs with my girls (getting ready for school in the morning and bath, reading and bedtime in the evening). However she whines and tonight has started barking.

We're giving her a Kong stuffed with a small amount of reduced fat peanut butter and then frozen, which keeps her entertained for about 15/20 mins but then she starts being noisy. We ignore it, as I know to give her any attention will obviously only encourage the behaviour, but it's hard; we do have neighbours.

So - do you have any tips? I'm feeling all on edge tonight and I don't like it:-(

[NuggetsForTeaAgain]

gorran - hang in there. All of this will pass. You're doimg great. Don't forget you're my inspiration for when my dog arrives No harm will come to Daisy. Will it. None. Let her make a racket. It won't hurt. hth

[NuggetsForTeaAgain]

only me?!

[SobaSoma]

Are re-homing adult dog (5) on Saturday and intending to crate-train him just for as long as he settles in as I'll have to leave him for 3 hours at a time and don't want fights to break out between him and the cat. Have had plenty of advice, encourage him him in with treats, give plenty of toys (Kong is a great idea), make them see it as their safe place and never use it as a punishment.

Quite nervous as to how it's going to work out but am determined. Just try not to listen to the whining!

[ajandjjmum]

Our puppy is nearly 8 months old now, and his crate is his little den. He has the run of downstairs, but we'll often go down and find him curled up in his crate with the door open.

We shut the door at night and when we're eating. He goes through spells of a couple of days yapping, but if none of us respond or look at him, he quickly seems to get the message.

[Puppypanic]

I agree with Gorran though it is very hard when you have neighbours or other people in the house trying to sleep. I'm typing this at 4am because my pup woke up half an hour ago and if I was here on my own or lived in the middle of a field I would have let him out for a wee and then put him back in his crate. He could have howled all he liked I wouldn't have responded.

Prob is my DH has to get up for work in 2 hours time and my DC's need to go to school so I cannot let him howl. I'm not paying him any attention, just sitting on here but oh boy do I wish I were back in my bed!

[batteryhen]

It's hard :( it's really important that you don't go to her when she is crying x wait until she has a quiet moment then go to her and praise her . We spoke to our neighbour as our pup howled ALL night for the first 3 nights. He was fine, if you are concerned a box of chocs etc for the neighbour is a good move. Stick with it, you will reap the rewards xx